Economics (ECON) | Melville School of Business

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ECON 1101  3 credits  
Foundations of Economics  
Students will study basic economic principles and economic issues facing the Canadian economy. They will analyze and discuss such issues as free trade, environmental problems, economic growth, unemployment and inflation. Note: Students with credit for ECON 1150 or ECON 1250 may not take ECON 1101 for further credit.
Level: UG
Attributes: ASTR, BUSI
ECON 1110  3 credits  
Making Economic Sense of Life  
This course is a fun and unconventional exploration of how everything works: public transit, hospitals, social media, air travel, climate action, and much more. This course is ideal for those who would like to find out what economists do and would like to study Economics without math.
Level: UG
Attributes: ASTR, BUSI
ECON 1150  3 credits  
Principles of Microeconomics  
Understanding microeconomics is like gaining a superpower for your career. It equips you with the analytical skills to identify market opportunities, optimize resource allocation, and understand economic trends. These abilities are invaluable across a wide range of professions, from finance and consulting to public policy and entrepreneurship. This course helps you make better decisions and stand out in the competitive business landscape. Topics include specialization and exchange, supply and demand, elasticity, consumer behaviour, cost, market structure, and market failure. Note: Students planning to take both ECON 1150 and ECON 1250 are recommended to successfully complete ECON 1150 first.
Level: UG
Attributes: ASTR, BUSI, QUAN
ECON 1250  3 credits  
Principles of Macroeconomics  
This course is ideal for those who are interested in global economics and looking to grasp the big picture of how national economies operate. This course is invaluable for students aiming for careers in financial analysis, investment banking, or economic consulting, where understanding macroeconomic trends is key. This course is great for public policy and international relations students who aspire to shape public policy or work in international affairs, as it provides a solid foundation in the economic principles that underpin government and global decisions. Topics include macroeconomic performance measures, economic growth, inflation, unemployment, interest rates, exchange rates, monetary and fiscal policy. Note: Students planning to take both ECON 1150 and ECON 1250 are recommended to successfully complete ECON 1150 first.
Level: UG
Attributes: ASTR, BUSI, QUAN
ECON 2210  3 credits  
Money and Banking  
The money and banking course provides an in-depth introduction to the role of money, banking, and financial markets within the Canadian and global economies. Students will explore the functions of money, the behavior of financial institutions, the structure of financial systems, the theory of interest and exchange rate determination, and processes of monetary control and the regulation of the banking and the financial systems. The course also examines the roles of central bank and banking system in the creation of money. By the end of the course, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how the banking system operates and the impact of monetary policy in an open economy.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250
Attributes: ASTR, BUSI, QUAN
ECON 2255  3 credits  
International Trade  
Let’s explore global commerce to understand why countries trade, how they benefit from specialization, and the implications of trade policies. This course doesn’t stop at theory and connects economic models to real-world issues such as trade diplomacy and trade tensions between countries, tariffs and income inequality. Whether you dream of working at the WTO, analyzing trade data, or advising companies on cross-border deals, this course gives your career a boost. The world is your trading partner—let’s explore it together!
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250
Attributes: ASTR, BUSI, QUAN
ECON 2260  3 credits  
Environmental Economics  
This course explores the connection between environmental quality and economic behavior. Discover how environmental economists strive to protect environmental quality more cost-effectively, their significant contributions to design and evaluation of environmental policy, and become familiar with benefit-cost analysis, a valuable tool to make a wide range of policy decisions, including in public health, education, energy, national security, criminal justice, poverty, transportation and more. Note: This course pairs well with ECON 3100 Economics of Sustainability Policy and ECON 3362 Natural Resource Economics.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250
Attributes: ASTR, BUSI, QUAN
ECON 2280  3 credits  
Labour Economics  
Students will use economic theory to examine the decision-making processes that underlie the supply of and the demand for labour in the Canadian economy, with emphasis on the role of labour markets in determining wages and employment levels. They will analyze relevant labour market structures, theories that predict the outcome of collective bargaining, and policies with respect to unemployment and retraining.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250
Attributes: ASTR, BUSI, QUAN
ECON 2350  3 credits  
Intermediate Microeconomics  
Unlock the deeper mechanics of economic decision-making with our Intermediate Microeconomics course. This class goes beyond the basics, challenging you to understand and apply the principles that drive consumer behavior, firm production, and market interactions. You’ll explore diverse market structures—perfect competition, monopoly, and oligopoly—and how they shape prices, innovation, and welfare. Using real-world cases and calculus, this course equips you with analytical tools to evaluate policies, understand market dynamics, and prepare for advanced study or a career in economics. Join us to discover how theory translates into action in the complex world of markets.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): All of (a) ECON 1150, (b) ECON 1250 and (c) MATH 1120, 1130, or 1140
Attributes: ASTR, BUSI, QUAN
ECON 3100  3 credits  
Economics of Sustainability Policy  
Students will study current sustainability issues and policies from an economic perspective. Topics will include the strengths and limitations of alternative measures of economic welfare and economic growth models, current sustainability policies and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Note: This course is equivalent with POST 3100. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250
Attributes: ASTR, BUSI
ECON 3150  3 credits  
Managerial Economics  
Students will apply microeconomic theory and quantitative techniques to managerial decision-making and problems faced by firms. Topics will include demand analysis and estimation, production and cost analysis, pricing and output decisions in various market structures, and competitive strategies. This course will include a group project analysis of a specific organization and its challenges and use data analytics software (e.g., MS Excel).
