Page 174 - SYU Prospectus

Shue Yan University Prospectus 2021-22

location decisions and patterns in urban areas, land-use patterns, property markets, and
housing policies. Real-world examples are also emphasized in this course, which illustrates the
applications of theoretical knowledge at the implementation stage.

ECON 344 Public Finance
1 Term; 3 Credits
The course aims to provide students with a solid grounding in public economics with
emphasis on the taxing and spending activities of governments and their influence on resource
allocation and income distribution. Foci are also placed upon how the theory can be applied to
a broad range of current public finance issues. Major topics covered are as follows: tools of
public finance, externalities, public goods, theory of political economy, income distribution and
welfare spending programmes, cost-benefit analysis, a framework for taxation analysis,
taxation and individual behaviours, fiscal federalism and multi-government public finance, and
public finance in Hong Kong.

ECON 346 Issues in Development Economics
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course reviews economic and social issues in economic development. Topics
include issues such as entrepreneurship and institutions, path dependence and modular
production system, global financial crisis and its impacts on the world economy, income
inequality, environmental issues and sustainable development. The impact of globalization on
developing and emerging economies is critically analysed.

ECON 350 Research Methodology
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to quantitative and qualitative
research methods, designs and methodologies. By examining the strengths and weaknesses
of different types of research methods, this course develops students’ understanding of the
processes and the lines of reasoning in implementing an appropriate research approach, and
their ability to critically assess research proposals and research articles. This course benefits
all students who wish to go on to further studies, write a university paper/final year project or
work for a think tank/academic research unit. It also lays the solid ground for those who wish
to obtain relevant professional qualifications in the future, such as chartered surveyors under
the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and certified statisticians of the Hong Kong
Statistical Society.

ECON 413 Mathematical Economics
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to formulate mathematical models in economics, and develop students’
ability to apply mathematical techniques to comparative statics and dynamic economic
analysis. It also introduces essential mathematics for machine learning problems.

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