TECH1 Mathematics

• Topics

  TECH1 will create and strengthen the foundations of mathematics necessary for the undergraduate students. The course assumes that students have understanding of basic terms such as functions, equations, and calculus (Mathematics R1 or S1/S2 from Norwegian high school, or the equivalent). The course is designed to be intensive. TECH1 will give the analytic tools, for which TECH2 would provide a programming counterpart.

  The first lectures will focus on covering known topics on single variable calculus. The course will then focus on topics in multivariate algebra, multivariable calculus and optimization. Every lecture will focus on a new topic. The course will follow the textbook.

  The main topics in the course are:

  1. Single Variable Calculus, with more focus on differentiation, approximation, limits, optimization, integration, interest rates

  2. Multivariate Algebra, with focus on matrices, matrix algebra, determinants, inverses, eigen values and eigen vectors, Leontief model

  3. Multivariable calculus, with focus on partial derivates, homogeneous functions, degrees of freedom, multiple integrals

  4. Optimization and multivariable optimization, with focus on unconstrained optimization, envelope theorem, Lagrange multiplier method, linear programming

• Learning outcome

  Upon completion of the course, students can:

  Knowledge

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of foundational mathematical concepts, including calculus, algebra and optimization.
  • Understand differentiation and how this may be applied in discussions and optimisation of functions of one or several variables.
  • Understand integration.
  • Understand optimization.
  • Understand multivariate algebra.

  Skills

  • Optimize functions with one or several variables.
  • Optimize functions with and without constraints.
  • Solve problems in differentiation and integration.
  • Clearly communicate mathematical ideas, both in written and oral forms.
  • Present mathematical solutions in a structured and organized manner, facilitating understanding for both peers and instructors.

  General competence

  • Apply mathematical tools to discuss problems within the subjects of economics and business.
  • Make precise statements about quantitative relations.

• Teaching

  The teaching consists of lectures and tutoring sessions.

• Assessment

  The examination will be done in three parts:

  1. Individual written mid-term digital home exam (30%), 3 hours, covering single variable calculus and multivariate algebra.

  2. End-term written school exam (50%) with pen and paper, 4 hours, covering the rest of the topics.

  3. Individual oral exam (20%) covering all topics, with average duration of 15 minutes.

  All elements have to be taken in the same semester, and must be answered in English.

• Grading Scale

  Grades:A-F

• Literature

  Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis, by Knut Sydsaeter, Peter Hammond, Arne Strom, Andrés Carvajal

• Permitted Support Material

  Calculator 

  One bilingual dictionary (Category I) 

  All in accordance with Supplementary provisions to the Regulations for Full-time Study Programmes at the Norwegian School of Economics Ch.4 Permitted support material https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/regulations/https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/regulations/ and https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/examinations/examination-support-materials/https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/examinations/examination-support-materials/