Curriculum Overview
The Economics program at Alakh Prakash Goyal Shimla University is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of economic principles, analytical tools, and practical applications. The curriculum is designed to progressively build upon foundational knowledge while encouraging critical thinking and innovation.
Each semester combines core courses with departmental electives and science electives to ensure students gain both breadth and depth in their studies. Laboratory sessions complement theoretical instruction by providing hands-on experience with data analysis, modeling, and research methods.
Course Catalogue
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ECON101 | Introduction to Microeconomics | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | ECON102 | Introduction to Macroeconomics | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | MATH101 | Calculus for Economics | 4-0-0-4 | None |
| 1 | ECON103 | Economic History and Thought | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | STAT101 | Statistics for Economics | 3-1-0-4 | MATH101 |
| 2 | ECON201 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3-1-0-4 | ECON101 |
| 2 | ECON202 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3-1-0-4 | ECON102 |
| 2 | MATH201 | Linear Algebra for Economics | 3-0-0-3 | MATH101 |
| 2 | ECON203 | Game Theory and Strategic Behavior | 3-1-0-4 | MATH201 |
| 2 | STAT201 | Econometrics I | 3-1-0-4 | STAT101 |
| 3 | ECON301 | Labor Economics | 3-1-0-4 | ECON201, ECON202 |
| 3 | ECON302 | Public Finance | 3-1-0-4 | ECON202 |
| 3 | ECON303 | Development Economics | 3-1-0-4 | ECON202 |
| 3 | ECON304 | Environmental Economics | 3-1-0-4 | ECON202 |
| 3 | ECON305 | Behavioral Economics | 3-1-0-4 | ECON201 |
| 4 | ECON401 | Financial Economics | 3-1-0-4 | ECON202, MATH201 |
| 4 | ECON402 | International Trade and Finance | 3-1-0-4 | ECON202 |
| 4 | ECON403 | Econometrics II | 3-1-0-4 | STAT201 |
| 4 | ECON404 | Health Economics | 3-1-0-4 | ECON303 |
| 4 | ECON405 | Policy Analysis and Evaluation | 3-1-0-4 | ECON202, ECON302 |
| 5 | ECON501 | Data Analytics for Economics | 3-1-0-4 | ECON403 |
| 5 | ECON502 | Advanced Game Theory | 3-1-0-4 | ECON203 |
| 5 | ECON503 | Research Methods in Economics | 3-1-0-4 | ECON403 |
| 5 | ECON504 | Topics in Behavioral Finance | 3-1-0-4 | ECON305 |
| 5 | ECON505 | Sustainable Development and Climate Economics | 3-1-0-4 | ECON304 |
| 6 | ECON601 | Capstone Project I | 0-0-2-2 | None |
| 6 | ECON602 | Advanced Seminar in Economics | 3-1-0-4 | ECON503 |
| 7 | ECON701 | Capstone Project II | 0-0-2-2 | ECON601 |
| 7 | ECON702 | Thesis Proposal | 0-0-2-2 | ECON602 |
| 8 | ECON801 | Final Thesis | 0-0-2-4 | ECON702 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
The department offers a wide range of advanced electives to cater to diverse interests and career aspirations:
- Econometrics II: This course delves into advanced econometric techniques such as panel data models, instrumental variables, and time series analysis. Students learn to implement these methods using statistical software like Stata and R.
- Behavioral Economics: Integrates psychological insights with economic decision-making. Topics include cognitive biases, prospect theory, and behavioral finance, supported by real-world case studies.
- Health Economics: Focuses on health system economics, including healthcare financing, cost-effectiveness analysis, and the impact of public health policies on outcomes.
- Environmental Economics: Explores economic principles related to environmental resource management, pollution control, and climate change mitigation strategies.
- Data Analytics for Economics: Teaches students how to analyze large datasets using modern computational tools. The course covers machine learning algorithms, data visualization, and predictive modeling relevant to economic research.
- Financial Markets: Provides an in-depth understanding of financial instruments, market structures, and risk management strategies. Students study asset pricing models, derivatives markets, and portfolio theory.
- Sustainable Development Goals: Examines how economic development aligns with global sustainability targets, focusing on poverty reduction, education, gender equality, and climate action.
- Policy Analysis and Evaluation: Trains students in designing, implementing, and assessing public policies. The course includes practical applications in taxation, social welfare, and infrastructure development.
- Development Economics: Investigates the economic challenges faced by developing nations, including poverty traps, institutional failures, and policy interventions.
- Labor Economics: Analyzes labor market dynamics, wage determination, unemployment, and employment policies. Students explore topics like human capital formation and labor mobility.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department places significant emphasis on experiential learning through project-based assignments. Mini-projects are introduced in the third year, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems. These projects involve data collection, statistical analysis, and report writing under faculty supervision.
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a comprehensive research endeavor that allows students to explore a topic of personal interest within the field of economics. Students select their projects in consultation with faculty mentors, ensuring alignment with both academic rigor and practical relevance.
Evaluation criteria for these projects include originality of approach, analytical depth, presentation quality, and contribution to existing knowledge. The department provides dedicated research facilities, including access to economic databases, statistical software, and expert mentorship.