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Economics

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Introduction to Economic Policy A

Module Code: ECU11031

Module Name: Introduction to Economic Policy A

  • ECTS Weighting: 5
  • Semester/Term Taught: Semester 1
  • Contact Hours: 22 hours of lectures and approximately 8 hours of tutorials
  • Module Personnel: SALI Professor of Political Economy -- Sharyn O'Halloran

Module Learning Aims

This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive outline of some of the core elements of microeconomics and their applications. By the end of the first half of the module, students can use their knowledge of economic theory and policy to understand better the drivers of demand and supply and the decision-making processes of individuals and businesses. Students will understand market systems. Students should also understand the concept of market failure and how governments can sometimes improve market outcomes.  

Module Content

Section A: Microeconomics

  • Topic 1: Introduction to economics: microeconomics

Section B: Market: What is and how markets work

  • Topic 2: Demand curve, supply curve, equilibrium
  • Topic 3: Elasticity
  • Topic 4: Price ceilings and price floors

Section C: Market structures

  • Topic 5: Perfect Competition and Monopoly
  • Topic 6: Oligopoly & monopolistic competition

Section D: Interventions in markets

  • Topic 7: Externalities
  • Topic 8: Public goods and information asymmetry
  • Topic 9: Taxation

Section E: Global Development

  • Topic 10: Poverty and Income Distribution

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 

  • Explain the concepts of economics, demand, supply, prices, and equilibrium, and illustrate shifts and movements in demand and supply curves. 
  • Discuss the concepts of price floors, price ceilings, and elasticity.  
  • Explain the causes of market failure and understand the role of government.  
  • Evaluate market structures, including monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic competition. Outline the role of competition policy and regulation.  
  • Understand how income inequality and poverty are defined, measured, and addressed in an economic context.  

Recommended Reading List

Core resources:

Module Co-Requisite

ECU11032

Assessment Details

The assessment for this module comprises a group work project 30% and an end-of-term examination of 70%.

Module Website

Blackboard