Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
Department of Economics
Course: AP Econ 1540 3.0 P/R: Introductory Mathematics for Economists II
Course Webpage: http://moodle.yorku.ca
Term: Winter 2014
Lecture Time:
Section P: Monday, 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Section R: Friday, 11:30AM – 2:30PM
Lecture Location:
Section P: CLH C
Section R: ACE 001
Prerequisite / Co-requisite:
Prerequisite: AP/ECON 1530 3.00 or equivalent. Prerequisites/Co-requisites: AP/ECON 1000 3.00 or AP/ECON 1010
3.00, or equivalent. Note: No credit will be retained for this course for students who have successfully completed or who
are currently enrolled in SC/MATH 1021 3.00, SC/MATH 1025 3.00, or SC/MATH 2221 3.00. Course credit exclusions:
SC/MATH 1505 6.00, SC/MATH 1550 6.00, GL/MATH/MODR 2650 3.00. Note: Acceptable course substitutes are
available in the Calendar. PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/ECON 1540 3.00, AS/SC/MATH 1505
6.00, AS/MATH 1540 3.00, AK/AS/MATH 1550 6.00, GL/MATH/MODR 2650 3.00..
Course Instructor
Gordana Colby
Vari Hall 1057
gcolby@yorku.ca
Course office hours: Monday 11:30AM – 12:30PM
TA: TBD
TA office hours: TBD
Expanded Course Description
Organization of the Course - The lectures will consist of going over the theory contained in the lecture notes (and
corresponding sections of the textbook) and then going through problems that reinforce the material presented.
Course Learning Objectives
This course is the sequel to Economics 1530. Economics 1530 covers the essential elements of mathematical analysis
such as limits, sequences and single variable calculus and applies them to economic problems. In Economics 1540 we
introduce and develop topics in multivariable calculus and linear (matrix) algebra. Since most problems in economics
focus on choices amongst numerous alternatives it is essential to go beyond the single variable techniques. Multivariable
calculus is essential for solving constrained optimization problems in economics. Linear or matrix algebra greatly
facilitates the manipulation of systems of equations commonly encountered in microeconomics, macroeconomics and
econometrics.
Topics and Reading List
1. Functions of Many Variables
2. Tools for Comparative Statics
3. Multivariable Optimization
4. Constrained Optimization
5. Linear Algebra: Vectors and Matrices
6. Determinants and Matrix Inversion
Note: There may be small changes to the material coverage as the course develops.
Course Text / Readings
Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis, Fourth Edition (2012), Knut Sydsaeter & Peter Hammond
Note: lecture notes will be provided on the course website to supplement the text readings.
Note: Additional readings may be assigned or recommended during the course.
Evaluation
The final grade for the course will be based on the following items weighted as indicated:
Midterm Test:
40% (Section P: Monday, February 10th - In Class)
(Section R: Friday, February 14th - In Class)
Final Examination: 60% (To be scheduled by the Registrar’s Office)
Note: Final course grades may be adjusted to conform to Program or Faculty grades distribution profiles.
Grading, Assignment Submission, Lateness Penalties and Missed Tests
Grading: The grading scheme for the course conforms to the 9-point grading system used in undergraduate programs at
York (e.g., A+ = 9, A = 8, B+ - 7, C+ = 5, etc.). Assignments and tests* will bear either a letter grade designation or a
corresponding number grade (e.g. A+ = 90 to 100, A = 80 to 90, B+ = 75 to 79, etc.)
(For a full description of York grading system see the York University Undergraduate Calendar http://calendars.registrar.yorku.ca/pdfs/ug2004cal/calug04_5_acadinfo.pdf)
Missed Tests: No makeup tests will be given if a student misses the midterm. If a student misses the midterm and can
provide appropriate documentation (i.e. medical note) that explicitly indicates the student was incapable of writing the
midterm at the scheduled time, the weight of the midterm will be added to the final exam (i.e. the final exam will be worth
100% of the final grade). Any student that misses the final exam must provide appropriate documentation (i.e. medical
note) to the Department of Economics within 5 business days of the missed exam and petition to write a deferred exam.
IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the following information, available on the Senate Committee on
Curriculum & Academic Standards webpage (see Reports, Initiatives, Documents) http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/senate_cte_main_pages/ccas.htm
• York’s Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures/Academic Integrity Website
• Ethics Review Process for research involving human participants
• Course requirement accommodation for students with disabilities, including physical, medical, systemic, learning and
psychiatric disabilities
• Student Conduct Standards
• Religious Observance Accommodation