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B-A in Economics And Mathematics at University of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Economics and Mathematics at University of Kerala Thiruvananthapuram?
This B.A. Economics program with a focus on Mathematics for Economics at the University of Kerala centers on providing students with a robust understanding of economic theories and quantitative methods. It integrates core economic principles with essential mathematical tools, preparing graduates to analyze complex economic issues using rigorous analytical frameworks. The program differentiates itself by embedding strong quantitative foundations, crucial for advanced economic modeling and policy analysis in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from the Plus Two system with a strong aptitude for both social sciences and quantitative subjects. It caters to aspiring economists, data analysts, and researchers who wish to delve deep into economic phenomena with a mathematical lens. Students with a background in commerce or science streams seeking to transition into economics with a solid analytical foundation will find this specialization particularly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as economic analysts, data scientists, research associates, and consultants in financial institutions, government organizations, and research firms. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals, often reaching INR 8-15 lakhs or more in specialized roles. The strong quantitative skills developed are also highly valued for pursuing advanced degrees like M.A. in Economics, M.Sc. in Quantitative Economics, or MBA programs.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Economic and Mathematical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding basic economic theories (e.g., demand-supply, national income) and core mathematical concepts (e.g., calculus, linear algebra). Attend all lectures, actively participate in tutorials, and clarify doubts immediately to build a strong base.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Economics textbooks, Introductory calculus books (e.g., B.S. Grewal), Khan Academy, NPTEL online courses for basic economics/math
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in advanced courses and forms the bedrock for analytical and research-oriented roles in finance and economics, highly sought after in the Indian job market.
Develop Effective Study Habits and Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics, collaboratively solve problems, and prepare for internal assessments. Practice active recall and spaced repetition for better retention of concepts and engage in healthy academic discussions.
Tools & Resources
Collaborative online tools (e.g., Google Docs, WhatsApp groups), University library resources, Peer tutors and mentoring programs
Career Connection
Cultivates essential teamwork and communication skills, vital for professional environments. Improved academic performance also directly leads to better career prospects and opportunities for higher education.
Build Basic Data Handling Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Get acquainted with fundamental data manipulation and visualization tools. Even without formal courses, explore simple data sets related to the Indian economy and public policy to enhance understanding of real-world applications.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Basic R/Python tutorials (e.g., DataCamp free courses, W3Schools)
Career Connection
Early exposure to data skills provides a significant advantage for internships and entry-level positions in analytics, market research, and economic consulting, which are booming in India.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Quantitative Methods to Economic Problems- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out case studies and real-world economic problems where mathematical and statistical tools can be applied. Focus on rigorous problem-solving exercises in Microeconomics, Indian Economy, and Mathematical Economics courses to solidify analytical thinking.
Tools & Resources
University assignments and problem sets, Online platforms like Econometrics Academy, Academic journals focusing on applied economics research
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for roles requiring economic modeling, forecasting, and quantitative analysis in sectors like banking, financial services, and policy analysis firms across India.
Engage in Industry-Relevant Workshops and Internships- (Semester 4-5)
Participate in workshops on econometrics software (e.g., R, Python, STATA) or financial modeling. Actively look for short-term internships in local banks, NGOs, or research firms to gain practical exposure to the Indian economic landscape and policy implementation.
Tools & Resources
University career services portal, LinkedIn, Internship platforms (e.g., Internshala, LetsIntern), Workshops conducted by external training providers
Career Connection
Bridges the crucial gap between academic learning and industry demands, builds professional networks, and significantly enhances employability for campus placements and off-campus recruitment drives.
Develop Presentation and Research Skills through Projects- (Semester 5)
Utilize the project work in Semester 5 to develop robust research skills, including effective data collection, analysis, and report writing. Practice presenting findings confidently, thereby improving public speaking and communication abilities.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (e.g., JSTOR, EBSCO), Google Scholar, Plagiarism checker tools, Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides)
Career Connection
Essential for both academic pursuits (higher education) and professional roles requiring data-driven insights, persuasive argumentation, and effective communication to stakeholders in Indian organizations.
Advanced Stage
Specialize and Deepen Analytical Skills for Placements- (Semester 6)
Focus on advanced topics in Macroeconomics, International Economics, and Quantitative Techniques. Identify specific career interests (e.g., financial analyst, economic consultant) and acquire specialized skills through online certifications or advanced projects aligning with those interests.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on advanced econometrics or financial mathematics, MOOCs from platforms like Coursera/edX (e.g., Financial Markets by Yale), Data science bootcamps and specialized workshops
Career Connection
Tailors the acquired skill set to specific industry demands, making graduates highly competitive for desired job roles in the rapidly evolving Indian market, providing a distinct edge in recruitment.
Comprehensive Placement Preparation- (Semester 6)
Actively participate in campus placement drives. Prepare thoroughly for aptitude tests, group discussions, and technical interviews, specifically focusing on economic concepts, mathematical reasoning, and data interpretation. Create a professional resume and active LinkedIn profile.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell services, Online aptitude test platforms (e.g., indiabix.com, prep.youth4work.com), Mock interview sessions, Professional resume builders and LinkedIn optimization guides
Career Connection
Maximizes the chances of securing desirable placements immediately after graduation in leading Indian companies, public sector undertakings, and government departments, ensuring a strong career start.
Explore Higher Education and Professional Certifications- (Semester 6 (and beyond))
For those aspiring for higher studies, research top M.A. Economics, M.Sc. Finance/Data Science programs in India and abroad. Prepare for relevant entrance exams (e.g., CMI, ISI, Delhi School of Economics entrance). Consider professional certifications like NISM for finance roles to enhance marketability.
