SØK 1344 Microeconomcs II

APPLIES TO ACADEMIC YEAR 2014/2015

SØK 1344 Microeconomcs II


Responsible for the course
Christian Riis

Department
Department of Economics

Term
According to study plan

ECTS Credits
7,5

Language of instruction
Norwegian

Introduction
The course has two main purposes. Firstly, it provides a deeper analysis of microeconomic problems than what the students have experienced in the foundation course in microeconomics. In particular, this applies to the analysis of markets and of efficiency. Secondly, a number of important ways of applying microeconomic theory such as capital markets, the labour market, economic organization and the effects of economic policies are discussed.


Learning outcome
Acquired knowledge
On completion of the course the students will have learnt to:

  • Master the basic concepts and methods of modern microeconomics.
  • Apply the microeconomic set of models on various applied problems taken from the Norwegian economy.

Acquired skills
On completion of the course the students are to be able to:
  • Apply the basic models of microeconomic analysis to different concrete markets and institutional arrangements.
  • Critically assess how theory may be applied to practical problems.
  • Critically assess the limitations to what conclusions may be drawn solely on the basis of economic theory.

Reflection
The students are to acquire an understanding of how economic theory in a meaningful way may contribute to the understanding of a problem complex. At the same time applied analyses are where the students also see the limitations to how much economic analysis may contribute, and the importance of the role of other disciplines to solving a problem.

Prerequisites
Microeconomics I

Compulsory reading
Books:
Riis, Christian, Espen R. Moen. 2012. Moderne mikroøkonomi : med digital arbeidsbok. 2. utg. Gyldendal akademisk. Utvalgte deler

Recommended reading

Course outline
  • Industry dynamics
  • Markets and efficiency
  • The capital market
  • The labour market
  • Taxes and public policy
  • Economic organization: incentives and contracts
  • Industry structure and trade


Computer-based tools
It is recommended that the students use computer-based tools in the course, e.g. spreadsheets. Computer-based tools are not allowed at the examination.

Learning process and workload
The course consists of 37 hours of lectures plus 6 hours of plenary sessions with assignment reviews and feedback.

Coursework requirements
During the course three multiple-choice tests will be given through the learning platform It's learning. In order for a student to sit for the examination a minimum of two of these tests has to be approved.

Feedback on the hand-ins will be given through assignment reviews in plenary sessions.

Recommended use of time for the students:
Activity
Hours
Lectures
36
Assignment reviews and feedback in plenary sessions
6
Work on compulsory hand-ins
18
Preparatory self-study prior to lectures
36
Work on assignments following lectures
49
Self-study
50
Examination
5
Recommended total use of time
200

    Coursework requirements
    In order to sit for the examination the students must have at least two (2) out of three (3) tests approved. See learning process and workload.

    Examination
    The course is concluded by a five-hour (5-hour) individual written examination.

    Examination code(s)
    SØK 13441 – Written examination counts 100% towards the grade for the course SØK 1344 Microeconomics II, 7.5 credits.

    Examination support materials
    A BI-approved calculator, TEXAS INSTRUMENTS BA II Plus™, is allowed for the written examination.
    Examination support materials at written examiniations are explained under examination information in the student portal @BI. Please note use of calculator and dictionary. https://at.bi.no/EN/Pages/Exa_Hjelpemidler-til-eksamen.aspx

    Re-sit examination
    A re-sit examination is held every semester.
    Students who have not had two out of three tests approved have not met the coursework requirements for the course and are not allowed to sit for the examination. This means that they have to retake the complete course when offered at a later stage. Students who do not achieve a pass at the written examination or who want to improve their grade may take a re-sit examination in connection with a later course.

    Additional information

    Semesters

    Translations