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250, and one of the following: ACCT 1230, BUQU 1230, CRIM 2103, PSYC 2300, SOCI 2365, STAT 1115, STAT 2315, STAT 2342, or equivalent first-year statistics course
Attributes: ASTR, BUSI, QUAN
ECON 3208  3 credits  
History of Economic Thought  
Journey through time with our History of Economic Thought course! Uncover the profound ideas and groundbreaking theories that have shaped the economic landscapes we navigate today. Learn from the revolutionary insights of Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes, as well as from a rich tapestry of intellectual evolution. Dive into the works of the great economic minds, explore the roots of modern economic systems, and understand how these ideas continue to influence contemporary policies and practices. Join us and gain a deeper appreciation for the history that underpins today's economic theories.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250
Attribute: BUSI
ECON 3211  3 credits  
Economic History of Canada  
Learning about economic history of Canada is essential to understanding how Canada has become the country it is now. Beginning with the Aboriginal economies and spanning more than 150 years, the economic history of Canada has been developing a Mari usque ad Mare, harvesting fish and lumber and wheat and numerous talents of numerous people - and controversy. War and peace, land and poverty, trade and Confederation: the course offers a modern economic approach to interpreting the economic past of Canada.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150 and ECON 1250, and 6 credits from courses in ECON at the 2000 level or higher.
Attributes: ASTR, BUSI
ECON 3251  3 credits  
The Economics of Gender  
Discover the dynamic intersection of gender and economics in our Economics of Gender course! Delve into the intricacies of labour market disparities, household and family decision-making, and the economic impacts of fertility and childcare. Explore how education and human capital shape gender-specific economic opportunities and analyze the role of gender in global development. This course provides a comprehensive framework to understand the economic inequalities faced by different genders. Equip yourself with the knowledge—one policy at a time. Join us and be part of the solution!
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250, and 6 credits from courses in ECON at the 2000 level or higher
Attribute: BUSI
ECON 3270  3 credits  
Industrial Organization  
Students will examine the economics of imperfect competition. They will learn how different market structures operate, study pricing strategies and examine government policy in these market structures and in various industries. Students will analyze the theory of the firm, monopoly, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, government policies and their effects, Canadian competition policies, regulation and deregulation. They will also discuss game theory and various aspects of strategic behaviour such as price discrimination.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): All of: (a) ECON 1150, (b) ECON 1250 and (c) 6 credits from courses in ECON at the 2000 level or higher
Attributes: BUSI, QUAN
ECON 3333  3 credits  
Statistical Analysis of Economic Data  
This course, also known as Econometrics, teaches students foundational data analysis techniques to estimate models, make inferences, and test theories. In addition to understanding core concepts and theory, students will gain practical experience in data analysis using statistical software. As econometric skills are highly sought after in economics, finance and investment, data science, public policy, market research, consulting, and healthcare, this course equips students for data analysis roles in academic and professional environments.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250, and one of the following: BUQU 1230, CRIM 2103, PSYC 2300, SOCI 2365, STAT 1115, STAT 2315, or equivalent first-year statistics course
Attributes: BUSI, QUAN
ECON 3350  3 credits  
Game Theory and Strategic Behaviour  
Step into the world of strategic thinking with our Game Theory course! Discover the art of decision-making in competitive and cooperative environments through an exploration of Nash equilibrium, mixed strategies, and repeated games. Unravel the complexities of auctions, negotiations, and evolutionary dynamics, while gaining insights into real-world applications across economics, politics, war, evolutionary biology, and more. This course equips you with the analytical tools to navigate and anticipate the moves of others in both professional and personal arenas. Join us and sharpen your strategic edge for a deeper understanding of human interaction and decision-making.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250, and one of the following: BUQU 1230, STAT 1115, or an equivalent first-year statistics course
