EC411     
Microeconomics

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Francesco Nava 32L. 3.20 and Prof Martin Pesendorfer 32L. 4.19

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MPhil/PhD in Environmental Economics and MRes/PhD in Accounting (EoA) (Economics of Accounting Track) . This course is available on the MPA in International Development, MPA in Public Policy and Management, MPA in Public and Economic Policy, MPA in Public and Social Policy, MPA in Social Impact, MPhil/PhD in Economic Geography, MRes/PhD in Management (Marketing), MRes/PhD in Quantitative Economic History, MSc in Economics, MSc in Economics (2 Year Programme), MSc in Economics and Philosophy, MSc in Environmental Economics and Climate Change, MSc in Finance and Economics, MSc in Finance and Economics (Work Placement Pathway) and MSc in Quantitative Economic History. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Pre-requisites

Students must have completed Introductory Course in Mathematics and Statistics (EC400).

In exceptional circumstances, students may enrol in the course without EC400 provided they meet the necessary requirements and have received approval from the course conveners (at a face-to-face meeting), the MSc Economics Programme Director and their own Programme Director. Contact the Department of Economics for more information (econ.msc@lse.ac.uk) regarding entry to this course.

Course content

The aim of the course is to develop the basic tools for analysing problems of resource allocation used by economists working in research, government and business. The course deals with positive and normative problems. It aims to include modern developments without being overly mathematical, and to develop a capacity to apply economic concepts to real-world problems. The first part of the course focuses on classical theories of market behaviour and strategic interaction. We begin by presenting foundations to utility maximization, by analysing the optimisation problems of price-taking consumers and firms, and by modelling market interactions and the formation of prices in perfectly competitive markets.  Then we study models of decision making under uncertainty and game theoretic solution concepts. Novel developments in these fields are also discussed in lectures. The second part of the course focuses on models of imperfect competition and information economics. We begin with an analysis of models of monopoly, oligopoly, product differentiation, and public goods. Then, we study markets with imperfect and incomplete information including search, adverse selection, auctions, signalling, screening, and moral hazard. Special emphasis will be given to economic applications.

Teaching

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

This year at least for Michaelmas Term, some or all of this teaching may have to be delivered through a combination of virtual webinars, online videos, and virtual classes.

Formative coursework

Two marked assignments per term.

Indicative reading

The course will draw on a variety of texts, the main ones being:

  1. J G Riley, Essential Microeconomics, Cambridge;
  2. J R Green, A Mas-Colell & M D Whinston, Microeconomic Theory, Oxford.

More detailed readings will be given at the beginning of the course.

Some notes will be provided where textbook coverage is inadequate.

Assessment

Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours, reading time: 10 minutes) in the January exam period.
Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours, reading time: 10 minutes) in the summer exam period.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Economics

Total students 2019/20: 184

Average class size 2019/20: 15

Controlled access 2019/20: Yes

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information