Introduction to studies in business and economics

Department of Business Administration

Department of Economics

The course is offered in the first cycle and is included in the first semester of the Bachelor’s Programme in Business and Economics (S1EKA). It is not offered as a freestanding course.

The course provides an overview of economics and business administration, the two main subjects in the program. The course contains four modules:

1. Basics in economics
2. Basics in business administration
3. Challenges linked to sustainable societal development
4. Theory of knowledge, scientific theory and concept of academic integrity

Module 1 provides an introduction and overview of economics. Central concepts, such as market and growth, are introduced and discussed. An economics’ perspective on sustainability is introduced and discussed.

Module 2 provides an introduction to business administration. By raising different questions linked to different topics in business administration, models and concepts are introduced. A business perspective on sustainability is introduced and discussed.

Module 3 provides an introduction to different views on sustainability issues that aims to create an understanding of the challenges in a sustainable societal development.

Module 4 provides an introduction to basic theory of knowledge, scientific theory and the concept of academic integrity.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic concepts and relationships in the economy.
2. Demonstrate basic knowledge of the economic sciences perspective on sustainability.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic concepts related to the theory ofknowledge and scientific theory, as well as the meaning of academic integrity.

Instruction is provided primarily by lectures. A compulsory education day for sustainable development is included. In regard to learning outcome 3, in addition to a lecture, a short online course is included.

Language of instruction: Swedish

Learning outcomes 1 and 2 are assessed via a written examination.

Learning outcome 3 is assessed via a written examination and a self-correcting test on the learning platform.

Participation in the education day on sustainable development is compulsory. Students who do not participate are assigned a supplementary assignment.

A student who has taken two exams in a course or part of a course without obtaining a pass grade is entitled to the nomination of another examiner. The student needs to contact the department for a new examiner, preferably in writing, and this should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special educational support, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, the examiner may decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years, after the course has ceased/been changed.

The grading scale comprises: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D),Sufficient (E) and Fail (F).

To obtain a passing course grade, students must receive a passing grade on the individual written examination, receive an approved result on the online test and attend the education day on sustainable development (or complete a supplementerary assignment). The course grade corresponds with the total points obtained from the written examination.

Upon completion, the course will be evaluated in accordance with the rules for course evaluations established by the Bachelor’s Programme in Business and Economics at theSchool of Business, Economics and Law. The results of the evaluation, as well as any changes in the course, shall be communicated to both the students who completed the evaluation and the students who are enrolled in the subsequent round of the course.