Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module ECON3201: ADVANCED MICROECONOMIC THEORY

Department: Business School (Economics and Finance)

ECON3201: ADVANCED MICROECONOMIC THEORY

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2014/15 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Economic Principles II: Microeconomics (ECON2021)

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop knowledge and analytical skills in advanced microeconomic theory, by building on the second-year microeconomics module.
  • To offer students the opportunity to develop some key skills.

Content

  • Topics, reflecting the current state of the field, may include:
  • consumer theory;
  • producer theory;
  • decision making under risk and uncertainty;
  • incentives and strategic behaviour;
  • market equilibrium;
  • general equilibrium;
  • welfare economics.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • At the end of the module the students should:
  • be able to understand research contributions in microeconomics (journal publications).
  • have had the opportunity to formulate their own research questions.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • be able to solve microeconomic problems at an advanced level.
Key Skills:
  • Written Communication - through summative assessment.
  • Planning, Organisation and Time Management - e.g. by revising relevant material and preparing for examinations.
  • Problem Solving and Analysis - e.g. by applying the necessary analytical and quantitative skills, as well as the ability to manipulate concepts in microeconomics, in undertaking assessed work.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminar classes, and private study. Formative assessment is by means of an assignment. Summative assessment is by means of a written examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 1 Per Week 1 Hour 22
Seminars 8 Fortnightly 1 Hour 8
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written examination 2 hours 15 minutes 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

One formative assignment will be assessed. This will be a set of analytical problems.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University