Mathematics for students of economics

The mathematics module for economics students

In the first three semesters of the Industrial Engineering and Management and Technical Economics degree programs, basic mathematical knowledge is taught in the Mathematics 1 - 3 lectures, which are of crucial importance for a deeper understanding of modern economics and engineering. In particular, advanced lectures such as Operations Research or Game Theory, but also lectures such as Accounting and Electrical Engineering, build directly or indirectly on this basic knowledge.

The cycle starts in the winter semester with the basics of mathematics as well as differential and integral calculus in a variable. Further topics include sequences and series, in particular power series, as well as continuity, linear systems of equations and the beginnings of linear algebra. Part 2 deals with further topics of linear algebra and matrix theory as well as differential and integral calculus in several variables and the general concept of vector space. The topics of part 3 are mainly an introduction to the theory of ordinary differential equations as well as Fourier series and elementary integral transformations.

Further information on the mathematics courses can be found in the module handbooks for your degree program and on the relevant pages for your courses in ILIAS.

Preliminary course in mathematics for economics majors

The transition from school mathematics to university mathematics is notoriously difficult for most first-year students. In order to make the transition easier for first-year students in economics, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has been offering a preliminary mathematics course for several years. Further information can be found on the pages of the MINT-Kolleg.

Information on examinations in mathematics

Mathematical seminar

The Faculty of Mathematics occasionally offers a mathematical seminar in the summer semester especially for students of economics, in which they can deepen their knowledge acquired in the mathematics lectures in a more specific subject area relevant to economics. The seminar can be credited as part of the general seminar module (M-WIWI-101816).

Expert opinion

Please contact Steffen Winter or Franz Nestmann for expert opinions and letters of recommendation for applications to study abroad or for a scholarship. As a rule, we prepare short reports in German or English, which focus in particular on your achievements in mathematics.

Recognition of external examinations

Please contact Steffen Winter if you have any questions regarding the recognition of examinations and academic achievements in mathematics when changing degree program or place of study.

The following documents are required for recognition:

  • Certificate or transcript of records
  • the completed recognition form (Please complete the form online. Then save it and send it with your e-mail request, or print it out and bring it with you to the consultation hours).
  • Proof of the scope of the lectures (i.e. the number of lecture hours or practice hours per week and the corresponding credit points/ECTS points)
  • Proof of the content of the lectures (e.g. in the form of lecture notes or transcripts of the lecture or a detailed summary of the content, e.g. as a link on the Internet)

You can also send us the documents by email or post.