Module review for EC2101: Microeconomic Analysis I

Taken AY2014/2015 Semester 2


EC2101: Microeconomic Analysis I

This is a core module for Economics majors. It comprises of basic principles on how to compare and maximize the utility of consumers for different types of goods (i.e. normal or inferior), minimize the cost of producers and market competition (perfect competition and monopoly). The theories themselves are quite simple, but the questions tested in tutorials, midterm and the final exam will really require a thorough understanding of them and acute critical thinking. To be honest, half the time I had no idea on even how to begin approaching the question. However, most people are in the same boat as you, so my only advice would be to work hard and consistently, and pray to the bell curve to save you. (Of course, this situation could always be due to my humbly inadequate level of intelligence, so I shall leave the conviction of judgment to your good sense.)

The lectures for this module are clear and concise, courtesy of Dr. Zhang, so no worries there. Also, as are most economics modules, the lectures are webcast. Tutorials are difficult, so make sure you revise after lecture and try to do them properly. There are usually not enough questions in all the tutorials for repeat presentations, so make your one tutorial presentation count. (Tutorial presentation refers to the presentation of your answer to a particular question to the class. This accounts for 5% of your entire grade, or half of your tutorial participation – refer to Assessment below.)

Assessment:
Homework, 15% Participation (tutorial), 10% Midterm Exam, 25% (Starts at 6:30 pm, date TBD, could be on 2 March, 3 March, or 4 March. Those with conflicting schedules will be offered a makeup midterm.) Final Exam, 50%

In my opinion, the bell curve for this module has been very steep. During the midterms, the difference between the median (i.e. 50th percentile) and 75thpercentile was a mere 3 marks. The total marks for the entire paper was 100. Thus, I cannot emphasize enough how important every aspect of the assessment is in making your grade. If possible, try to discuss homework answers with your friends to really score that 15%. Also, do your best during tutorial and make the most of the 10%. Lastly, do your absolute best for finals – then pray.

Workload:
2-1-0-4-3 Workload
Components : A-B-C-D-E
A: no. of lecture hours per week
B: no. of tutorial hours per week
C: no. of lab hours per week
D: no. of hours for projects, assignments, fieldwork etc per week
E: no. of hours for preparatory work by a student per week


Source