Intensifying Course Mathematics WS 11/12
Dr. Susanne Pech

Some general information

• Course (CS) and Intensifying Course (IC) "Mathematics" are part of the subject "Methods in Economics" in the Master programs "Economics" (compulsory) and "Management and Applied economics" (elective).
• The IC (2 ECTS, 1h) accompanies the Course (held by Prof. Brunner) and should be taken parallel to the course.
• The IC takes place on Thu, 12.00 - 13.30h, in room K 012D, at the following days: 17 Nov, 24 Nov, 1 Dec, 15 Dec, 12 Jan, 19 Jan.
• The purpose of the IC is to repeat and practice the mathematical methods discussed in the Course by application to exercises and economic problems. It intends to intensify the knowledge and understanding of essential methods frequently used in economic theory.  
  → Note that basics in microeconomics are assumed to be known (solid knowledge in economics is favorable).

Literature 

• Course reader "Mathematics" by Prof. Brunner
• Occasionally I will ask you to read certain economic topics in the following textbook:
  Varian, Intermediate Microeconomics, W.W. Norton, New York, 8th ed., 2010.
  → 15 books in the textbook collection of the main campus library (Lehrbuchsammlung der Hauptbibliothek)
• Additional literature: If you need support for certain mathematical topics, I recommend the following textbook:
  Sydsaeter, K. und P. Hammond, Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis, Prentice Hall, 3d ed., 2008.
  german translation: Mathematik für Wirtschaftswissenschaftler, Pearson, München, 3. Auflage, 2009.
  → also available in the textbook collection (but just a few in English)

Organization of the IC and grading 

• You have to prepare exercises and present the solutions in class. 
  → The performance of these two tasks is the only basis for the grading (i.e. there is no written exam!). 
• The exercises for each meeting are available in KUSSS one week before that meeting (3 or 4 exercises per meeting, about 20 in total).
• Please mark those exercises, whose solutions you are prepared to present in class ("on the blackboard"), with a cross in a list.
  → You find this list on the grey pinboard next to my office (K 111A) and I take this list to the class.
• For every cross you receive one point.
  → Please be aware that it needs you to be present in class and that you have worked and thought through the whole exercise in order to receive the point! (as the point is for your willingness/capability to present the exercise).
• For the presentation of the solution of one (complete) exercise
  → to chapter I  of the course reader you receive 0 - 6 points.
  → to chapter II of the course reader you receive 0 - 8 points.
  depending on the quality of the presentation (correctness of the solution as well as clear explanation of how you reached the solution).
• For active participation in class (e.g. supportive comments, helpful explanations) you receive some points.
• After each meeting you find an update of the points in KUSSS.
• To complete the IC successfully (that is to obtain a "Genügend" or better according to the Austrian grading system) you have to collect
  → at least 12 points from exercise preparation (i.e. 12 crosses)
  and
  → at least a certain level of points from exercise presentation in class (the level of points is dependant on the number of IC-participants, will be announced in time).
  Otherwise, you obtain a "Nicht Genügend", i.e. you fail.
• However, if you fulfill both requirements, the grading will be determined according to the total sum of points. The higher the total sum of points, the better your grade!