351-1158-00L  Economics

Courses

Catalogue data

Abstract	This course introduces basic economic concepts and theories. Beginning with microeconomics, the course starts with the topics of supply and demand, markets, and behavioral economics before moving on to the key macroeconomic concepts of national accounts, the labor market, trade, and monetary policy.
Learning objective	After successful completion of the course you will be able to: -Describe the basic micro- and macroeconomic problems and theories. -Introduce economic reasoning appropriately to a given topic. -Evaluate economic measures.
Content	Households, firms, supply and demand: How are household preferences and consumption patterns formed? How does a household react to price changes? How are goods prices formed? At what prices are companies willing to offer goods? How do we make economic decisions? Markets: What is "perfect competition" and how does a competitive market work? Are monopolies always a bad thing? How can the state influence the market? Market failure: What happens when prices give wrong signals? Labour market: How do supply and demand work in the labour market? What influences unemployment? National accounts: How big is the Swiss economy? Foreign trade: Why do countries trade with each other? What are the consequences for the domestic market? Money and inflation: What exactly is money? How does money creation work and what happens when there is too much (or too little) money on the market? Students will be asked to apply these concepts to issues in their own field of study and to current issues in society. This goal will be achieved through participation in exercises, class discussions and reading material from current media. By the end of the course, students should be able to apply economic analysis confidently and independently.
Lecture notes	no script available
Literature	Mankiw, N.G.: "Principles of Economics", 8th edition, South-Western College/West, Mason 2018.
Prerequisites / Notice	Sie brauchen keine Vorkenntnisse, um dem Kurs zu folgen.
Competencies	Subject-specific Competencies Concepts and Theories assessed Method-specific Competencies Analytical Competencies assessed Decision-making assessed Problem-solving assessed Personal Competencies Critical Thinking assessed Self-direction and Self-management assessed

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
In examination block for	Bachelor's Degree Programme in Agricultural Sciences 2015; Version 01.03.2019 (Examination Block) Bachelor's Degree Programme in Food Science 2016; Version 25.05.2023 (Examination Block) Bachelor's Degree Programme in Food Science and Nutrition 2023 (First Year Examination Block 1) Bachelor's Degree Programme in Geospatial Engineering 2018; Version 06.10.2021 (Examination Block 1)
ECTS credits	3 credits
Examiners	U. Renold, T. Bolli, P. McDonald, F. Pusterla, A. Zubovic
Type	session examination
Language of examination	German
Repetition	The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Mode of examination	written 90 minutes
Additional information on mode of examination	Das Lernelement besteht aus Level up in Moodle. Das Lösen von Quizzes und weitere Vorbereitungen auf die kommende Vorlesung geben Punkte. Die Punkte können jeweils vor der nächsten Präsenzveranstaltung erworben werden (6x, alle zwei Wochen) plus noch vor dem Gastvortrag und vor der Prüfungsvorbereitung. Studierende, welche das Lernelement abschliessen bekommen 0.25 Bonusnotenpunkte.
Written aids	30-seitige Zusammenfassung (max 15 A4-Blätter zweiseitig oder 30 A4-Blätter einseitig); nicht-programmierbarer, nicht-kommunizierfähiger und nicht-speicherfähiger Taschenrechner, und ein Wörterbuch für Fremdsprachige.
If the course unit is part of an examination block, the credits are allocated for the successful completion of the whole block. This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.

Learning materials

Groups

Restrictions

Offered in

Programme	Section	Type
Agricultural Sciences Bachelor	First Year Examinations	O
Food Science and Nutrition Bachelor	First Year Examination Block 1	O
Management, Technology and Economics (General Courses)	General Courses	Z
Geospatial Engineering Bachelor	Examination Block 1	O
Environmental Sciences Bachelor	Compulsory	O
Science in Perspective	Economics	W