DRE 4010 Advanced Microeconomics

APPLIES TO ACADEMIC YEAR 2015/2016

DRE 4010 Advanced Microeconomics


Responsible for the course
Christian Riis

Department
Department of Economics

Term
According to study plan

ECTS Credits
6

Language of instruction
English

Introduction
The aim of the course is to give the students an understanding of graduate microeconomic theory at a level expected among Ph.D students in economics, finance and related disciplines.
Course structure:
The course will be taught in three intensive modules. Each module consists of 2*5 hours (2 days and 5 hours per day).

Students are required to participate in class – both in discussions and by presenting models/material from the reading lists.


    Learning outcome
    After taking this course, students are expected to be able to solve standard microeconomic optimization problems using rigorous solution techniques, and to understand the main concepts used in advanced microeconomics.

    Prerequisites
    Admission to a PhD Programme is a general requirement for participation in PhD courses at BI Norwegian Business School.

    External candidates are kindly asked to attach confirmation of admission to a PhD programme when signing up for a course with the doctoral administration. Candidates can be allowed to sit in on courses by approval of the courseleader. Sitting in on courses does not permit registration for courses, handing in exams or gaining credits for the course. Course certificates or conformation letters will not be issued for sitting in on courses


    Compulsory reading
    Books:
    Mas-Colell, Andreu, Michael D. Whinston and Jerry R. Green. 1995. Microeconomic theory. Oxford University Press

    Other:
    A collection of articles
    During the course there may be hand-outs and other material on additional topics relevant for the course and the examination



    Recommended reading

    Course outline
    Outline

    Module 1: Individual decision making and choice under uncertainty

    Module 2: General equilibrium, uncertainty and dynamic modelling

    Module 3: Contract theory and mechanism design


      Computer-based tools


      Learning process and workload
      Workload (6 ECTS)
      Lectures 30 hours
      Specified learning activities (including reading) 75 hours
      Autonomous student learning (including exam preparation) 75 hours
      Total 180 hours



      Examination
      3 hour written exam.
      Grading scale: Pass/fail

      Examination code(s)
      DRE 40103 counts for 100 % of the final grade

      Examination support materials
      BI-approved exam calculator only

      BI-approved exam calculator: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS BA II PlusTM.
      Instruction manuals can only be used at examinations where “all exam aids” are allowed. In cases where a BI-approved calculator is allowed, only one – 1- such calculator can be brought to the examination premises. In addition one simple calculator can be brought.


      Re-sit examination
      Re-takes are only possible at the next time a course will be held. When the course evaluation has a separate exam code for each part of the evaluation it is possible to retake parts of the evaluation. Otherwise, the whole course must be re-evaluated when a student wants to retake an exam.

      Additional information
      Honour Code
      Academic honesty and trust are important to all of us as individuals, and represent values that are encouraged and promoted by the honour code system. This is a most significant university tradition. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the ideals of the honour code system, to which the faculty are also deeply committed.

      Any violation of the honour code will be dealt with in accordance with BI’s procedures for cheating. These issues are a serious matter to everyone associated with the programs at BI and are at the heart of the honour code and academy integrity. If you have any questions about your responsibilities under the honour code, please ask.