QUAN 111Mathematics for Economics and Finance
Mathematical methods appropriate for study of economics and finance. After refreshing basic mathematical knowledge, the course covers systems of linear equations, matrix algebra, functions, calculus of functions of one of several variables (differentiation and optimisation). Applications include using functional approximations, calculating marginal utility and marginal cost, solving profit/utility maximisation problems. Note: QUAN 111, CRN 15973 is for Vietnam-based students only.
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Course details
- Dates
- 24 Feb 2025 to 22 Jun 2025
- Starts
- Trimester 1
- Fees
- NZ$962.40 for
- International fees
- NZ$4,427.55
- Lecture start times
- Tuesday 10.00am
- Friday 10.00am
- Campus
- Kelburn
- Estimated workload
- Approximately 150 hours or 9.4 hours per week for 16 weeks
- Points
- 15
Taught by
School of Economics and Finance—Wellington School of Business and Government
About this course
The course is composed of 4 modules. (1) Introduction to Maths (equations, inequailities, functions), (2) Matrix Algebra, (3) Differentiation and Integration, (4) Optimisation with One or More Variables. These methods will provide the basis for the maths skills needed in higher level courses.
Course learning objectives
Students who pass this course should be able to:
Carry out mathematical operations on numbers, sets and functions
Calculate rates of change using derivatives of functions
Find derivatives of functions of a single variable
Apply one-variable differentiation (derivatives, product and quotient rules, chain rule, second-order derivatives) to obtain local and global maxima and minima
Integrate a rate of change function to recover the function in levels
Employ partial differentiation to maximise or minimise functions of two or more variables
Represent variables as vectors and assess their linear dependence
Implement data operations using matrices
Solve linear equation systems using matrices, their determinants and inverses.
How this course is taught
This course is optimised for face-to-face delivery on campus. There will be two 50-minute lectures per week (over 12 weeks) as well as eight tutorial exercises. Each tutorial is a small-group interactive problem solving session, usually covering the prior lecture material. Most tutorials are set up to be in person, while some are held online via Zoom. You can choose which tutorial to attend during the tutorial sign up period. While all lectures will be live-streamed, recorded, and available for two weeks, tutorials will not be recorded and the solutions to tutorial problems will not be posted to encourage participation.
You are expected on campus to physically attend the midterm test on week 7 and the managed test (final exam) during the examination period. The assignment and online quizzes can be completed remotely via Canvas.
Assessment
- Assignment 1 Mark: 2.5%
- Assignment 2 Mark: 2.5%
- Assignment 3 Mark: 2.5%
- Assignment 4 Mark: 2.5%
- Online Quiz 1 Mark: 5%
- Online Quiz 2 Mark: 5%
- Online Quiz 3 Mark: 5%
- Online Quiz 4 Mark: 5%
- IN PERSON Mid-trimester test Mark: 20%
- IN PERSON Managed Test (Final Exam) Mark: 50%
Assessment dates and extensions
Once you've signed up to this course, you can use to see due dates for assessments and information about extensions.
Mandatory requirements
There are no mandatory requirements for this course.
Lecture times and rooms
What you’ll need to get
You must have a calculator that evaluates powers and logs. Graphics calculators and programmable calculators are permitted, but not necessary. All programmable calculators must be reset prior to the tests.
Who to contact
Selected offering
QUAN 111
24 Feb–22 Jun 2025
Trimester 1 · CRN 6107