Paan Jindapon-EC470/570

Mathematical Economics

Fall 2011

Classroom: Bidgood Hall 119
Section 1: TTH: 11:00 – 12:15 
Office Hours: MW: 9:00 - 11:00

 

Required Textbook

Alpha C. Chiang and Kevin Wainwright, Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics, 4th Ed, McGraw-Hill 2005.

 

Prerequisite

  1. MATH 121 or MATH 125
  2. EC 308 or EC 309.

 

Objectives

Students will master the basic tools in optimization and other mathematical methods commonly used in graduate economics courses.

 

Topics

Part

Topics

Textbook

1

Sets & Functions

Sequences & Series

Limits & Continuity

Differentiation & Taylor’s Series

One-variable Optimization

Ch 2,10

 

Ch 6

Ch 7, 8

Ch 9

2

Optimization with Several Variables

Optimization with Equality Constraints

Optimization with Inequality Constraints

Ch 11

Ch 12

Ch 13

3

Integral Calculus

Differential Equations

Linear Models & Matrix Algebra

Quadratic Forms and Definiteness

Ch 14

Ch 15

Ch 4, 5

Ch 11

4

Probability & Random Variables

Expectations & Moments

 

 

Grading structure

EC470

Option 1

  • Six homework assignments, 2.5% each,       15%
  • Three midterm exams, 26% each,                 78%
  • Final exam                                                        7%

Option 2

  • Six homework assignments, 2.5% each,       15%
  • Three midterm exams, 20% each,                 60%
  • Final exam (cumulative)                                 25%

Your final grade depends on the following scale.

A+ [97,100]           B+ [87,90)           C+ [77,80)          D+ [67,70)             F    [0,60)

A    [93,97)           B    [83,87)          C   [73,77)           D   [63,67)

A-  [90,93)            B-  [80,83)           C-  [70,73)           D-  [60,63)

EC570

Option 1

  • Three midterm exams, 31% each,                 93%
  • Final exam                                                        7%

Option 2

  • Three midterm exams, 25% each,                 75%
  • Final exam (cumulative)                                 25%

Your final grade depends on the following scale.

A    [90,100]      B    [80,90)       C   [70,80)      D   [60,70)    F    [0,60)

  

Tentative Exam Schedule

  • Midterm 1: Thursday, September 22
  • Midterm 2: Tuesday, October 25
  • Midterm 3: Thursday, December 1
  • Final: Friday, December 16, 8 – 10:30 a.m.

 

Make-up policy

There will be no make-up exam. Students who miss a midterm exam and have a legitimate excuse (provide documentation) will have the weight of the other two exams adjusted accordingly. Students who miss two midterm exams will not pass the course. Any conflict with the testing dates should be reported to me immediately.

 

Attendance policy

Attendance is strongly recommended but not required. Students are responsible for all lecture material, including all in-class announcements.

 

Codes of conduct

Students are expected to abide by the University of Alabama Code of Academic Conduct. Violations of this code will result in a grade of “F” in the course. The Code of Student Conduct requires that students behave in a manner that is conducive to a teaching/learning environment. Students who engage in behavior that is disruptive or obstructive to the teaching/learning environment will be subject to disciplinary sanctions outlined by the Code of Student Conduct. Disruptive/obstructive behavior is not limited to but may include the following: physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, stalking, intimidation harassment, hazing, possession of controlled substances, possession of alcoholic beverages.

 

ADA policy

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 348-4285 (202 Research Drive). After the initial arrangements are made with that office, please contact the instructor.