Economists (and other scientists) often study the changes over time in variables like national income, interest rate, oil production... The laws of motion governing these variables are usually expressed in terms of one or more differential or difference equation(s).

• In the first part of this course we will give a review of linear algebra, functions and Taylor's formula. We have a brief look at numerical methods for solving systems of linear and nonlinear equations and study Brouwer's fixed point theorem and study optimization problems (unconstrained and constrained).
• In the second part of this course we will study (ordinary) differential equations and special systems of differential equations and discuss the connections between differential equations, the classical calculus of variations and optimal control theory.
• In the third part of this course we will study difference equations and dynamic programming.

(Weekly) lessons
Individual discussions and questions via Skype/Zoom

Performance review
Exercises must be solved and you should hand in the solutions. The solutions will be marked. All these marks together (arithmetic mean) give the preliminary mark. At the end of the term there will be an examination. Your overall mark will be the arithmetic mean of the preliminary mark and the examination mark.

General Information
There is an examination (duration 90 minutes). The date of the examination will be fixed with the participants of the course.

Allowed electronic means:
simple pocket calculator (einfacher Taschenrechner, according to Merkblatt Hilfsmittel)

Allowed non-electronic means:
open-book

Sydsaeter K., Hammond P., Seierstad A., Strom A.: Further Mathematics for Economic Analysis, Prentice Hall.Chiang,

Alpha C.: Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics, McGraw-Hill International Editions.