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2025-2026 / MATH0057-3

Mathematics for economic and management sciences (part 2)

Duration

30h Th, 30h Pr

Number of credits

 Bachelor in economics and business management5 crédits 

Lecturer

Elise Vandomme

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

All year long, with partial in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course is organized into two parts.

1. Linear algebra (First semester)

This first part introduces the fundamental tools of linear algebra. It covers:

  • Vector and matrix calculus;
  • Systems of linear equations;
  • Diagonalization of matrices;
  • The study of quadratic forms.
2. Multivariable calculus (Second semester)

This second part explores the mathematical tools used to study functions of several variables. The main topics covered are:

  • Differential calculus (partial derivatives, differentials)
  • Optimization problems, with or without constraints;
  • Functional equations, in particular differential equations and recurrence equations.
Applications to management and economics illustrate the different parts.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Linear algebra

  • Manipulate vectors and matrices, and understand their role in mathematical modeling.
  • Solve systems of linear equations using algebraic and matrix methods.
  • Understand and apply the concepts of diagonalization, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.
  • Analyze and interpret quadratic forms in an economic context.
Multivariable calculus

  • Calculate partial derivatives and use differential calculus tools to study functions of several variables.
  • Solve optimization problems, with or without constraints, using appropriate methods (e.g., Lagrange multipliers).
  • Model dynamic phenomena using differential and recurrence equations.
  • Apply mathematical concepts to concrete situations in management and economics (e.g., profit maximization, cost minimization, growth modeling).
Transversal skills

  • Develop rigor in mathematical reasoning and problem solving.
  • Interpret mathematical results in an applied context.
  • Use appropriate mathematical tools to support decision-making in economic or managerial contexts.
  • Demonstrate curiosity and scientific rigor at the university level, both in the context of studies and in future professional practices.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Calculus (functions of one variable) and financial mathematics

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Each week, there will be a large groupe class and an exercise session in smaller groups.

Selected exercises are to prepare outside of class and before the exercise sessions. The exercises will be announced a few days before to prepare in advance. 

Personal work, outside of class sessions and exercises is expected of the student throughout the year. Regular work is essential to achieve the objectives.

In addition to the ongoing large group classes, exercise sessions are held in small groups. Formative evaluations ("blank exams") are organized.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

  • Ex-cathedra lectures
  • Exercises within groups of students.
  • Possibility to attend "questions-and-answers" sessions.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- LOL@


Further information:

Required reading

  • Lecture notes available on LoL@
  • Slides available on LoL@
  • Exercices booklet available on LoL@.
Facultative reading
For extra exercises:
Pascal Dupont, Exercices corrigés de mathématiques, De Boeck Université, Bruxelles, 2008.
Additional references about linear algebra:
David Lay, Algèbre linéaire et applications, Pearson, Montreuil, 2012 ;
Shin Takahashi, Iroha Inoue, The Manga Guide to Linear Algebra, No Starch Press, s. l., 2012.

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )


Further information:

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )


Additional information:

First session

In January and June, there will be a written exam, if possible on site, including theoretical questions and problems to solve. It will have two parts :

  • MCQ (30%)
  • Open questions (70%)
The annual mark is simply the mean of both semester marks.

Second session

In August or September, there will be a written exam, if possible on site, including theoretical questions and problems to solve. It will have two parts :

  • MCQ (30%)
  • Open questions (70%)
Based on the results of the first session, a partial exemption (for any grade > 50%) will be granted for the subject successfully completed during the first or second semester. The partial exemption is valid only for the current year.

From one year to the next

No grade carryover is granted from one year to the next.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Instructor :

Teaching assistants :

Adress of N1a building :

HEC Liège
Rue Louvrex 14
4000 Liège



 

Association of one or more MOOCs