BMAT 17A04 - Introductory Math

Mathematics for Economics is the second half of the introductory-level mathematics programme, building on the foundations laid during the two-week pre-term module. Mathematics is treated here as a language for describing, analysing, and reasoning about quantitative phenomena, and the course is designed to give students the tools they need for the second-semester economics course and for the quantitative social science courses more broadly. The programme covers the following main units over the semester: sequences, quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, differentiation, and optimisation, each introduced through a concrete problem before being formalised. Probability may be introduced if time permits. Every session follows the same working method: understand the underlying idea, try it through guided exercises, explain the reasoning to others, and connect it to an application in economics or the social sciences. The goal is not to memorise formulas but to build the ability to use mathematical tools to solve problems, including those that are new or unfamiliar.

Academic expectations

From one session to the next, students will be told explicitly what is expected before the following session: what must be practised, what is technical (knowing how to compute) as opposed to conceptual (understanding why), and how it connects to the social science courses. Learning is understood as the ability to apply a method to an unfamiliar problem, not to reproduce a memorised solution. Regular participation is expected of every student, including presenting solutions and reasoning at the board. Mistakes are treated as part of the learning process; what is assessed in participation is engagement and the quality of reasoning, not only correctness.

Grading criteria

Continuous assessment, with a minimum of three grades, in accordance with Sciences Po's requirements. Weighting: 60% for three in-class tests, currently planned for 8 October, 18 November and 9 December, 30% for the two takehome assignments, and 10% for participation, including board work. The test dates may be adjusted if necessary and will be communicated in advance. Grades are recorded out of 20, and take-home work accounts for no more than 30% of the final grade.