Elements of Economics
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the introductory bases of economic theory and, through application examples, knowledge of the agricultural sector and the agroindustrial system necessary for graduate training and in particular for the economics courses of the following two years.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge of economic language, method and basics;
understanding of articles, essays and debate about economic
themes (growth, National Debt, prices, etc.).
understanding of articles, essays and debate about economic
themes (growth, National Debt, prices, etc.).
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Lectures
- Introduction to Economics
- Introductory Concepts of Supply and Demand
- The Market and Market Equilibrium
- Consumer Theory
- The Budget Constraint
- Preferences and Indifference Curves
- The Consumer's Optimum
- The Concept of Utility and Marginal Utility
- Consumer Surplus
- Bounded Rationality and Introduction to Behavioral Economics
- Income and Substitution Effects
- Elasticity
- Production function
- Short- and Long-run Production Functions
- The Role of Technology
- Isoquant and Isocost Curves
- Profit Maximization and Cost Minimization
- Short- and Long-run Cost Curves
- Economies and Diseconomies of Scale
- Market Structures
- Introduction to Macroeconomics
The exercises will involve various formats, including in-class exercises, case study analyses, and the reading and analysis of scientific articles, aimed at understanding and deepening the core concepts of the course.
- Introduction to Economics
- Introductory Concepts of Supply and Demand
- The Market and Market Equilibrium
- Consumer Theory
- The Budget Constraint
- Preferences and Indifference Curves
- The Consumer's Optimum
- The Concept of Utility and Marginal Utility
- Consumer Surplus
- Bounded Rationality and Introduction to Behavioral Economics
- Income and Substitution Effects
- Elasticity
- Production function
- Short- and Long-run Production Functions
- The Role of Technology
- Isoquant and Isocost Curves
- Profit Maximization and Cost Minimization
- Short- and Long-run Cost Curves
- Economies and Diseconomies of Scale
- Market Structures
- Introduction to Macroeconomics
The exercises will involve various formats, including in-class exercises, case study analyses, and the reading and analysis of scientific articles, aimed at understanding and deepening the core concepts of the course.
Prerequisites for admission
A good knowledge of basic mathematical tools.
Teaching methods
The "Elements of Economics" Module includes:
- Lectures aimed at providing a foundational understanding of key microeconomic concepts (supply, demand), with a special focus on the agri-food system.
- Class discussions on specific topics - including case studies and/or current events (e.g., market price fluctuations of goods and services) - to build appropriate terminology and critical thinking skills.
- Exercises aimed at acquiring and reinforcing the skills learned in lectures.
- Lectures aimed at providing a foundational understanding of key microeconomic concepts (supply, demand), with a special focus on the agri-food system.
- Class discussions on specific topics - including case studies and/or current events (e.g., market price fluctuations of goods and services) - to build appropriate terminology and critical thinking skills.
- Exercises aimed at acquiring and reinforcing the skills learned in lectures.
Teaching Resources
- The materials used during the "Elements of Economics" module will be made available on the course's MyARIEL website.
- Scientific articles, textbooks, and/or book chapters will be indicated or directly provided by the instructor for individual study or to address specific topics.
- Scientific articles, textbooks, and/or book chapters will be indicated or directly provided by the instructor for individual study or to address specific topics.
Assessment methods and Criteria
- The exam consists of a written test (no midterm exams are scheduled).
- The grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale and communicated to students via the university's exam registration system.
- Six exam sessions are offered annually.
- The exam paper will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Knowledge of fundamental concepts covered in the course
- Ability to solve exercises and apply course concepts
- Use of correct terminology
- Ability to critically and integratively address course concepts and topics
Specific procedures are in place for students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD), as described at:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-disabilities
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld
To access these services, please email the instructor at least 15 days before the exam, copying the appropriate office as well ([email protected] or [email protected]).
- The grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale and communicated to students via the university's exam registration system.
- Six exam sessions are offered annually.
- The exam paper will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Knowledge of fundamental concepts covered in the course
- Ability to solve exercises and apply course concepts
- Use of correct terminology
- Ability to critically and integratively address course concepts and topics
Specific procedures are in place for students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD), as described at:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-disabilities
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld
To access these services, please email the instructor at least 15 days before the exam, copying the appropriate office as well ([email protected] or [email protected]).
AGR/01 - AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RURAL APPRAISAL - University credits: 6
Practicals: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
De Marchi Elisa
Professor(s)
Reception:
Via G. Celoria 2, Dep. Environmental Science and Policy (third floor)