ECM101NU-Microeconomic Policy

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Vivien Burrows
Email: v.e.burrows@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is intended to give an understanding of the core theories necessary to understand microeconomic policy. It is aimed both at master’s students without previous economics and as a refresher course for other master’s students.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the main microeconomic theories and models which are used to analyse individual and firm behaviour. The module combines analytical material and examples of applications to a range of policy and decision-making issues.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. demonstrate a sound understanding of microeconomic principles, theories and methods of analysis;


2. apply microeconomic principles and theories to describe how individuals and firms make decisions and explain the impact of these decisions on consumer welfare and firm profits;


3. assess the impact of changes in the economic and policy environment on individual and firm behaviour;


4. apply microeconomic concepts and methods to analyse and interpret real-world phenomena.

Additional outcomes:

Problem sets and articles for discussion will be provided during the module. These will provide an opportunity for students to develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real world situations.

Outline content:

Core topics to be covered include: supply & demand; elasticity; consumption; production; perfect competition; monopolistic competition; monopoly; oligopoly; market failure.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Detailed guidance on the topics covered will be provided in the weekly lectures, together with handouts covering the material discussed, examples, exercises and solutions to facilitate understanding of key concepts. Seminars will provide an opportunity to explore applications of the theory in more depth. Students will be expected to supplement the lectures with the recommended reading and to do some research using the library, internet or other resources. Office hours are available for studen ts to consult the lecturer on an individual basis.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One two-hour unseen written exam. Postgraduate examinations are held in the Summer term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework will count for 40% of the overall mark and comprises two set exercises to be submitted in the Autumn term. The final examination for the module will take place in the Summer term.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: