EXC 2910 Mathematics

EXC 2910 Mathematics

Course code: 
EXC 2910
Department: 
Economics
Credits: 
7.5
Course coordinator: 
Fabian Harang
Course name in Norwegian: 
Mathematics
Product category: 
Bachelor
Portfolio: 
Bachelor - Common Courses
Semester: 
2022 Autumn
Active status: 
Active
Level of study: 
Bachelor
Teaching language: 
English
Course type: 
Associate course
Course codes for multi- or associated courses
Course codeSemester
EXC 2911
2022 Autumn
EXC 2912
2023 Spring
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.

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 to solve constrained optimization problems in two dimensions by using partial differentiation and Lagrange multipliers
  • Be able to solve simple systems of linear equations with Gauss elimination method. 
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
  • Introduction to matrices and Gauss elimination. 
Teaching and learning activities

The course 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. 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. 　

During each semester a mid-term mandatory assignment will be given. This will have to be approved to have the course approved.

Spreadsheet will be useful in this course.

Software tools
No specified computer-based tools are required.
Qualifications

Higher Education Entrance Qualification

Disclaimer

Deviations in teaching and exams may occur if external conditions or unforeseen events call for this.

Required prerequisite knowledge

No specific prerequisites are required.

Assessments
Assessments
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Written submission
Grouping: 
Individual
Duration: 
2 Week(s)
Comment: 
All exams must be passed to obtain a final grade in the course.
Exam code: 
EXC29101
Grading scale: 
Pass/fail
Resit: 
Examination every semester
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Written submission
Invigilation
Weight: 
20
Grouping: 
Individual
Support materials: 
  • Bilingual dictionary
Duration: 
3 Hour(s)
Comment: 
All exams must be passed to obtain a final grade in the course.
Exam code: 
EXC29102
Grading scale: 
ECTS
Resit: 
Examination every semester
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Written submission
Grouping: 
Individual
Duration: 
2 Week(s)
Comment: 
All exams must be passed to obtain a final grade in the course.
Exam code: 
EXC29103
Grading scale: 
Pass/fail
Resit: 
Examination every semester
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Written submission
Invigilation
Weight: 
80
Grouping: 
Individual
Support materials: 
  • BI-approved exam calculator
  • Simple calculator
  • Bilingual dictionary
Duration: 
5 Hour(s)
Comment: 
All exams must be passed to obtain a final grade in the course.
Exam code: 
EXC29104
Grading scale: 
ECTS
Resit: 
Examination every semester
Type of Assessment: 
Ordinary examination
All exams must be passed to get a grade in this course.
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
Examination
3 Hour(s)
Written examination. Counts 20% of final grade.
Teaching
48 Hour(s)
Advanced
Prepare for teaching
73 Hour(s)
Advanced
Group work / Assignments
74 Hour(s)
Advanced
Examination
5 Hour(s)
Written examination. Counts 80% of final grade.
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.

Semester

Oversettelser