Research Methods I
| Module title | Research Methods I |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEEM136 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Szabolcs Deak (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 12 |
|---|
Module description
This module provides an introduction to the techniques involved in optimization.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to provide a thorough introduction to the techniques involved in optimisation required to take PhD level Economics courses. Topics include advanced calculus, dynamic programming, difference equations and linear algebra.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate and derive rigorous mathematical proofs.
- 2. work with abstract mathematical concepts.
- 3. solve economic optimisation problems.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. read and work with current economic research papers.
- 5. critically analyse the logic of economic arguments.
- 6. use and analyse economic models.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. demonstrate numeracy skills and handle logical and structured problem analysis.
- 8. demonstrate inductive and deductive reasoning.
- 9. apply essential research skills.
Syllabus plan
- Basics of linear algebra: determinant, linear dependence and rank of a matrix, inverse of a matrix, determinant of a matrix, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, trace of a matrix, quadratic forms
- Calculus: differentiation, integration, Taylor expansion, concavity and convexity, quasi-concavity and quasi-convexity
- Optimization: unconstrained optimization, constrained optimization with equality constraints (Lagrange), constrained optimization with inequality constraints (Kuhn-Tucker)
- Comparative statics and fixed points: envelope theorem, implicit function theorem, correspondences, fixed point theorems
- Dynamic programming
- First-order differential equations
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 118 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 22 | Lectures |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 10 | Tutorials |
| Guided independent study | 118 | Reading, preparation for classes and assessments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice Problems | Varies | 1-9 | Oral/Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 70 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 70 | 2 hours | 1-9 | Oral/Written |
| Average of weekly problem sets | 30 | Weekly problem sets with 3 questions each | 1-9 | Oral/Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination (70%) | Examination (70%) ( 2 hours) | 1-9 | August examination period |
| Average of weekly problem sets (30%) | Single problem set (30%) | 1-9 | August examination period |
Re-assessment notes
If you pass the module overall you will not be referred in either component – even if you have not passed one of the components.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Knut Sydsæter, Peter Hammond, Arne Størm, and Andrés Carvajal (2016): Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis, 5th edition, Pearson
- Knut Sydsaeter, Peter Hammond, Atle Seierstad, and Arne Strøm (2008): Further Mathematics for Economic Analysis, 2nd edition, Pearson
- Daniel Leonard and Ngo van Long (1991): Optimal Control Theory and Static Optimization in Economics, Cambridge University Press
- Jianjun Miao (2014): Economic Dynamics in Discrete Time, MIT Press
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | Only available to MRes Economics PhD pathway |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 24/06/2019 |
| Last revision date | 23/09/2021 |
