Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ECON 103 D900

Principles of Microeconomics (4)

Class Number: 2202

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

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:

This is an introduction to microeconomics, a study of how people and firms behave and how they interact with each other. We will start with a small set of basic propositions (the principles) and learn how to put them together to create a surprisingly powerful, interesting and useful collection of theories that explain individual behaviours, group interactions, social practices and institutions, all the way to the most general ideas about how the world works.

Topics:

 

  • Maximization, Preferences, & Substitution;
  • the Law of Demand;
  • Exchange & Opportunity Cost;
  • Production & Supply;
  • Market Equilibrium & Comparative Statics;
  • Discounting & Interest;
  • Labour Markets;
  • Market Power;
  • Strategic Interactions.

Grading

  • Assignments 20%
  • Midterm Exam 35%
  • Final Exam 45%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Douglas Allen, Making Sense: An Alternative Approach to Economic Principles, McInnes Creek Press, 2025.

To find out what the textbook is about and to buy it at a good price, I suggest you visit the webpage: http://www.sfu.ca/~allen/MCPPage20213.html

On that page you will find:

  • a link to the company that prints the book on-demand;
  • a link to the first four chapters online, so you can start reading the text while you wait for the book;
  • a link to the answers to the odd-numbered questions.

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.