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 of the programme. 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 the concept of academic integrity

Module 1 provides an introduction to, and overview of, the subject 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. Models and concepts are introduced through questions linked to different topics in business administration. A business perspective on sustainability is introduced and discussed.

Module 3 provides an introduction to different perspectives on sustainability issues, with the aim of creating an understanding of the challenges connected with 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 of knowledge and scientific theory, as well as the meaning of academic integrity.

Instruction is primarily provided through lectures. The course includes a compulsory education day focused on sustainable development. In regard to learning outcome 3, in addition to a lecture, a short online course is included.

Language of instruction: English

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

Learning outcome 3 is assessed via a quiz and compulsory attendance at a lecture.

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

If a student who has twice received a failing grade for the same examination component wishes to change examiner ahead of the next examination session, such a request should be made to the department in writing and 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 study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, 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).

A passing course grade requires a passing grade on the individual written examination and an approved result on the theory of science quiz, together with attendance at the theory of science lecture and the education day on sustainable development, as well as an approved result on the online test connected to the education day on sustainable development.

Students who are unable to attend the theory of science lecture or education day on sustainable development may complete supplementary assignments. The course grade corresponds to the total points obtained on 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 the School 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.