Attributes: BUSI, QUAN
ECON 3362  3 credits  
Natural Resource Economics  
Why do oil prices keep rising? Are we running out of oil? Why are there no cod on the Atlantic coast? These are just some of the issues addressed in natural resource economics. Using models for fisheries, forestry and mining, students will begin building the biological, physical and economic aspects of the theoretical models used in the economics of renewable and non-renewable resources. Students will explore decision-making over time in both static and dynamic cases, as well as the effects of market structure and regulations.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250, and one of the following: BUQU 2100, MATH 1120, MATH 1130, or MATH 1140
Attributes: BUSI, QUAN
ECON 3451  3 credits  
Macroeconomic Policy  
Unlock the secrets of the economy with our Intermediate Macroeconomic Policy course! Dive deep into the dynamics of national income, business cycles, and the intricate dance between fiscal and monetary policy. Explore the causes and consequences of inflation and unemployment, while gaining insights into exchange rates, international trade, and economic growth. With a blend of theoretical models and real-world applications, this course equips you with the tools to analyze and navigate today's complex economic landscape. Whether you're an aspiring economist or simply passionate about understanding the forces that shape our world, this course is your gateway to mastering macroeconomics. Note: Students planning to take ECON 3451 are recommended to successfully complete ECON 2210 and/or ECON 2255 first.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250, and 6 credits from courses in ECON at the 2000 level
Attributes: BUSI, QUAN
ECON 3455  3 credits  
The Economics of International Finance  
International finance is a captivating field that studies the monetary interactions between countries: how money, capital, and financial assets jet around the globe seeking higher returns. Travel the intricate world of exchange rates, trade balances, central banks, currency crises and currency unions. Whether you’re aspiring to have a career at investment banks and multinational corporations or just curious about the world’s economic tides, this course is your compass. Note: Students planning to take ECON 3455 are recommended to successfully complete ECON 2210 first.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1150, ECON 1250, and 6 credits from courses in ECON at the 2000 level
Attributes: BUSI, QUAN
ECON 3555  3 credits  
Issues in Economic Development  
Delve into Development Economics to uncover why some nations thrive while others struggle with poverty, and to explore ways to close this gap. This course tackles pressing issues like population growth, urbanization, child labour, and microfinance, connecting economic theories to the realities of the developing world. Perfect for those interested in international organizations, government policy, or NGOs, this course pairs well with ECON 2255 or ECON 3451, equipping you to address global development challenges and drive meaningful change. Note: Students planning to take ECON 3555 are encouraged to successfully complete ECON 2255 first.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): All of: (a) ECON 1150, (b) ECON 1250 and (c) 6 credits from courses in ECON at the 2000-level or higher
Attribute: BUSI
ECON 4710  3 credits  
Law and Economics  
Explore the fascinating intersection of law and economics. Gain insights into how legal frameworks influence economic efficiency, innovation, and market behaviour. From property rights and contract law to antitrust regulations and public policy, this course delves into the economic impact of legal rules. Perfect for students interested in shaping policies that drive economic and social progress, this course equips you with the analytical tools to navigate complex legal and economic landscapes.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): All of (a) ECON 1150, (b) ECON 1250, (c) 6 credits of ECON courses at the 2000 level and (d) 39 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher.
Attribute: BUSI
ECON 4900  3 credits  
Special Topics in Economics  
Students will engage in an intensive study of selected topics in Economics. They will examine and evaluate recent developments in the topics area and assess the implications of these developments. Students will undertake a literature review associated with a particular course topic area and identify future directions for research and/or policy development. Note: Students may take this course multiple times for further credit on different topics.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including all of (a) ECON 1150, (b) ECON 1250, and a minimum of (c) 3 credits from courses in ECON at the 3000 level or higher.
Attribute: BUSI

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