Statistics, Mathematics for Statistical and Economic Analysis, Second Cycle, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

Course objectives

The student should get knowledge about and understanding of mathematical tools used in statistics and economic analysis and applied research in graduate courses and theses work in statistics and economics. The course shall give the ability to formulate and most of all to solve mathematical models and problems based on issues in Statistics and Economics. Mathematical tools and models stem mainly from what is described in the main contents of the course. The approach of the course is mainly to face applications of mathematical tools whereas covered complex mathematical relationships are dealt with in an informal manner.

Main content of the course

• Functions of one variable
• Differentiation
• Limits
• Single-variable optimization
• Matrix algebra
• Functions of several variables
• Partial derivatives, differentials
• Multivariable optimization
• Constrained optimization
• Dynamic optimization
• Integrals

Teaching methods

Teaching is in the form of lectures and math exercises.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Examination, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Individual written examination

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

Marks are based on how well the student show the knowledge about, the understanding of and the ability to apply the the mathematical tools covered in the course.

Specific entry requirements

First-cycle courses of 90 credits in statistics, including an independent project of 15 credits, alternatively 30 credits are for studies in statistics and 60 credits for mathematics, or first-cycle courses of 90 credits in economics, including an independent project of 15 credits as well as courses of 60 credits in statistics. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Sydsæter, Knut and Peter Hammond with Arne Strøm 2012/4th ed.
Essential mathematics for economic analysis
Pearson, 600 pages