Mathematical economics

The SB in Mathematical Economics is designed for students who desire a deeper mathematical foundation than that provided by the SB in Economics, and allows them to concentrate in a subset of economics subjects, typically those more oriented toward microeconomics or technical subjects. Course 14-2 majors will gain the strong mathematical and theoretical preparation needed for subsequent graduate study in economics. This program is well suited to students interested in game theory, other types of microeconomic theory, and econometrics. Students majoring in Mathematical Economics are required to successfully complete the most important introductory courses in economics before undertaking more technical and mathematical studies in economics. Substantial coursework in mathematics is required, including 18.100x Real Analysis, a choice between 18.06 Linear Algebra or 18.03 Differential Equations, and at least one elective in mathematics. Contemporary electronically mediated platforms for market-level and individual exchange combine complex human decisions with intensive computation and data processing, all interacting within an engineered economic environment. Examples include: online markets, crowdsourcing platforms, spectrum auctions, financial platforms, crypto currencies, and large scale matching/allocation systems such as kidney exchange and public school choice systems. These platforms encompass a growing slice of economic activity and are shifting the scope and efficiency of market and non-market exchanges. Some forms of exchange that were simply infeasible due to coordination or information frictions (centralized kidney exchange, vehicle sharing) are suddenly available and important. Other market activities that were previously thought to require centralization and oversight, can now be decentralized and self-regulated (crypto-currency being the leading example) . Moreover, the technology enabling that decentralization (so-called blockchain) is likely to...