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Study information

Topics in Microeconomic Theory II

Module titleTopics in Microeconomic Theory II
Module codeBEEM147
Academic year2024/5
Credits15
Module staff

Dr Alejandro Robinson Cortes (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

5

Module description

This is a topics course in advanced microeconomic theory. The course will cover topics in advanced microeconomics with emphasis on fundamentals, existing theoretical tools, constructing new theory for empirical analysis and applications to recent theoretical advances.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module explores burgeoning areas of modern microeconomics, with the aim of enabling students to write independent research in microeconomics at the research frontier.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. provide technical analysis and address complex questions at the frontier of microeconomic research;
  • 2. understand economic problems, provide mathematical representation and solution to the problem.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 3. demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving microeconomics problems;
  • 4. continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 5. identify, tackle and solve relevant research problems;
  • 6. work independently and responsibly on complex research problems.

Syllabus plan

Object-allocation problems:

  • House allocation and housing markets
  • Kidney exchange
  • Random allocations

Two-sided matching:

  • Marriage market
  • The medical match
  • School choice

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
331170

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching33Lectures (3 per week)
Guided Independent Study117Reading, research, reflection; preparation for lectures; completion of assessments

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Practice ProblemsVaries1-6Verbal/Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Research Proposal403,000 words1-6Verbal/Written
4 Problem Sets*205-10 Problems each1-6Verbal/Written
Presentation 12030 min – 1 hour1-6Verbal/Written
Presentation 22030 min – 1 hour1-6Verbal/Written

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Research Proposal (40%)Proposal (3,000 words, 40%)1-6Referral/Deferral period
Problem Sets (20%)Problem set (5-10 problems, 20%)1-6Referral/Deferral period
Presentation 1 (20%)Presentation 1 (20%)1-6Referral/Deferral period
Presentation 2 (20%)Presentation 2 (20%)1-6Referral/Deferral period

Re-assessment notes

*Deferral of an individual online test may result in an average being taken of tests that have been taken.

Deferral- if you have been deferred for an assessment, you will be expected to complete relevant deferred assessments as determined by the Mitigation Committee. The mark given for reassessment taken because of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral- if you have failed the module overall, you will be required to undertake reassessments as described in the table above for any of the original assessments you failed. The mark given for a reassessment taken because of referral will be capped.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Haeringer, G., Market Design MIT Press 2018.

Roth, A. E. and Sotomayor, M. A., Two-Sided Matching: A Study in Game-Theoretic Modeling and Analysis. Econometric Society Monographs. Cambridge University Press 1990

Key words search

Matching, market design, microeconomic theory

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

BEEM137 & BEEM140. Only available to students on the MRes Economics and MRES Economics (PHD Pathway) programmes.

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

24/06/2019

Last revision date

13/03/2024