Module Information

Module Identifier
EC30220
Module Title
Intermediate Microeconomics; Consumers and Producers
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 22 x 1 Hour Lectures
Tutorial 4 x 1 Hour Tutorials
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 2 pieces of coursework  First essay, second essay and assessed exercise  20%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   80%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

  • Be able to apply the rational choice framework to consumption and other decisions;

* Be familiar with the limitations of mainstream consumer theory and able to appreciate alternative approaches and their drawbacks;

* Have an appreciation of the structure-conduct-performance paradigm and the extent to which it may be used to regulate markets.

Aims

The module aims to build upon foundations of elementary microeconomic theory established in modules EC10120 and EC10320 to deepen and extend knowledge of concepts and techniques of neoclassical microeconomics. This will involve application of the theory of rational choice applied to individuals and firms under conditions of certainty.

Brief description

This module teaches essential concepts in microeconomic theory, and comprises discussions of consumer behaviour, the theory of the firm, and welfare economics.

Content

  • Utility maximization, consumer choice and the demand function
  • The economics of information and uncertainty
  • Cognitive theory and consumer behaviour
  • Costs and the demand for inputs
  • Profit maximization and market power
  • Price discrimination
  • Government and regulation

Transferable skills

Independent work on assessed coursework requiring basic research skills;
General economic and financial analysis of contemporary issues
Use of internet resources to assess relevant pages (such as that of the Competition Commission)

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6