MA107      Half Unit
Quantitative Methods (Mathematics)

This information is for the 2025/26 session.

Course Convenor

Dr James Ward

Availability

This course is compulsory on the BSc in Economics and Economic History, 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 and BSc in Management. This course is available on the BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Economic History, BSc in Philosophy and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (with a Year Abroad), BSc in Politics and Economics, Diploma in Accounting and Finance, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study and Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is freely available to General Course students. It does not require permission.

Requisites

Mutually exclusive courses:

This course cannot be taken with MA100 or MA108 at any time on the same degree programme.

Additional requisites:

A-level Mathematics (or equivalent).

Students with A-level Mathematics who are confident of their mathematical skills may, regulations permitting, also consider the full unit MA100 Mathematical Methods or the half unit MA108 Methods in Calculus and Linear Algebra.

Course content

The aim of this course is to develop the basic mathematical tools necessary for further study in economics and related disciplines. To this end we focus on: techniques of calculus (differentiation, partial differentiation, optimisation and integration), methods of linear algebra (use of matrices), and the solution of difference and differential equations. The ideas are taught systematically, with emphasis on their application to economic problems. Examples are used throughout the course for motivation and illustration.

Specific topics are as follows: sets, functions, equations, graphs. Difference equations, sequences, limits. Differentiation, inverse functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. Partial differentiation, chain rule, homogeneous functions. Optimisation in two variables: unconstrained and constrained. Lagrange multipliers. Vector notation and convexity. Matrix notation, systems of linear equations, inverse matrices. Integration. Differential equations.

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the Autumn Term.

Formative assessment

Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.

 

Indicative reading

Useful background reading can be found in M Anthony & N L Biggs, Mathematics for Economics and Finance: Methods and Modelling, CUP, 2024. There are many other books with titles like Mathematics for Economists which may be of some use.

Assessment

Exam (100%), duration: 120 Minutes in the January exam period


Key facts

Department: Mathematics

Course Study Period: Autumn Term

Unit value: Half unit

FHEQ Level: Level 4

CEFR Level: Null

Total students 2024/25: 510

Average class size 2024/25: 17

Capped 2024/25: No
Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course 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
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills