Math Course for Economics PhD Students Summer 2026

The aim of this course is to introduce (or remind) you of the mathematics required for PhD classes in economics. In this course, we will learn the standard tools and cookbook procedures required for your first year in a PhD program. We divide the lectures into five modules: Real Analysis, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Optimization, and Difference and Differential Equations. There will be one homework assignment for each module, and there will be multiple-choice questions to be answered after the online lectures to measure your attendance. You should expect to study three hours per weekday on average for reviewing the material and doing the homework. The homework can be completed individually or in groups of two students. There will also be a quiz in each module, which must be completed individually and is closed book. Quizzes will typically not be proctored, although we may proctor some quizzes. There will be an exam at the end of the course, which will be proctored using Zoom. We will schedule the time slots prior to the exam week. In addition, there will be office hours two times a week. Attendance at the office hours is not mandatory but highly encouraged. We will be available to answer your questions, and you will have an opportunity to interact with your classmates. The weights of attendance at the lectures (multiple-choice questions), homework, quizzes, and the exam are 10%, 40%, 20%, and 30%, respectively.