Introduction to Microeconomics

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Objectives

This discipline starts off with the economics object study, exploring the question of the economic problem and the economy as a social science. After the presentation of the economic agents and instruments, it proceeds to the study of the theories of demand, supply and pricing. In relation to these theories, our study also focuses on their respective elasticities and their applications. Studied in addition are the theory of consumer behaviour and the theory of production and costs. Finally, taking into account the specific characteristics of the various organizations of the market and pricing system, we approach het perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly and monopolistic competition.

The student should acquire knowledge regarding the understanding of the issues mentioned above, with intuitive graphical approach. It should also be familiar with all the models presented and, in some cases, with the respective mathematical formalization.

Program

 

1. The Object of Economics

1.1. The economic problem

1.2. Economics as a social science

1.3.Economic instruments

1.4. Economic agents

2. Basic Principles of Demand and Supply

2.1. The demand theory

2.2. The supply theory

2.3. Pricing

2.4. Elasticities

3. Applications in Microeconomics Policy

3.1. The agriculture problem

3.2. The problem of pricing

4. Theory of Consumer Behavior

4.1. Utility and preferences

4.2. Consumer balance

4.3. Consumer theory in practice

4.4. Behavior in conditions of uncertainty

5. Production and Costs

5.1. Production theory

5.2. Cost theory

6. Markets and Prices

6.1. Perfect competition

6.2. Monopoly

6.3. Oligopoly

6.4. Monopolistic competition

Teaching Methodologies

This curricular unit runs divided weekly into a theoretical and a practical class, the latter providing for the follow-up / sedimentation of the subjects previously treated. Both the theoretical and practical classes are made available to students on the platform designed for this purpose (moodle.uac.pt). Add to that the fact that a weekly opening hour of 2 hours is available to all students to clarify any question or doubt related to the curricular unit.

Bibliography

Mankiw, Gregory (2020). Introdução à Microeconomia (tradução da 8ª edição norte-americana). Editora Cengage. 

Samuelson, Paul A. e Nordhaus, William D. (2010). Economia (19ª Edição). McGraw Hill.

 

Code

0103164

ECTS Credits

6

Classes

  • Teóricas - 30 hours
  • Teórico-Práticas - 30 hours