Logo

Quantitative Methods

Code: 40094
Credits: 15
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Economic Analysis OB 1

Contact lecturer

Name :
Pau Milán Solé
Email :
pau.milan@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Jordi Caballe Vilella
Fernando Payro Chew

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisits.

Objectives

This   module   provides   students   advanced    quantitative    tools for    economic    analysis.   The    module    covers    optimization,    probability and  statistics.    

The    module    is    organized    in    two sections.  The    first    one   covers    the    foundations    of    optimization    theory.    The    second    section   provides    students    

with  the    theoretical    foundations    of    probability    and    statistics    necessary    for    econometric    and    financial    analysis.    


    

Learning outcomes

  • CA01 (Design analytical solutions for professional economic problems.) Design analytical solutions for professional economic problems.
  • CA02 (Integrate a strategic decision question into a formal model for later resolution.) Integrate a strategic decision question into a formal model for later resolution.
  • KA01 (Describe advanced mathematical tools for formalising multivariate models.) Describe advanced mathematical tools for formalising multivariate models.
  • KA02 (List the key concepts of individual optimisation (metric spaces, convexity, differential equations) applied to economic analysis.) List the key concepts of individual optimisation (metric spaces, convexity, differential equations) applied to economic analysis.
  • KA03 (Identify the probability and statistical foundations necessary for econometric inference.) Identify the probability and statistical foundations necessary for econometric inference.
  • KA04 (Recognise the elements of game theory and balances used in multipersonal strategic decisions.) Recognise the elements of game theory and balances used in multipersonal strategic decisions.
  • SA01 (Apply mathematical proof to derive results from economic theory.) Apply mathematical proof to derive results from economic theory.
  • SA02 (Classify the relevant assumptions and variables to model a strategic interaction with two agents.) Classify the relevant assumptions and variables to model a strategic interaction with two agents.
  • SA03 (Use algebra and differential calculus to solve economic problems in lab sessions.) Use algebra and differential calculus to solve economic problems in lab sessions.
  • SA04 (Compare simulated datasets to determine the suitability of econometric techniques.) Compare simulated datasets to determine the suitability of econometric techniques.

Contents

I. Optimization


 1. Sets and Metric Spaces:


2. Functions and Correspondences:


3. Linear Spaces and Linear Algebra:


4. Smooth functions, Optimization and Comparative Statics:


5. Difference and Differential Equations: 


II. Probability and Statistics


1. Probability


2. Measure Theory


3. Random Variables and Distributions


4. Expectation


5. Special Distributions


6. Functions of Random Variables7. Stochastic Processes and Limiting Distributions


8. Sampling


9. Estimation


10. Hypothesis Testing


 For a detailed description of the content of this module go to https://sites.google.com/view/idea-program/master-program


 

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Theory classes 112.5 4.5
Personal study, study groups, textbook readings, article readings 187.5 7.5
Problem solving and tutorials 75 3

The course will consist of sessions where the instructor presents the material, and sessions specifically dedicated to problem solving. Students are encouraged to form study groups to discuss assignments and readings.

The proposed teaching methodology may undergo some modifications according to the restrictions imposed by the health authorities on on-campus courses.

 

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Exam Part II 40% 0 0 CA01, CA02, KA01, KA02, KA03, KA04, SA01, SA02, SA03, SA04
Exam Part I 40% 0 0 CA01, CA02, KA01, KA02, KA03, KA04, SA01, SA02, SA03, SA04
Class Attendance and Problem sets and assignments 20% 0 0 CA01, CA02, KA01, KA02, KA03, KA04, SA01, SA02, SA03, SA04

 

This modul does not contemplate an evaluation from a single comprehensive exam

Exam Part I 

40%  

Exam Part II

40%  

Problem  sets  and  assignments  + Class  attendance    and    active    participation    

20%  

The proposed evaluation activities may undergo some changes according to the restrictions imposed by the health authorities on on-campus courses. 

In this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is not permitted in any of its phases. Any work that includes fragments generated with AI will be considered a breach of academic honesty and may result in a partial or total penalty to the activity's grade, or more severe sanctions in serious cases.

Bibliography

 Optimization:

Axler, S.J., Linear algebra done right (Vol. 2). New York: Springer.
Carter, M., Foundations of mathematical economics. MIT Press.
Sydsæter, K., Hammond, P., Seierstad, A. and Strom, A., Further mathematics for economic analysis. Pearson education

 

Probability and Statistics:

Ash, R.B., Real Analysis and Probability, Academic Press.
Bierens, H.J., Introduction to the Mathematical and Statistical Foundations of Econometrics, Cambridge University Press.
Billingsley, P., Probability and Measure, Wiley.
DeGroot, M.H. and Schervish, M.J., Probability and Statistics, Pearson.
Hogg, R.V., McKean, J. and Craig, A.T., Introduction to Mathematical Statistics, Pearson.
Lindgren, B.V., Statistical Theory, Chapman and Hall/CRC.
Rice, J.A., Mathematical Statistics and Data Analysis, Cengage Learning.

 

Additional references will be provided during the course.

Software

  • Matlab
  • R
  • Phyton
  • Stata

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TEm) Theory (master) 30 English first semester morning-mixed
(PLABm) Practical laboratories (master) 30 English first semester morning-mixed