Course coordinator
Professor Claudio Mezzetti
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Economics School
This course provides essential mathematical tools for studying Economics. It includes functions of one variable, differentiation, integrals, optimisation, and matrix algebra.
This course introduces students to relevantﾠmathematical methods and their applicationﾠin economics. A goodﾠunderstanding of these methods is crucial for studentsﾠto comprehendﾠimportant concepts in the second and third-yearﾠcore economics courses and other selected areas inﾠeconomics. Thus, it is highly recommended that this course be taken beforeﾠenrolling inﾠtheﾠsecond year micro and macro courses.ﾠThe course is also a requirement for ﾠstudents in the Bachelor ofﾠEconomics program.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are expected to be familiar with algebra, calculus, and coordinate geometry from high school Maths B or the UQ course MATH1040.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(Maths B or Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent) or MATH1040
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
ECON1020
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MATH1050, MATH1051, MATH1071
Course contact
School enquiries
Student Enquiries, School of Economics
All enquiries regarding student and academic administration (i.e. non-course content information, e.g., class allocation, timetables, extension to assessment due date, etc.) should be directed to enquiries@economics.uq.edu.au.
Enquiries relating specifically to course content should be directed to ECON1050@uq.edu.au .
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Claudio Mezzetti
Tutor
Mr Nishay Bhikha
Ms Ella Chen
Miss Celine Liew
Senior tutor
Mr Ramazan Bora
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures commence in Week 1.
Tutorials commence in Week 2
Please see the Learning Activities section of this Course Profile for the timetabling implications of public holidays.
Important Dates:
· Public Holidays: Wed 13 August (Royal Queensland Show Holiday), Mon 6 October (King’s Birthday public holiday).
· Mid-Semester Break: 29 September – 3 October. Semester 2 classes recommence on Tue 7 October.
Students should refer to the timetable prior to the commencement of classes to ensure that they have the most up to date information, as from time to time late room changes may occur.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of the courseﾠis to apply various mathematical techniques to analyse economic models. The mathematical techniques include simultaneous equations,ﾠmatrix algebra, differential & integral calculus.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Confidently use mathematical notation to represent economic problems.
LO2.
Represent and solve simple economic models graphically and algebraically.
LO3.
Use differential calculus, including partial derivatives and differentials, across a range of economic problems.
LO4.
Apply methods of unconstrained and constrained optimization to simple economic problems.
LO5.
Apply integration to simple functions and economic concepts such as consumer surplus and producer surplus.
LO6.
Recognise basic matrix and vector notation and carry out basic matrix operations.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online Quiz
|
40% (8% x 5 online quizzes) |
Online Quiz 1 (based on lectures 1 & 2) 18/08/2025 - 22/08/2025 Online Quiz 2 (based on lectures 3 & 4) 8/09/2025 - 12/09/2025 Online Quiz 3 (based on lectures 5 & 6) 22/09/2025 - 26/09/2025 Online Quiz 4 (based on lectures 7 & 8) 13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 Online Quiz 5 (based on lectures 9,10, & 11) 27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025 |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
Online Quiz
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 40% (8% x 5 online quizzes)
- Due date
Online Quiz 1 (based on lectures 1 & 2) 18/08/2025 - 22/08/2025
Online Quiz 2 (based on lectures 3 & 4) 8/09/2025 - 12/09/2025
Online Quiz 3 (based on lectures 5 & 6) 22/09/2025 - 26/09/2025
Online Quiz 4 (based on lectures 7 & 8) 13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025
Online Quiz 5 (based on lectures 9,10, & 11) 27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
This assessment task evaluates student's abilities, skills and knowledge. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online Submission via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 3 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
The online quizzes have a maximum extension of 3 days (including weekend days) to ensure timely feedback to other students.
Late submission
Where an extension has not been previously approved, a penalty of 100% will be applied to late or non-submission of any of the quiz assessments.
Final Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten notes, single sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0% - 29% |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30% - 46% |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47% - 49% |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50% - 64% |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65% - 74% |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75% - 84% |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85% - 100% |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
A student's final overall end of semester percentage mark will be rounded to determine their final grade. For example, 64.5% rounds to 65%, while 64.4% rounds to 64%.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Using AI at UQ
Visit the AI Student Hub for essential information on understanding and using Artificial Intelligence in your studies responsibly.
Plagiarism
The School of Economics is committed to reducing the incidence of plagiarism. You are encouraged to read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy available in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile.
The Academic Integrity Module (AIM) outlines your obligations and responsibilities as a UQ student. It is compulsory for all new to UQ students to complete the AIM.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 1. Set Theory, Logic & Review of Algebra Essentials of set theory and logic; Real numbers; exponents; algebra; inequalities and intervals. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Tutorial |
No Tutorials in Week 1 |
|
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 2. Summation, Solving Equations Summation notation; Reviewing methods of solving equations Learning outcomes: L01 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1 Set theory, Logic & Review of Algebra Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Public holiday: Royal QLD Show No lectures, tutorials, and consultation sessions this week. |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2 Summation, solving equations Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 3. Functions of One Variable Linear functions; quadratic functions; polynomials; power, exponential and logarithmic functions; graphs of functions; inverse functions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No Tutorials in Week 4 |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 4. Calculus 1 Basic concepts; rules of differentiation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 Functions of one variable. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 5. Calculus 2 Derivatives in Use - Implicit differentiation, linear and polynomial approximations, Taylor's Formula Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4 Calculus 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 6. Calculus 3 Single variable optimisation; determination of extreme points; local extreme points. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5 Calculus 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 7. Calculus 4 Partial derivatives and multivariate optimization Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6 Calculus 3 Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 8. Calculus 5 Lagrange Multiplier; Introduction to constrained optimization, applications. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7 Calculus 4 Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid Semester Break |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture 9. Calculus 6 Basic concepts of integration; indefinite and definite integrals; integration by parts; integration by substitution Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8 Calculus 5 Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture 10: Matrix Algebra 1 Introduction to linear algebra: matrix notation, matrix and vector operations. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9 Calculus 6 Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture 11. Matrix Algebra 2 Simultaneous equations, Gaussian elimination, determinants, minors and cofactors, Cramer's rule Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10 Matrix Algebra 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06 |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Lecture 12. Matrix Algebra 3 Solving simultaneous equations; adjoint method for finding an inverse; introducing the Leontief input-output model. Review of the course content Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 11 Matrix Algebra 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.