RE: math for grad school

Hello,

I'm very fond of the Simon & Blume text
(http://www.amazon.com/Mathematics-Economists-Carl-P-Simon/dp/0393957330
/sr=8-1/qid=1162315953/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9501006-8132801?ie=UTF8&s=boo
ks). I would also second Martha's comments about adding some real
analysis/set theory to the list of topics to cover -- it will be
appreciated when facing a PhD-level micro theory course (particularly
given the popularity of the Mas-Colell et al text in many programs).

Best,

Sean

*****************************************
Sean B. Cash, Ph.D.
Department of Rural Economy
University of Alberta
515 General Services Building
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H1 Canada
(780) 492-4562
http://www.re.ualberta.ca
scash_at_ualberta.ca
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Roger McCain [mailto:mccainra_at_drexel.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 9:48 AM
To: Teach-Econ
Subject: Re: math for grad school

I personally would never recommend the Chaing text, and I assume that's
the current edition. Having learned my math from mathematicians, not
economists, I don't find it consistent or systematic enough.

___________
Roger A. McCain, Professor
Department of Economics and International Business mccainra_at_drexel.edu
http://william-king.www.drexel.edu/WKHP.html

On Oct 31, 2006, at 10:55 AM, James Lacey wrote:

> I agree with the topics you listed, and would also suggest using a
> foundation text like Chiang & Wainwright's Math Econ 4e (McGraw) for
> an overview of the math content. I'm not sure what I'd suggest for a
> foundation text in stats/prob/econometrics.....
>
> I'd also suggest becoming familiar with the key software, such as SAS
> or SPSS and Mathematica.
>
> Jim Lacey
> Hesser College
>
> On 10/31/06, Roger McCain <mccainra_at_drexel.edu> wrote:
>> One of my seniors has expressed an interest in graduate work in
>> economics, after "a few years of work," and while his long-term
>> objectives are not very firm they center on working at the PhD level
>> in an institution as an applied economist. I advised him (of
>> course!) to shape up his math and stat. He asked for a list of math
>> and stat topics he might prepare himself on while working. I'm
>> interested in any thoughts on the following list. It is in order of
>> increasing difficulty modified by importance.
>>
>> linear regression and hypothesis testing Linear algebra, i.e. vectors

>> and matrices.
>> multivariate calculus
>> econometric methods
>> nonlinear programming, especially with applications to the theory of
>> the consumer and firm (mathematical economics)
>>
>> Have I forgotten something? Or -- certainly this is a tough
>> curriculum -- should it be pared somewhat? Any thoughts?
>> ___________
>> Roger A. McCain, Professor
>> Department of Economics and International Business
>> mccainra@drexel.edu http://william-king.www.drexel.edu/WKHP.html
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> jwlacey_at_gmail.com
Received on Tue Oct 31 2006 - 12:40:45 EST