Graduate
This is information from a past (2022) course.
The URLs, account and classroom informations have been removed to prevent the leakage of internal information for online classes.
Last updated at Oct 17, 2025.
Class plans and classrooms are subject to change, so be sure to check UTAS for the latest information.
If you do not have access to the UTAS, please contact your instructor or academic affairs office.
Last updated at Oct 17, 2025.
Class plans and classrooms are subject to change, so be sure to check UTAS for the latest information.
If you do not have access to the UTAS, please contact your instructor or academic affairs office.
Mathematics for Public Policy
This course introduces fundamental mathematical tools that are useful in analyzing various public policies in a scientific way. By taking this course, you will be able to systematically and intuitively apply mathematical methods to economic and management issues and utilize them for your research on public policy issues. The focus of this course is on (i) fundamental elements and (ii) applications to real world issues. The fundamental elements include functions, sequence and series, differentiation, unconstrained and constrained optimization, integration, and matrix algebra. We also cover simple versions of differential and difference equations to understand the basic concept of dynamic systems. It is important for you to realize in advance that this course is a building block for any further study of public policy.
Code
Course title
Lecturer
Semester
Period
5130250
GPP-MP6Z30L3
Mathematics for Public Policy
KAKINAKA Makoto
Sat 3rd, Sat 4th
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Language
English
Credit
1
Lecturers with practical experience
NO
Other Faculty
NO
Course Offered by
Public Policy
Schedule
Course outline is as follows:
1. Functions
2. Sequence and series
3. Differentiation and applications
4. Unconstrained optimization
5. Constrained optimization
6. Integration
7. Probability and statistics
8. Differential equation
9. Difference equation (if possible)
10. Matrix algebra (if possible)
Teaching Methods
Lecture, Practice Session
Method of Evaluation
Grading Policy: Problem Sets 30%, Prelim 35%, Final Exam 35%
Problem Sets: Problem sets will be assigned, collected, and graded. Aside from the credit, there are good reasons to take them seriously. Importantly, if you understand the problem sets, you will likely do well on the exams since the problem sets are representative of the midterm and the final. You are permitted to collaborate with other students. In fact, it is encouraged. But, you must write your own solutions in your own words, and you should keep in mind that it is in your best interest to not rely too heavily on your study partners/groups. Be sure that you understand and can present the solutions to the problems on your own.
Exams: All exams are closed-book.
Required Textbook
No specific required textbooks
Reference Books
Bradley, T., Essential Mathematics for Economics and Business, 4th Ed., John Wiley and Sons, 2013.
Simon, C. P., Blume, L., Mathematics for Economists, W. W. Norton, 1994.
Baldani, J., Bradfield, J., Turner R.W., Mathematical Economics, 2nd Ed., Thomson, 2005.
Notes on Taking the Course
Students who take this course will be decided by the screening test.
