Referring to knowledge

Since the learning objectives require a considerable amount of practical work, the general teaching methodology involves a combination of theoretical concepts and specific focus on their practical applicability. Therefore, the following activities are undertaken:

— Face-to-face learning activities: these are carried out in the classroom with the lecturer. These include theoretical activities and theoretical activities with a practical component (with the whole group), as well as problem-solving sessions. The total number of hours for these activities is 60. To facilitate these activities, students have access to the slides used by the lecturers to explain each topic via Virtual Campus before the sessions.

— Independent learning activities: they include problem-solving activities and computer sessions, as well as self-reflection on the knowledge and competences acquired. Specifically, the practical exercises consist of responding correctly to a series of questions based on real economic data. These involve the use of an econometric program and, with the program’s calculations and the results obtained, the application of theoretical knowledge gained throughout the course. The total number of hours devoted to these activities is 50.

— Tutored/directed activities: they consist of discussion of problems to clarify doubts and the monitoring of independent work from students. The total number of hours devoted to these activities is 40. 

As a result of the project to promote teaching quality that is being implemented in the Faculty of Economics and Business (promoted by the Research, Innovation and Teaching and Learning Improvement [RIMDA] unit and the Office of the Vice-Rector for Teaching and Academic Planning), the teaching methodology for some subject groups may differ slightly from that described above. The details of this methodology will be published in the Virtual Campus at the start of the course.

Once the theoretical and practical contents of the subject have been acquired, the problem-solving activities, independent work and tutored activities contribute to achieving the competences to elaborate, analyse and interpret economic information, to critically analyse theories and economic models, to know sources and the uses of economic information, and to know how to use adequate computer resources for data treatment and analysis. In addition, independent learning develops the students’ capacity to use ICTs for professional development.

To achieve a pass grade for the course, students must demonstrate that they have achieved the learning objectives, according to the following criteria.

Continuous assessment consists of two parts:

a) Continuous assessment activities. There are two options for continuous assessment for this subject, which are mutually exclusive.

a.1) Continuous assessment based on multiple-choice tests.There will be a total of four activities, which are worth a combined total of 40% of the final grade. These continuous assessment tests must be completed in person during class hours, in the assigned classrooms and on the dates scheduled.

a.2) Continuous assessment can be fulfilled through the completion of a group project, following guidelines provided by the teacher. Groups comprise 2-4 students, who must work in coordination with the teacher and produce a written paper to be submitted on completion of the project. Project details are published on the Virtual Campus at the beginning of the course.The project is worth 40% of the final grade.

b) Final examination. This examination contains short-answer questions with a limited space for answers, on theoretical and practical aspects of the subject. Students should show that they have acquired knowledge and skills during the course and that they have perfected them. The examination is held on the official date set by the Academic Council. It is worth the remaining 60% of the final grade. The examination is to be completed face-to-face.

All of the assessed activities completed during the course (continuous assessment activities and final examination) are marked on a scale of 0 to 10. The percentage weightings shown above are then applied to obtain the final grade for the subject.

Students pass the subject if they achieve a weighted final grade of at least 5 out of 10, The mark for the final examination must be 3.5 or above out of 10 to be eligible for continuous assessment. Otherwise, the final grade for the subject is that of the final examination.

Repeat assessment consists of a final examination similar to the single assessment one. The dates for repeat assessment are set out in the Faculty’s academic calendar. The date for repeat assessment examinations is established by the Academic Council. The examination is to be completed face-to-face.

In case methodological changes affect the assessment system established for the subject, the details will be announced at the start of the academic year to the groups that are involved in the project.

Examination-based assessment

Students who are unable to meet the requirements for continuous assessment are entitled to single assessment.

To pass the subject, students must show a sufficient degree of accomplishment of the established course objectives in a single final examination, which is worth 100% of the final grade. The examination consists of short-answer questions with limited space for answers, on theoretical and practical aspects of the subject. The examination is held on the official assessment date set by the Academic Council and assesses the student’s acquisition of the concepts and skills described in the teaching plan. The examination is to be completed face-to-face.

To pass the subject under this assessment option, students must:

a) Submit a written request (and keep a copy of it) to withdraw from continuous assessment, before the deadline set by the Academic Council.

b) Obtain a mark of at least 5 out of 10 for the examination.

Repeat assessment

Repeat assessment consists of a final examination similar to the single assessment one, The dates for repeat assessment are set out in the Faculty’s academic calendar. The date for repeat assessment examinations is established by the Academic Council. The examination is to be completed face-to-face.