Module: Mathematics for Economics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Mathematics for Economics
Module Code	MTH1029 (ITS: MS145)
Faculty	Mathematical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will equip students with the knowledge and skills to carry out calculations and construct simple mathematical models relevant to economics. They will be able draw conclusions and make interpretations relating to real-world economic behaviour on the basis of these calculations and models.

Learning Outcomes

1. Construct and apply mathematical models of problems in economics, business and finance using elementary mathematical functions.
2. Construct and interpret graphs of economic functions for specific classes of mathematical functions, using differential calculus when required.
3. Interpret and apply derivatives, including partial derivatives, of economic functions (marginal functions), especially in optimization problems.
4. Interpret and apply the compound interest formula to solve problems in mathematical finance.
5. Complete mathematical tasks (including in an online environment) relating to the mathematical knowledge and skills required in this module.
6. Complete mathematical tasks (including in an online environment) relating to the mathematical knowledge and skills required in this module.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Online activity	20	Online content and formative assessments on theory and applications of mathematics in economics and business.
Lecture	10	Live face-to-face lecture.
Tutorial	10	Live face-to-face tutorial.
Independent Study	85	Independent study and practice.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11203	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Michael Marsh	Module Teacher	Brien Nolan, Thorsten Neuschel

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Short Answer Questions	Online quiz.	10%	Week 3
Short Answer Questions	Online quiz.	10%	Week 6
Short Answer Questions	Online quiz	10%	Week 9
Written Exam	End of semester final exam.	60%	Week 11
Loop Quiz	Weekly online quiz	10%	Every Week

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Linear functions in economics.
Equations and inequalities; linear equations and their graphs; simultaneous linear equations; economic applications: supply and demand; national economy models.

Non-linear functions in economics.
Quadratic functions; revenue cost and profit;production functions; exponential growth.

Derivatives and marginal functions.
Slopes of lines and slopes of curves; average rate of change; methods of differentiation; marginal functions and their applications; elasticity;

The time value of money.
Percentage changes and scale factors. Simple interest. The compound interest formula. Continuous compounding. Net present value and yield.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Ian Jacques: 2015, Mathematics for Economics and Business, Pearson, 672, 129207423X

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None