Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - ECON 798 G100

Introduction to Mathematical Economics (4)

Class Number: 1020

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 1:30–4:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Bertille Antoine
    baa7@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-4514

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Applications of static optimization techniques, matrix algebra, differential and difference equations in economic models. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course reviews/introduces some important mathematical concepts and techniques commonly used in economic analysis and the core graduate theory courses. The main purpose is to brush up your math background so that you can focus on the economic intuition in your next classes.  

The course will be taught on an intensive everyday basis in a two-week period beginning the last week of August. There will be both lectures emphasizing the theory and tutorials emphasizing problem solving. All incoming M.A. students must enroll.  

Topics to be covered include:

  1. Notation, logic, methods of proof, basic set theory.
  2. Elements of analysis
  3. Linear algebra and matrices
  4. Unconstrained and constrained single and multiple variable optimization
  5. Introduction to dynamic programming
  6. Probability theory and basic statistics

Grading

  • A final examination will be given. The course will be graded Pass/Fail.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There will be no specific text for the course.

RECOMMENDED READING:

The books listed below cover the majority of the material and could be used as a reference. Since the course will proceed rapidly, and a lot of its contents will hopefully be material you have covered before, you are encouraged to review what you can before the course begins.

Hoy, Livernois, McKenna, Rees & Stengos, Mathematics for Economics – 2nd Edition, MIT Press, 2001.
ISBN: 978-0262015073

Angel de la Fuente, Mathematical Methods and Models for Economists. Cambridge University Press. 2000.
ISBN: 978-0521585293

Teresa Bradley, Essential Mathematics for Economics and Business 4th edition, Wiley, 2013.
ISBN: 978-1118358290

Corbae, Stinchcombe and Zeman. An Introduction to Mathematical Analysis for Economic Theory and Econometrics.  Princeton University Press, 2009.
ISBN: 978-0691118673

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS