Mathematics I (20833)

Degree/study: Degree in Economics
Year: 1st
Term: 1st
Number of ECTS credits: 5 credits
Hours of studi dedication: 125 hours
Teaching language or languages: Catalan
Teaching Staff: Àngel Gil, Joan B. Pallarès, Noemí Ruiz and Xavier Taixés

1. Presentation of the subject

Maths I is conceived as an introductory course on basic concepts, hence it is located in the first trimester of the first year courses.

It is the first of a sequence of three mathematics courses to be taken during the first year. The student begins to acquire competences to tackle situations that require a formal mathematical treatment.

During the course, the use of mathematical language and the acquisition of an adequate working method are enforced, which are especially useful for the modelling of economic situations. In particular, the fundamental aspects of mathematical calculus for functions of one real variable (with optimization) and of linear algebra commonly used in economics are developed. Thus, it is a course that provides the basic mathematical tools to be used in modelling problems in economics and business.

2. Competences to be attained

General Competences	Specific Competences
Instrumental 1. Ability to analyze and synthesise 2. Ability to organize and plan 3. General basic knowledge 4. Problem solving 5. Written and spoken capabilities   Interpersonal  6. Criticism.   Systemic  7. Research abilities 8. Learning capacities 9. Autonomous work 10. Ability to generate new ideas (creativity)   Other  11. Written and oral communication abilities using specialized	1. Model formalization for different settings through mathematical language. 2. Solutions of mathematical models. 3. Knowledge and applications of basic tools in mathematical analysis and linear algebra

3. Contents

Block 1. Functions of one real variable

Block 2. Differentiation

Block 3. Optimization

Block 4. Integration

Block 5. Simultaneous linear equations and matrices

4. Assessment

The grading is based in the following three aspects. 

-Tests to be taken during the "problem resolution seminars" (PRS). Three tests will be delivered during the course, with a duration of 30 minutes. They will consist on two or three problems of the same kind as the ones studied during the SRP.  Each test will count 8% of the final grading. 

- Grading associated to the PRS. Participation in the seminars and the quality of individual problem lists delivered during the PRS will be considered.  It counts 16% of the final grade. 

-Final Exam. It is a comprehensive examination on all theoretical and practical aspects seen along the course. It counts 60% of the final grade.  In order to pass the course, a minimum of 4 / 10 in this exam is required. 

For the extraordinary September examination, grading will be computed as 80% for  the September examination and 20% for the PRS grading obtained during the course.

5. Bibliography and teaching resources

5.1. Basic bibliography

SYDSAETER, K.; HAMMOND, P. J. Mathematics for Economic Analysis.  Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, cop. 1995.

5.2. Complementary bibliography

TAN, S. T. Matemáticas para Administración y Economía. International Thomson, 1998. 

LARSON, R. E.; HOSTETLER, R. P.; EDWARDS, B. H. Cálculo y geometría analítica. Vol. 1. Madrid: McGraw-Hill, 1999. 6a. ed.

6. Methodology

Students are supposed to do the following weekly assignments:

• Individual reading of the scripts before the theoretical sessions.

• Attending theoretical sessions

• Personal study, solved problems, careful reading of the text book.

• Before attending PRS, answer MOODLE questionnaires (internet)

• Attending PRS and delivering the assigned problems.

7. Planning of activities

Except for the two first weeks when there will not be PRS, activities will be as follows:

Week	In room activity	Out room activity
	Session 1: Theory (whole group) Session 2 : Theory (whole group) Session 3: Problem Resolution Seminars (PRS) (subgroups)	- Individual reading of the scripts before the theoretical sessions - Attending theoretical sessions - Personal study, solving problems, careful reading of the text book. - Before attending PRS, answer MOODLE questionnaires (internet) Attending PRS and delivering the assigned problems.

A more detailed description of the contents of each session can be found in Aula global