Course Structure Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Economics program is structured over six semesters, with each semester comprising core subjects, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory while allowing them to explore specialized areas based on their interests.
| Year | Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester I | ECON101 | Introduction to Economics | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| Year 1 | Semester I | MATH101 | Calculus and Linear Algebra | 4-0-0-4 | None |
| Year 1 | Semester I | STAT101 | Introduction to Statistics | 3-0-0-3 | MATH101 |
| Year 1 | Semester II | ECON102 | Microeconomics I | 3-0-0-3 | ECON101 |
| Year 1 | Semester II | MATH102 | Differential Equations | 3-0-0-3 | MATH101 |
| Year 1 | Semester II | STAT102 | Probability and Distribution Theory | 3-0-0-3 | STAT101 |
| Year 2 | Semester III | ECON201 | Macroeconomics I | 3-0-0-3 | ECON102 |
| Year 2 | Semester III | MATH201 | Mathematical Methods for Economics | 3-0-0-3 | MATH102 |
| Year 2 | Semester III | LAB201 | Economic Data Analysis Lab | 0-0-2-1 | STAT102 |
| Year 2 | Semester IV | ECON202 | Microeconomics II | 3-0-0-3 | ECON201 |
| Year 2 | Semester IV | MATH202 | Linear Programming and Optimization | 3-0-0-3 | MATH201 |
| Year 2 | Semester IV | LAB202 | Econometrics Lab | 0-0-2-1 | LAB201 |
| Year 3 | Semester V | ECON301 | Development Economics | 3-0-0-3 | ECON202 |
| Year 3 | Semester V | ECON302 | Behavioral Economics | 3-0-0-3 | ECON202 |
| Year 3 | Semester V | ECON303 | Financial Economics | 3-0-0-3 | ECON202 |
| Year 3 | Semester V | LAB301 | Advanced Econometrics Lab | 0-0-2-1 | LAB202 |
| Year 3 | Semester VI | ECON304 | Environmental Economics | 3-0-0-3 | ECON301 |
| Year 3 | Semester VI | ECON305 | Labor Economics | 3-0-0-3 | ECON301 |
| Year 3 | Semester VI | ECON306 | Public Finance & Policy Analysis | 3-0-0-3 | ECON301 |
| Year 3 | Semester VI | LAB302 | Research Project Lab | 0-0-2-1 | LAB301 |
| Year 4 | Semester VII | ECON401 | Thesis Preparation | 0-0-0-6 | None |
| Year 4 | Semester VIII | ECON402 | Final Thesis Defense | 0-0-0-6 | ECON401 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
The department offers a rich array of advanced electives designed to deepen student understanding and allow specialization in emerging fields. Here are some key courses:
Development Economics
This course delves into the economic challenges faced by developing countries, examining poverty reduction strategies, social welfare programs, and sustainable development models. Students explore case studies from India and other low-income economies to understand how institutions and policies shape outcomes.
Behavioral Economics
Combining insights from psychology and economics, this course explores how cognitive biases, emotions, and social factors influence economic decision-making. Topics include prospect theory, nudging techniques, and behavioral interventions in public policy.
Financial Economics
This course focuses on asset pricing, risk management, portfolio theory, and banking systems. Students learn about financial markets, derivatives, and how to apply mathematical models to assess investment risks and returns.
International Trade & Finance
Students examine global trade patterns, exchange rate dynamics, and international financial integration. The course covers trade policies, customs unions, and the role of multilateral institutions like the WTO and IMF in shaping global economic relationships.
Environmental Economics
This track addresses environmental challenges through economic lenses, analyzing pollution control, natural resource management, and climate change mitigation strategies. Students study market-based instruments such as carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems.
Labor Economics
Focusing on employment, wages, labor markets, and workforce policies, this course equips students with tools to analyze labor trends and evaluate the impact of government interventions. It covers topics such as minimum wage laws, unemployment insurance, and union bargaining.
Econometrics & Data Science
This course provides advanced training in statistical modeling, data mining, and machine learning techniques used in economic analysis. Students gain hands-on experience with tools like Python, R, and Stata to analyze large datasets and build predictive models.
Public Finance & Policy Analysis
This course examines government spending, taxation, public goods provision, and fiscal policy design. Students learn how to assess the effectiveness of public policies using empirical methods and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The Economics Department at Adamas University Kolkata emphasizes project-based learning as a core component of student development. Projects are designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, encouraging students to engage in empirical research, policy analysis, and collaborative problem-solving.
The structure of these projects begins with an orientation session where faculty introduce various research topics and methodologies. Students then form teams based on their interests and receive guidance from assigned mentors throughout the process. The evaluation criteria include proposal clarity, data collection methods, analytical rigor, presentation quality, and peer feedback.
Mini-projects are conducted during the third and fourth semesters, allowing students to apply concepts learned in class to current economic issues. These projects often involve collaboration with faculty members or external organizations, providing valuable networking opportunities.
The final-year thesis/capstone project is a substantial undertaking that requires students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice under the supervision of a faculty member. This culminates in a written report and oral defense before a panel of experts.