Assignment:
Course Description
This course provides a self-contained introduction to some of the most important mathematical tools utilized in contemporary economics. Mathematics has become one of the de facto languages of modern economic theory and understanding contemporary economic research can be very chal-lenging without a strong mathematical foundation. As the name might suggest, this course features a considerable amount of math with four main topics emphasized: linear algebra, optimization, differential equations, and optimal control theory. Linear algebra and optimization are core math-ematical tools used in all areas of economics and econometrics. Differential equations and optimal control theory are essential tools used in contemporary macroeconomics, as well as in various mi-croeconomic subfields.
This course aims to provide you with the resources and tools to begin to "speak" the language of modern economic theory. At the end of this course, you have learned many of the fundamental mathematical tools used in economic theory and will be able to solve some of the most common types of mathematical problems encountered in modern economic research.
Course Prerequisites
A course in calculus is required (Math 124 or Math 150) and a course in intermediate economic theory is recommended (Econ 320 or Econ 321).
Course Materials
• Fundaments/ Methods of Mathematical Economics (4e). Chiang and Wainwright (required)
• blackboard.sdsu.edu
Readings:
Fundamental Methods of Mathemetical Economics
By Alpha C. Chiang and Kevin Wainwright