APME70-Quantitative Methods

Module Provider: APD
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Intermediate Algebra
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: garth.holloway@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is a module in quantitative methods designed to familiarise students with the rigorous application of mathematical and statistical reasoning and the multifarious uses of mathematical and statistical tools available for problem solving. Emphasis is on the application of the tools rather than the theory underlying their application.

Aims:

This is a module in quantitative methods designed to familiarise students with the rigorous application of mathematical and statistical reasoning and the multifarious uses of mathematical and statistical tools available for problem solving. Emphasis is on the application of the tools rather than the theory underlying their application.

Assessable learning outcomes:

It is intended that the students who pass this module are able to enact statistical and mathematical reasoning at levels enabling them to digest representative scientific literature; conduct theoretical evaluations of some commonly-encountered mathematical-economic structures; and undertake empirical research.

Additional outcomes:

Successful students should also have an appreciation of the ways in which formal, mathematical economic analyses and formal, statistical empirical analyses uncover hitherto unidentified solutions to many real-world problems encountered in a broad collection of scientific disciplines.

Outline content:

Lecture 1: Introduction and module organisation

Lecture 2: Models, methods and their role in economics

Lecture 3: The nature and types of equilibrium

Lecture 4: Algebra, matrix algebra and solving equations

Lecture 5: Limits, continuity and differential calculus

Lecture 6: Rules of differentiation and their uses

Lecture 7: Solving equations and examples

Lecture 8: Optimization and extensions

Lecture 9: Further applications

Lecture 10: Examination One

Lectures 11 to 19: Introduction to commonly used statistical formulations widely used in empirical economics in agricultural economics, marketing, environmental economics and development economics using the software package MATLAB©

Lecture 20: MATLAB© laboratory examination.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Web, whiteboard and projection media are all used to exchange learning inputs in this module. There are laboratory sessions that include one-to-one interactions between student and instructor.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Relative percentage of coursework: 100% 2 Tests

Formative assessment methods:

Problem sets will be assigned on a regular basis but will not be graded. However, completion of these assignments is intended to prepare students for the two modular tests.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
By coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019