Course Outline

BUS304 Mathematical Economics

Course Coordinator:Robert Alexander (ralexand@usc.edu.au) School:School of Business and Creative Industries

2020Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

You will develop the skills to use the basic mathematical methods which are indispensable for a proper understanding of economics and you will have increase your facility in tackling economic problems using a mathematical framework. You will gain a deeper understanding of common micro and macro topics and will be able to tackle economic problems in a more rigorous mathematical way.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 3hrs Not applicable Not Yet Determined

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 To identify and coherently explain core economic concepts using mathematical notation to represent simple economic models graphically and algebraically and present a clear and coherent exposition of the solution of these models Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
2 To frame problems in terms of core economic principles using economic models in matrix form to represent sets of simultaneous equations and apply matrix methods to solve such models and present a clear and coherent exposition of their solution. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
3 To frame problems in terms of core economic principles, applying differential calculus, including partial derivatives, total differentials and constrained optimisation to analyse a range of economic problems and present a clear and coherent exposition of their solution. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

From week 2, answers to the weekly exercises will be discussed in class and also posted on Blackboard.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Written Piece Individual 30%
2 pages
Refer to Format In Class
All 2 Examination - not Centrally Scheduled Individual 25%
1 hour
Week 9 In Class
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 45%
2 hours
Exam Period Exam Venue
All - Assessment Task 1:Problem sets
Goal:
To frame problems in terms of core economic principles by practising exercises essential to developing your ability to identify, communicate and analyse solutions to a range of economic problems.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
Submit: Weeks 3, 7, 12. Undertake three problem sets in Weeks 3, 7 and 12, each worth 10%; work must be written up individually; answers should be comprehensible by an audience of peers; length: approximately two pages. The exercises will be available on Blackboard.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Accuracy of formulation of problem.
2
Clarity of communication of method of solution used
3
Correctness of answers.
4
Assessment criteria are mapped to the course learning outcomes.
1 2 3
All - Assessment Task 2:Examination
Goal:
To apply economic reasoning and analytical skills to present clear and coherent solutions to the types of models set out in 3 above.
Product: Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Format:
Test in Week 9; work must be completed individually; written answers should be presented in a manner comprehensible by an experienced marker. A sample test (based on topics covered up to Week 7) will be available on Blackboard.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Accuracy of formulation of problem
2
Clarity of communication of method of solution used.
3
Correctness of answers.
All - Assessment Task 3:Final Examination
Goal:
To apply economic reasoning and analytical skills to present clear and coherent solutions to the types of models set out in 3 above.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format:
This assessment task will be made up of questions similar to those in the problem sets and may cover all parts of the course. A sample exam will be provided on Blackboard during the course.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Accuracy of formulation of problem.
2
Clarity of communication of method of solution used.
3
Correctness of answers.

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

A scientific calculator may be useful but is not needed for most problems

How are risks managed in this course?

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
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  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au