Course Catalogue

Economic Analysis with MATLAB ECON4101

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: Adam Smith Business School
  • Credits: 15
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

The course provides further insights into linear and matrix algebra, compared to material covered in Economics level 1 and 2 courses. The course considers a variety of economic applications using computational methods that are now commonly expected from an economics graduate.

Timetable

10 x 2-hour lectures.

1 x 1-hour online revision lecture held out with normal teaching hours.

10 x 1-hour labs in MATLAB.

Requirements of Entry

University of Glasgow students must have achieved Subject Honours entry requirements as detailed below to enrol on this course. Permission is required for non-Economics students to take this course as an outside option.

A GPA of 12 (average C3) in Economics 2A and 2B with no course grade below D3, attained at the first attempt. A minimum grade of D3 in both ECON1012, Introductory Mathematics for Economists and ECON1013, Introductory Statistics for Economists unless exemptions were agreed on the basis of other courses taken in year 1. Refer to course specifications for details. These grades may be achieved at the second attempt.

Excluded Courses

None.

Assessment

1. In-course exam: online; Individual; 60 minutes; 30%; ILOs 1-3.

2. Project output; Group; 10 pages; 70%; ILOs 1-6.

Course Aims

■ Provide students with an appreciation of the variety of applications of simple matrix algebra in economics and related social sciences;

■ develop confidence in applying those methods with the use of standard software package (MATLAB);

■ build a basic understanding of programming techniques.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. apply matrix operations to solve a set of simultaneous linear equations;

2. apply spectral decomposition of a matrix to solve a set of dynamic linear system of equations;

3. use MATLAB to solve systems of non-linear dynamic equations;

4. apply matrix algebra in economics;

5. design and critically comment on the basic programming necessary for applications in economics.

6. contribute effectively to a collaborative project, producing a combined submission through coordinated group effort.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions