EXC 0910 Mathematics

EXC 0910 Mathematics

Course code: 
EXC 0910
Department: 
Economics
Credits: 
7.5
Course coordinator: 
Svein Lund
Course name in Norwegian: 
Mathematics
Product category: 
Bachelor
Portfolio: 
Bachelor - Core Courses
Semester: 
2020 Spring
Active status: 
Active
Level of study: 
Bachelor
Teaching language: 
English
Course type: 
One semester
Introduction

This is a basic mathematics course that spans two semesters. It aims to prepare the student for quantitative courses in economics and finance. The first semester (autumn) covers basic mathematical skills in algebra, equations, inequalities, functions and their graphs, and differentiation. The second semester (spring) focuses on more advanced calculus and some financial mathematics.

Please note!

Due to the Corona situation, BI Norwegian Business School has decided that the exam in this course will be changed in the spring of 2020. The course this spring will be evaluated with a home exam which counts 100%. This will be assessed as pass / fail. No one will get a letter grade.

All students who have registered for the exam in this course in spring 2020 will be registered for this new course and exam code. This also applies to re-sit students.

Re-sit students who prefer to re-sit for the original exam codes, will be able to do so in the fall of 2020, provided the Corona situation is under control. The spring exam will not count as an exam attempt, and will also be free of charge for students. No continuation exam will be offered for this spring's home exam.

Learning outcomes - Knowledge

Students will get to know a wide area of mathematical topics relevant to subjects in business administration such as statistics, finance and economics.

Learning outcomes - Skills

After completed course students shall:

  • Master fundamental skills in algebra, and be able to solve equations and inequalities
  • Firmly understand the notion of a function and its graph
  • Master derivatives and understand the relation between the derivative and the slope on a graph
  • Use differentiation to solve optimization problems and calculate elasticities
  • Master simple integration and understand its relation to the area between graphs
  • Be familiar with exponential and logarithmic functions. Understand the use of the exponential function in calculating compound interest
  • Be familiar with the use of price, profit and cost functions in economics
  • Be able two solve constrained optimization problems in two dimensions by using partial differentiation and Lagrange multipliers
  • Be able to evaluate determinants and use Cramer's rule to solve linear equations
General Competence

.

Course content
  • Basic algebra
  • Solving equations and inequalities. Systems of equations
  • Functions and graphs
  • Differentiation and its use in economics
  • Basic financial mathematics
  • Basic integration
  • Functions of two variables. Partial differentiation and Langrange's method
  • Determinants and Cramer's rule
Teaching and learning activities

The oroginal course EXC 2910 spans two semesters and consists of an introduction and an advanced part, total 84 lecture hours. 

Introduction part

First semester (autumn - EXC 2911) 36 hours - covers basic mathematical skills in algebra, equations, inequalities, functions and their graphs, and differentiation.  

Advanced part

Second semester (spring - EXC 2912) 48 hours - focuses on more advanced calculus and financial mathematics. 

The lecture hours will both cover the theory and train the students in practical problem solving. Training / use of Excel will be integrated into teaching. Every week the students are assigned exercises that will be discussed in the following lecture. The students are expected to work on these weekly exercises, and they will form a basis for the examinations.  

Spreadsheet will be useful in this course.

Software tools
Software defined under the section "Teaching and learning activities".
Additional information

.

Qualifications

Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

Required prerequisite knowledge

No specific prerequisites required.

Exam categoryWeightInvigilationDurationGroupingComment exam
Exam category:
Submission
Form of assessment:
Written submission
Exam code:
EXC09101
Grading scale:
Pass/fail
Grading rules:
Internal and external examiner
Resit:
-
100No6 Hour(s)Individual Must be passed to obtain final grade.
Exams:
Exam category:Submission
Form of assessment:Written submission
Weight:100
Invigilation:No
Grouping (size):Individual
Duration:6 Hour(s)
Comment: Must be passed to obtain final grade.
Exam code:EXC09101
Grading scale:Pass/fail
Resit:-
Type of Assessment: 
Ordinary examination
Total weight: 
100
Student workload
ActivityDurationComment
Teaching
36 Hour(s)
Introduction
Prepare for teaching
10 Hour(s)
Introduction
Group work / Assignments
11 Hour(s)
Introduction
Teaching
50 Hour(s)
Advanced
Prepare for teaching
72 Hour(s)
Advanced
Group work / Assignments
75 Hour(s)
Advanced
Examination
6 Hour(s)
Advanced
Sum workload: 
260

A course of 1 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 26-30 hours. Therefore a course of 7,5 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of at least 200 hours.