Principles of economics

lbir1260  2020-2021  Louvain-la-Neuve

Principles of economics
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information below is subject to change, in particular that concerning the teaching mode (presential, distance or in a comodal or hybrid format).
4 credits
30.0 h + 15.0 h
Q1
Teacher(s)
Schuster Monica (compensates Van den Broeck Goedele); Van den Broeck Goedele;
Language
English
Prerequisites

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.
Main themes
After a short introduction to economics, this course examines:
- economic growth, inequality and poverty
- economics of (agricultural) production
- economics of (food) consumption
- economics of supply and demand, and implications of government interventions
- market failures (imperfect competition, public goods and externalities, efficiency versus equity)
- globalization and international (agri-food) trade
- transition towards more sustainable and inclusive (food) economies
Throughout this course, examples and applications are drawn from the agricultural sector, food policy and natural resource management.
Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 a. With respect to the learning outcomes of the bioengineering bachelor program, this course contributes to the following learning outcomes:
1.2-1.3: theoretical lectures
1.5: exercise sessions
2.1: theoretical lectures
3.2: theoretical lectures and exercise sessions
6.10: theoretical lectures
7.3 and 7.4: theoretical lectures
b. At the end of the course, students will be able :
- to know, understand and explain basic concepts of economics
- to analyse economic problems and evaluate welfare implications of market interventions by reasoning about mechanisms and predicting quantitative effects
- to critically assess market failures and how to design more sustainable and inclusive economic systems
 
Content
During the theoretical lectures students are introduced to the various themes starting with a real-life example, followed by an explanation of the theory, models and graphs required to interpret the economic problem.
During the exercise sessions students practice how to solve the economic problems themselves.   
Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Theoretical lectures and exercise sessions
Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Written exam during standard examination period; 5 open questions; 60% is graded on theory and 40% on exercises
Other information
The course is taught in English, but questions can be asked in French. Students can respond on their exam in French if they prefer to.
Online resources
Moodle
Bibliography
- Slides on Moodle
- Recommended handbook of Robert Pindyck and Daniel Rubinfeld, Microeconomics, 8th edition, Pearson Education, New Jersey, 2013. (version française disponible / other editions can be used as well)
Faculty or entity
AGRO


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Aims
Minor in Development and Environment

Bachelor in Bioengineering

Interdisciplinary Advanced Master in Science and Management of the Environment and Sustainable Development

Master [120] in Environmental Science and Management