MSc Economics

Bridging Course Mathematics

Winter Semester 2026/27

Mathematics is the language used to describe relationships in economics. In our course Foundations of Economics, students will learn the most important elements of this language. However, a basic knowledge of mathematical methods is a prerequisite for successfully mastering this course. It is assumed that students have already acquired these basic skills during high school and in the introductory courses of their Bachelor's programs.

For various reasons (such as different syllabi in high schools or varyling interpretations of these syllabi by teachers) the level of mathematical knowledge among students in the Master's program in Economics can vary considerably. Additionally, some students may have underestimated the importance of mathematics as a foundational tool for economics during their high school.

Mastering the basis mathematical methods is essential for the Master's program Economics and is relevant in a couple of courses. This bridging course in Mathematics provides an opportunity to assess your current knowledge and expertise, and to help you close possible subject related knowledge gaps.

The following problems cause issues for quite a few students:

• Drawing (or sketching) of graphs of functions,
• Transforming equations into equivalent ones,
• handling inequalities,
• Correctly working with fractions,
• Calculations involving exponents and logarithms,
• Proper use of mathematical notation.

Presented "solutions" of such problems are surprisingly often wrong.

Learning Outcomes

In this course we will practice the following skills:

• Computations with mathematical terms
• Polynomials, fractions, exponents and logarithms
• Equations and inequalities
• Functions and their graphs
• Derivatives and their applications
• Antiderivative and integral

Organization and Course Design

In each of the units the basics concepts and methods are shortly recapitulated, problems are solved collectively. Furthermore, students are asked to solve some homework problems. These problems are provided by the course instructor. However, students are explicitly invited to suggest their own problems they are interested in. It is expected that students actively participate in the course.

Grades

There will be no final exam. However, each unit will include brief quizzes, and students are expected to actively participate throughout the course.

For a positive grade ("successfully completed" / "erfolgreich teilgenommen") students must be attend at least 7 units.

Remote Access

The course will be hold in presencde mode. However, I will "broadcast" it via Zoom (shared screen and audio only). Links for downloading material for this course can be found below. Please keep in mind that I hardly can look at any chat messages.

Self-study Material

There is manuscript with detailed explanations than can also be used for self-study.

Maxima - A Computer Algebra System

Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) allow the manipulation of mathematical expressions. Maxima is a freely available CAS. If there is some interest a very short introduction can be given.

Course Materials

• Handouts for the course (slides)
• Manuscript with detailed explanations (extends slides)
• Solutions to homework exercises (also included in the manuscript)
• Introduction to Maxima for Economics

Preview on Courses on Mathematics in MSc Economics

• Foundations of Mathematics (MSc Economics)
• Mathematics 1: Linear Spaces and Metric Concepts (scientific track only)
• Mathematics 2: Analysis and Dynamic Optimization (scientific track only)

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Last change: 2026-09-11 by josef leydold