Tools & Resources
University alumni network for guidance, Career counselors specializing in higher education, Coaching institutes for competitive entrance exams, Official certification body websites for program details
Career Connection
Opens doors to specialized leadership roles, advanced research opportunities, and high-paying positions in academia or high-finance sectors within India and globally, fostering long-term career growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed Plus Two / VHSE or any other equivalent examination recognized by the University of Kerala, typically with a minimum aggregate percentage (e.g., 45%) with relaxations for reserved categories as per university norms.
Duration: 6 semesters (3 years)
Credits: 120 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN1111.1 | Literary Genres | Common Course (English) | 4 | Understanding literary types, Poetry analysis, Prose forms, Drama conventions, Literary criticism basics |
| ML1111.1 | Keralabhasha Gadhyasahithyam (Additional Language - Example: Malayalam) | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Evolution of Malayalam prose, Major prose writers, Short story analysis, Essays and literary movements, Cultural relevance of prose |
| EC1141 | Introductory Economics - I | Core | 4 | Basic economic problems, Demand and Supply analysis, Consumer behavior, Production theory, Market structures |
| MM1131 | Mathematics for Economic Analysis - I | Complementary | 4 | Basic algebra and functions, Analytical geometry, Limits and continuity, Differentiation applications, Matrix algebra |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN1211.1 | English for Academic and Professional Purposes | Common Course (English) | 4 | Academic writing skills, Report and proposal writing, Presentation techniques, Formal communication, Research ethics |
| ML1211.1 | Keralabhasha Rachana (Additional Language - Example: Malayalam) | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Creative writing forms, Official correspondence, Translation techniques, Grammar and rhetoric, Journalistic writing principles |
| EC1241 | Introductory Economics - II | Core | 4 | National income accounting, Theories of employment, Inflation and unemployment, Monetary policy, Fiscal policy |
| MM1231 | Mathematics for Economic Analysis - II | Complementary | 4 | Multivariate calculus, Optimization methods, Differential equations in economics, Difference equations, Linear programming basics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN1311.1 | Literature and Contemporary Issues | Common Course (English) | 4 | Socio-political themes in literature, Environmental literature, Gender and identity studies, Cultural studies perspectives, Media and society |
| EC1341 | Microeconomics - I | Core | 4 | Consumer behavior analysis, Utility and indifference curves, Demand theory, Production functions and costs, Market equilibrium |
| EC1342 | Indian Economy - I | Core | 4 | Characteristics of Indian economy, Economic planning in India, Agricultural sector issues, Industrial policy evolution, Poverty and inequality |
| MM1331 | Mathematical Economics - I | Complementary | 4 | Demand and supply functions, Elasticity measurements, Consumer utility maximization, Production and cost minimization, Input-output analysis |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN1411.1 | Academic Writing and Presentation Skills | Common Course (English) | 4 | Advanced essay writing, Research proposal development, Data interpretation and analysis, Effective presentation delivery, Critical thinking for academic discourse |
| EC1441 | Microeconomics - II | Core | 4 | Perfect competition, Monopoly and price discrimination, Oligopoly and game theory, General equilibrium theory, Welfare economics |
| EC1442 | Indian Economy - II | Core | 4 | Population dynamics and demographic dividend, Infrastructure development, Foreign trade and FDI, Financial sector reforms, Regional disparities and policies |
| MM1431 | Mathematical Economics - II | Complementary | 4 | Market equilibrium models, Dynamic economic models, Introduction to game theory, Models of welfare economics, Foundations of econometrics |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC1541 | Macroeconomics - I | Core | 4 | Classical and Keynesian economics, IS-LM model, Aggregate demand and supply, Business cycles and theories, Inflation and deflation |
| EC1542 | Public Finance | Core | 4 | Role of government in economy, Public expenditure analysis, Principles of taxation, Public debt management, Fiscal policy and budget |
| EC1543 | Development Economics | Core | 4 | Theories of economic development, Poverty and income inequality, Population growth and human capital, Foreign aid and investment, Sustainable development goals |
| EC1551.1 | Entrepreneurship Development | Open Course | 3 | Concept of entrepreneurship, Business idea generation, Market analysis and feasibility, Financial management for startups, Legal and ethical aspects of business |
| EC1544 | Project Work and Viva Voce - I | Core (Project) | 2 | Introduction to research methodology, Literature review techniques, Data collection methods, Formulating research questions, Proposal writing |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC1641 | Macroeconomics - II | Core | 4 | Open economy macroeconomics, Exchange rate determination, International monetary system, Effectiveness of monetary policy, Fiscal policy in open economy |
| EC1642 | International Economics | Core | 4 | Theories of international trade, Tariffs and non-tariff barriers, Balance of payments components, Foreign exchange markets, International economic organizations |
| EC1643 | Environmental Economics | Core | 4 | Environmental problems and externalities, Economic valuation of environment, Pollution control policies, Resource economics principles, Sustainable development strategies |
| EC1645 | Quantitative Techniques for Economic Analysis | Core | 4 | Probability theory and distributions, Sampling and estimation, Hypothesis testing, Simple and multiple regression analysis, Time series analysis introduction |
| EC1644 | Project Work and Viva Voce - II | Core (Project) | 2 | Data analysis and interpretation, Report writing and structuring, Presentation of research findings, Viva voce preparation, Conclusion and recommendations |
