09446 - Microeconomics

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to give the main elements of the microeconomic analysis of the functioning of a market economy; due attention will be paid, therefore, on the analysis of the behaviour of economic agents (consumers, firms, the state) and on the consequences of their interactions in terms of equilibrium analysis and the properties of the resulting configurations.

Course contents

1. Introduction to Microeconomics
   1. Analyzing Economic Problems
   2. Demand and Supply Analysis
2. Consumer Theory
   1. Consumer Preferences and the Concept of Utility
   2. Consumer Choice
   3. The Theory of Demand
3. Production and Cost Theory
   1. Inputs and Production Functions
   2. Costs and Cost Minimization
   3. Cost Curves
4. Perfect Competition
   1. Perfectly Competitive Markets
   2. Competitive Markets: Applications
5. Market Power
   1. Monopoly and Monopsony
   2. Capturing Surplus
6. Imperfect Competition and Strategic Behavior
   1. Game Theory and Strategic Behavior
   2. Market Structure and Competition
7. Special topics
   1. Risk and Information
   2. General Equilibrium Theory
   3. Externalities and Public Goods
   4. Behavioural Economics

Readings/Bibliography

Besanko, D.A., e R.R. Braeutigam, Microeconomia, IV ed., McGraw Hill, 2012.

Teaching methods

Front lectures

Assessment methods

Written examination. The exam is closed book and will consists in questions (usually 16) about the material covered during the lectures. 

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Carriero