Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - ECON 103 D100

Principles of Microeconomics (4)

Class Number: 2032

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The principal elements of theory concerning utility and value, price and costs, factor analysis, productivity, labor organization, competition and monopoly, and the theory of the firm. Quantitative/Breadth-Soc.

COURSE DETAILS:

The market economy allocates productive resources to industries and consumption commodities to individuals. In this process wealth is created and distributed across a population. Microeconomics studies this important process. The course will focus on individual choice; firm choice; demand and supply in markets; competition; the gains from trade, and some behavioural economics.

Readings:

Part 1: Introduction
Chapter 1 Ten Principles of Economics
Chapter 2 Thinking Like an Economist
Chapter 3 Interdependence and the Gains from Trade

Part 2: Supply and Demand: How Markets Work
Chapter 4 The Market Forces of Supply and Demand
Chapter 5 Elasticity and Its Application
Chapter 6 Supply, Demand and Government Policies

Part 5: Firm Behaviour and the Organization of Industry
Chapter 13 The Costs of Production
Chapter 14 Firms in Competitive Markets
Chapter 15 Monopoly

Part 6: The Economics of Labour Markets
Chapter 20 Income Inequality and Poverty

Part 7: Topics for Further Study (if time permits)
Chapter 21 The Theory of Consumer Choice
Chapter 22 Frontiers of Microeconomics

Grading

NOTES:

The grading for the course will be based on two term tests and a final exam. The term tests are worth 25% each and the final is worth 50%. Term test 1 is on Thursday June 25th
and Term test 2 is on Thursday July 30th. This is subject to change in the event of unforeseen and unavoidable interruptions to class schedules (e.g., campus closures)

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Mankiw, Kneebone and McKenzie, Principles of Microeconomics, 9th Canadian Edition, 2024, Nelson Soft cover text.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Study Guide for Principles of Microeconomics latest edition on reserve

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.

Final exam schedules will be released during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.