ECC5850 - Mathematical economic theory - 2019

This unit will primarily focus on explaining the structure of mathematics used in economics. It will start with an introduction to axiomatic set theory and highlight that almost all mathematical concepts of interest to economists can be thought of assets or subsets of suitably defined sets. The three main mathematical structured sets to be covered will be sets with an order structure, topological structure, and linear structure. The six main topics will be Set Theory, Metric and Topological Spaces, Properties of Functions and Correspondences, Linear and Normed Linear Spaces, Fixed Point and Separating Hyperplane Theorems, and a brief introduction to Static and Dynamic Optimization.

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. understand the basic structure of mathematics that is used by economists
2. gain an in-depth knowledge of Order Structure, Topological Structure, and Linear Structure
3. master the notion of functions and correspondences along with their key properties
4. understand fixed point theorems, separating hyperplane theorems, and the different types of static and dynamic optimisation problems
5. develop the ability to read technical articles on one's own.

Within semester assessment: 40% + Examination: 60%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information