Ateneo - UPO

The first part of the course introduces students to basic tools widely used in microeconomics for the analysis of: 1. the rational choices of consumers and firms; 2. the characteristics and mechanisms of a perfectly competitive market; 3. the characteristics and mechanisms of a monopoly, oligopoly and monopolistic competition market structure.

Robert H. Frank, Edward Carwright, Romano Piras, Microeconomia, 9th edition (2025), McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

The objective of the course is to provide basic tools for the analysis and the understanding of the main microeconomic mechanisms which characterize: 1. the rational choices of consumers and firms. 2. how markets behave. This course introduces the students to the basic concepts and principles required to analyse and discuss an economic model and its application. This knowledge has to be conceived as a prerequisite for the development of positive and normative judgements on economic problems and economic policy issues.

Knowledge of the basic tools of mathematical analysis.

Proficiency in the Italian language and the ability to express oneself appropriately in both written and oral forms, as specified by the knowledge level required for degree program enrollment (level B2) for non-Erasmus international students.

Lectures and frontal exercises. All academic credits (CFU) are delivered through face-to-face teaching methods (in-person lectures).

Further information can be found in the web page of the course at the URL: https://www.dir.uniupo.it/.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

It is a written examination. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, which evaluate the student's ability to understand the relevant economic models and mechanisms. The final grade depends on both an absolute evaluation and a relative evaluation compared to the population of students taking the exam. The duration of the written exam is 30 minutes. Detailed information on the score assigned to each question and how it contributes to the final grade of the written exam can be found in the exam rules published on the course DIR website.

At the instructor's discretion, students may be called to take an oral exam to better assess their level of preparation; this exam will contribute to the determination of the final grade.

The exam awards up to a maximum of 31 points. To pass the course, students must obtain a score greater than or equal to 18 points. Cum laude (lode) is awarded when students achieve a total score greater than or equal to 31 points. If the instructor requires an oral exam, the final grade will also take into account the performance in the oral interview.

In relation to the educational objectives, a grade between 18 and 24 implies knowledge of basic conceptual and graphical tools; a grade between 25 and 28 implies knowledge of basic graphical and algebraic tools and a partial understanding of the economic mechanisms underlying the models; a grade greater than or equal to 29 implies the complete achievement of the educational objectives.

Notes: During the written exams, it is not permitted to consult books, lecture notes, or other materials, nor to use electronic devices unless strictly required for exam purposes, artificial intelligence tools, or any smart device (smartphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, etc.). Violation of these regulations will result in the cancellation of the exam and will lead to disciplinary proceedings against the student.

Furthermore, it is mandatory to present a valid identification document (such as an ID card or driver's license) for identification purposes.

1. Thinking like an Economist 2. Supply and Demand 3. Rational Consumer Choice 4. Individual and Market Demand 5. Applications of Rational Choice and Demand Theories6. Production 7. Costs 8. Perfect Competition 9. Monopoly 10. Imperfect Competition and Oligopoly: A Game-Theoretic Approach
No specific sessions are devoted to gender-related topics or dimensions. Although these are relevant to microeconomics, their proper treatment requires more advanced analytical tools and knowledge than the foundational ones provided in this course.

In alignment with the educational objectives of the Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, the course aims to achieve the following learning outcomes structured according to the Dublin Descriptors:

Knowledge and understanding: Acquisition of the fundamental concepts and principles of basic microeconomic models regarding the rational choices of consumers and firms, as well as the main market structures (perfect competition, monopoly and duopoly).

Applying knowledge and understanding: Ability to use basic conceptual, graphical, and algebraic tools of economic analysis to identify, formalize, and solve analytical problems related to market equilibrium, optimization, and elementary strategic interaction.

Making judgments: The development of positive and normative judgments on economic and political economy issues, with specific reference to evaluating market efficiency and understanding the economic mechanisms underlying the models.

Communication skills: Development of the ability to express oneself correctly in written (and optionally oral) form, demonstrating understanding of the relevant economic issue through the rigorous use of technical language and graphical-analytical representations specific to the discipline.

Learning skills: Development of the methodological and logical-mathematical skills required to independently interpret basic economic models, serving as an essential prerequisite for the study and learning of subsequent economic and public policy disciplines within the program.