EC100     
Economics A

This information is for the 2019/20 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Alan Manning 32L 2.36A

Dr L. Rachel Ngai  32L 1.15

Availability

This course is available on the BA in Geography, BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Actuarial Science, BSc in Business Mathematics and Statistics, BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, BSc in Economic History, BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Economic History with Economics, BSc in Economics, BSc in Economics and Economic History, BSc in Economics with Economic History, BSc in Environment and Development, BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics, BSc in Finance, BSc in Financial Mathematics and Statistics, BSc in Geography with Economics, BSc in Government and Economics, BSc in International Social and Public Policy and Economics, BSc in Management, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Economics, BSc in Mathematics, Statistics, and Business, BSc in Philosophy and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BSc in Politics, BSc in Politics and Economics, BSc in Politics and International Relations, BSc in Psychological and Behavioural Science, BSc in Social Policy, BSc in Social Policy and Economics and BSc in Statistics with Finance. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

Pre-requisites

This is an introductory course in microeconomics and macroeconomics. It may not be taken if Economics B (EC102) has already been taken and passed. No previous knowledge of economics is assumed. The treatment will be non-mathematical, but students are expected to be able to interpret graphs. Entrance on to EC100 and EC102 is dependent on Economics A-level or equivalent background. Students with A-level economics (or equivalent) are not allowed to take EC100.

Course content

This course provides a foundation in micro and macroeconomics, primarily to those without background in the subject. Microeconomics is the focus of Michaelmas Term: This term aims to provide students with methods of economic analysis that can enable them to think about when markets work well, when they are likely to fail and what policies might improve outcomes. Macroeconomics is the focus of Lent Term, which covers topics such as economic growth, unemployment, inflation, monetary & fiscal policy, and international macroeconomics.

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the MT. 20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the LT.

Handouts of the slides are distributed.

Formative coursework

Weekly feedback is given on the multiple choice questions which form the weekly quizzes.  Individual written feedback is given on at least one essay question per term. Students are expected to make positive contributions to class discussions. 

Indicative reading

Daron Acemoglu, David Laibson and John List (2016) Economics, Pearson Education.

Assessment

Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours) in the January exam period.
Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.

The Lent term examination is based on the Michaelmas term syllabus, and the Summer exam on the Lent term syllabus.

Key facts

Department: Economics

Total students 2018/19: 392

Average class size 2018/19: 20

Capped 2018/19: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving