ECON30020 Mathematical Economics
University of Melbourne · Level 3 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- Final exam 50%
- About 3 class hours a week
Is ECON30020 hard?
ECON30020: Easier. Not counted by Bachelor of Science, so it isn't on its lists. Makes it easier: Reviewers say it’s manageable (3 reviews). Makes it harder: You must pass the exam on its own.
What you learn
The maths economists use: calculus, linear algebra and constrained optimisation applied to economic problems.
After it you can
- Set up and solve utility, profit and cost problems
- Solve Lagrange and Kuhn-Tucker problems
- Do matrix algebra and comparative statics
What you need first
ECON20001 or ECON20002
Can’t be taken together with
- ECON40001
- ECON90063
How it’s assessed
Assignments 30%, Tests 20%, Final exam 50%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 3 students on StudentVIP (2015–2019)
- Reviewers say it feels more like a maths subject than economics, covering tools used in micro, macro and econometrics, with few economic applications.
- All three found it manageable or easy with a solid maths background such as Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra; the Lagrangian is a key idea.
- Tutorials were seen as helpful and assignments resemble tutorial questions; steady practice is the main tip.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate ECON30020
Quick answers
- When is ECON30020 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking ECON30020?
- Needs ECON20001 or ECON20002.
- Does ECON30020 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 50% of the mark. You must pass the exam on its own. Assessment: Assignments 30%, Tests 20%, Final exam 50%.
- Is ECON30020 hard?
- From 3 student reviews on StudentVIP: Reviewers say it feels more like a maths subject than economics, covering tools used in micro, macro and econometrics, with few economic applications.
- What do students say about ECON30020?
- Reviewers say it feels more like a maths subject than economics, covering tools used in micro, macro and econometrics, with few economic applications. All three found it manageable or easy with a solid maths background such as Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra; the Lagrangian is a key idea. Tutorials were seen as helpful and assignments resemble tutorial questions; steady practice is the main tip.
- How many class hours a week does ECON30020 have?
- 3 h a week in class
- Can I take ECON30020 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- Can I rate ECON30020?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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