Note:  The quiz is required of all students entering Econ 201A.

BONUS: Intro to MatLab.  Public Policy Building Rm 2400A (follows signs to SSC)

The dates for the 3 introductory MatLab sessions in the Computer Classroom SPP 2400A ar still  tentative

Welcome to UCLA's doctoral program. I am looking forward to meeting you.  Studying economics at the graduate level requires a considerable degree of comfort with mathematics. An important issue for the department is how to best help incoming students prepare for the first year core courses. Most students, even those with relatively strong math backgrounds, find they benefit a lot by reviewing the concepts that they know. For them it is a matter of digging into their mathematical tool-kit and sharpening their tools. A considerable number find that there are gaps in their education and additional preparation is helpful. While all of you will have completed courses in calculus, it is important to have an understanding of the theory of calculus.  To do this you will find it most advantageous if you have completed a course in Analysis . The link to UCLA's introductory course in the mathematics department gives you a good idea of the topics covered in such a course.  Some of the core theorems are important in themselves but most important is learning how to prove that a statement is true (or false.)

Econ 200 is designed primarily to help students prepare for the core courses.  The first part of the course is on the web.  You are expected to work through this at your own pace prior to your arrival. Hints are provided to help you and the answers are also provided. There are six modules - Calculus with one Variable, Calculus with two variables, Probability and Statistics, Multi-variable optimization,Constrained optimization, Linear Algebra and Difference equation systems. If you are struggling do not be downhearted.  It will mean that you will have to open a text book to review the basic concepts.  I hope you will find the three chapters in the appendix of my book "Essential Microeconomics" helpful.  See the menu on the left. You can get the password from me. Another book is  "Advanced Microeconomic Theory" by Jehle and Reny.  They cover more ground in a 100 page Appendix.

Last year some students spent a lot of time on part I of the course, while others skimmed. If it all looks fairly easy, fine. If not, you will be under a lot of pressure to catch up unless you do work carefully through the modules. 

Some students also find "Optimization in Economic Theory" by Avinash Dixit helpful.  I also like Dixit's book a lot. It is very readable.

The text for the course are the appendices and Chapter 1 of  "Essential Microeconomics." These chapters can be found on the web-site. Go to http://essentialmicroeconomics.com  and look at the left menu.  

The well prepared student might take a look at "Mathematics for Economists" by Simon and Blume (WW. Norton). As with most textbooks, this is a hard read.  However, if you are looking for a clear discussion of a specific topic this is a well written book.

Part II of the course is a 2 week intensive “Math Camp” offered just before the start of the Fall quarter. All students must attempt the quiz on the final day. If you  "test out" you do not need to take the final exam in week 10 of the Fall quarter.

Those who do test out will get a passing grade for Econ 200 at the end of the Fall quarter. 

 I look forward to meeting you. Click on CONTACTS to email me.