SØK 1344 Microeconomics II

APPLIES TO ACADEMIC YEAR 2015/2016
Norwegian version

SØK 1344 Microeconomics 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 39 hours of lectures plus 6 hours of plenary sessions with assignment reviews and feedback. During the course three multiple-choice tests will be given through the learning platform It's learning.

Recommended use of time for the students:
Activity
Hours
Lectures
39
Assignment reviews and feedback in plenary sessions
6
Preparatory self-study prior to lectures
36
Work on assignments following lectures
64
Self-study
50
Examination
5
Recommended total use of time
200



    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
    BI approved exam calculator. Examination support materials at written examinations are explained under examination information in the student portal @bi. Please note use of calculator and dictionary in the section on support materials (https://at.bi.no/EN/Pages/Exa_Hjelpemidler-til-eksamen.aspx).

    Re-sit examination
    A re-sit examination is held every semester.

    Additional information

    Semesters

    Translations