EC2B3 Half Unit
Macroeconomics II
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Kevin Sheedy
Availability
This course is compulsory on the BSc in Economics and Economic History, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Economics, BSc in Philosophy and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (with a Year Abroad) and BSc in Politics and Economics. This course is available on the BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Data Science, BSc in Environment and Sustainable Development, BSc in Environment and Sustainable Development with Economics, BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics, BSc in Geography with Economics, BSc in International Social and Public Policy with Economics, BSc in Management, BSc in Mathematics with Data Science, BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business, Diploma in Accounting and Finance, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study and Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
Requisites
Mutually exclusive courses:
This course cannot be taken with EC2B5 at any time on the same degree programme.
Pre-requisites:
Before taking this course, students must have completed: (EC1A3 and EC1B3) and (MA100 or MA107)
Course content
This an intermediate-level course in macroeconomics that builds on the material you covered in EC1B3. You will learn about money and inflation, and how central banks can use monetary policy to control inflation. You will study business cycles - booms and recessions - and the potential role for fiscal and monetary policy in stabilising the economy. You will learn about the interaction between the economy and financial markets and banks, especially in times of crisis. You will also study the international aspects of macroeconomics arising from trade in goods and financial assets with the rest of the world. We will apply the tools developed in the course to historical and contemporary events.
Teaching
1 hours of classes in the Spring Term.
20 hours of lectures and 9 hours of classes in the Winter Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Winter Term.
There will be a reading week in Week 6 of WT, during which there will be no lectures or classes.
Student learning will be supported through the EC2B3 Support Lab and through a dedicated discussion forum.
Formative assessment
Students are expected to work on weekly problem sets ahead of classes, two of which will be marked and feedback provided.
Indicative reading
There is no set textbook for the course. Lecture material may occasionally be complemented by supplementary readings. Students wishing to complement their study should consult the following textbook:
- S. Williamson, Macroeconomics, 6th ed., 2018, Pearson
Assessment
Exam (90%), duration: 120 Minutes, reading time: 15 minutes in the Spring exam period
Continuous assessment (10%)
Key facts
Department: Economics
Course Study Period: Winter and Spring Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 5
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 298
Average class size 2024/25: 17
Capped 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication