MA207 Half Unit
Further Quantitative Methods (Mathematics)
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr James Ward
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Management. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
Pre-requisites
Students should have previously taken MA107 Quantitative Methods (Mathematics). It is not available to students who have taken MA100 Mathematical Methods, or equivalent, nor higher level methods courses.
Course content
This is a second course in quantitative methods, following on directly from Quantitative Methods (Mathematics) (MA107). This course will contain further algebra and calculus. As with the course MA107, the emphasis will be on applications in economics and finance. Topics covered: Matrix methods in portfolio analysis. Linear independence. Rank of a matrix. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Diagonalisation. Linear systems of recurrence equations. Markov process. Second-order recurrence equations. Macroeconomic models. Vector geometry. Gradient and directional derivative. Tangent hyperplanes and the optimal bundle. Resource allocation and Pareto efficiency. Orthogonal matrices and quadratic forms. Critical points of quadratic functions. Taylor's approximation. Optimisation of functions of two or more variables.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of lectures and classes totalling a minimum of 30 hours in the Lent Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of virtual classes and lectures delivered as online videos.
Formative coursework
Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.
Indicative reading
M Anthony & N Biggs, Mathematics for Economics and Finance (Cambridge, 1996); A Ostaszewski, Mathematics in Economics (Blackwell, 1993).
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Mathematics
Total students 2019/20: 150
Average class size 2019/20: 15
Capped 2019/20: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills
