Base Knowledge
PB1. Mastery of economics concepts learned in secondary education.
PB2. Instrumental knowledge of algebraic calculation.
PB3. B2-level English language proficiency for reading specialised scientific articles.
Teaching Methodologies
TM1. Interactive Lectures: Theoretical sessions focused on the structured delivery of key concepts, with targeted questions and the resolution of practical exercises.
Learning Results
Upon completion of this curricular unit, the student will be able to:
LO1. Interpret and analyse macroeconomic models and multipliers.
LO2. Determine and interpret macroeconomic aggregates.
LO3. Understand the dynamics of inflation and unemployment.
LO4. Contextualise State intervention in stimulating competitiveness and economic growth.
LO5. Distinguish economic growth from the business cycle.
Associated skills:
SK1. Critical Thinking: Ability to assess the consequences of macroeconomic policies.
SK2. Communication: Demonstrate oral presentation skills and the technical defence of current macroeconomic issues before a jury.
Program
P I – Introduction and general concepts
P II – Measuring economic activity
- Product as a measure of economic performance
- Output gap
- Employment and unemployment
- Measuring price levels and inflation Inflation rate
- Economic impacts of Inflation/deflation
- Nominal and real values
- National Accounts
- Conceptual and theoretical issues
- Agents, operations, flows and stocks
- Economic circuit
- National Accounting Identities
P III – Public Sector and Public Finances
- Public balance and public deficit
- Public debt
P IV – Consumption,
- Savings and Investment
- Private consumption and family savings Investment
P V – Multiplier effects
- The Simple Keynesian model
- Multipliers and fiscal policy
P VI – IS/LM Model
- Product market and the IS Money market and the LM
- Simultaneous equilibrium
- Fiscal and monetary policies
P VII – Aggregate supply and aggregate demand
- Aggregate demand
- Aggregate supply
- Macroeconomic equilibrium
- Aggregate supply and aggregate demand shifts
P VIII – Economic growth and business cycles
Curricular Unit Teachers
Luís Miguel Freire LopesGrading Methods
Students may choose one of two assessment schemes:
A) CONTINUOUS/PERIODIC ASSESSMENT:
MA1. Individual Written Test (65%): Closed-book. Minimum grade of 7.5 out of 20. Mandatory.
MA2. Individual written mini-tests to be taken throughout the semester (25%): Closed-book. No prior notice. No minimum grade.
MA3. Class participation (10%).
GAI Guideline: Level 0 (No AI allowed).
Final Grade Formula:
CF = 0,65 x AM1 + 0,25 x AM2 + 0,1 x AM3
B) Assessment by Examination (Resit/Special Examination Periods):
AM4. Individual Written Examination (100%): Closed-book. Minimum grade of 9.5 out of 20.
AM5. Individual Oral Grade Defence Exam: Mandatory for students with a grade higher than 17 out of 20.
Working Student Status: Exempt from attendance in AM2. The group assignment may be replaced by an individual project, and the respective individual oral defence (AM3) is mandatory.
Internship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
Main bibliography:
Dornbusch, R., Fischer, S., & Startz, R. (2011). Macroeconomics. McGraw-Hill.
Samuelson P., Nordhaus W. (2012) Economia, McGraw-Hill.
Amaral, J. Ferreira, Louçã, F., Caetano, G., Fontainha, E., Ferreira, C., Santos, S.(2007), “Introdução á Macroeconomia”, Escolar Editora, Lisboa, 2ª ed.
Burda, M. C., & Wyplosz, C. (2022). Macroeconomics: A European Text. Oxford University Press.
Burda, M., & Wyplosz, C. (2011). Macroeconomia: Uma Visão Europeia. Portugal: Verlag Dashofer.
Complementary bibliography:
Mankiw, N. Gregory (2017) .Principles of Economics, Western College Pub.
Frank R., Bernanke B.(2012).Princípios de Economia, McGraw-Hill.