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Intermediate Microeconomics
106 topics across 7 chapters
Chapter 1
Mathematical tools for microeconomics
1
Constrained optimization (Lagrangian & KKT conditions)
2
Convexity/concavity for preferences, technology, and objective functions
3
Comparative statics (implicit function theorem intuition + practice)
4
Envelope theorem (and how to use it for value functions)
5
Duality basics: primal vs dual problems and value functions
Chapter 2
Consumer theory
↗ Constrained optimization (Lagrangian & KKT conditions) (see Chapter 1)
6
Preferences & utility representation
2 subtopics
7
Check preference axioms; interpret MRS and indifference curves
8
Utility functions (Cobb-Douglas, quasilinear, CES): when they represent preferences
9
Marshallian (uncompensated) demand
2 subtopics
10
Derive Marshallian demand via utility maximization (standard functional forms)
11
Verify demand properties: homogeneity, Walras’ law, adding-up
12
Duality: Hicksian demand & expenditure function
2 subtopics
13
Compute expenditure functions; apply Shephard’s lemma
14
Compare Hicksian vs Marshallian demand; interpret compensated substitution
15
Slutsky decomposition & welfare measures
2 subtopics
16
Derive the Slutsky equation; separate substitution and income effects
17
Compute CV/EV and deadweight loss from price changes and taxes
18
Intertemporal choice & labor-leisure
2 subtopics
19
Solve two-period consumption-savings problems; use the Euler equation
20
Labor-leisure choice; decompose wage changes into substitution/income effects
21
Choice under uncertainty (expected utility)
2 subtopics
22
Expected utility: certainty equivalent, risk premium, and basic calibration
23
Arrow–Pratt risk aversion; insurance demand; (first-order) stochastic dominance
Chapter 3
Producer theory & cost
↗ Constrained optimization (Lagrangian & KKT conditions) (see Chapter 1)
24
Technology & production sets
2 subtopics
25
Use isoquants/MRTS; identify returns to scale
26
Work with common production functions (Cobb-Douglas, CES); compute marginal products
27
Cost minimization & conditional factor demands
2 subtopics
28
Solve cost-minimization problems; compute conditional factor demands
29
Apply Shephard’s lemma to obtain factor demands; interpret unit cost
30
Cost functions & cost curves
2 subtopics
31
Compute short-run vs long-run costs; identify economies of scale/scope (basics)
32
Verify cost function properties: homogeneity, concavity in input prices
33
Profit maximization, supply, and shutdown/exit
2 subtopics
34
Derive competitive supply (MC/AVC); apply shutdown and long-run exit conditions
35
Compute producer surplus and output-tax/subsidy impacts (producer side)
36
Input demand & factor market power (monopsony)
2 subtopics
37
Derived demand for inputs; elasticities and incidence (input-output link)
38
Solve monopsony equilibrium; analyze minimum wage effects in a simple model
Chapter 4
Market structures & pricing
39
Perfect competition & partial equilibrium
2 subtopics
40
Solve competitive equilibrium; compute CS/PS and efficiency in partial equilibrium
41
Analyze taxes/quotas in competitive markets: incidence and deadweight loss
42
Monopoly
2 subtopics
43
Solve monopoly pricing; compute markup (Lerner) and apply inverse elasticity rule
44
Compute monopoly deadweight loss; analyze (simple) pass-through and incidence
45
Price discrimination & nonlinear pricing
2 subtopics
46
Work problems on 1st/2nd/3rd-degree price discrimination (simple calculations)
47
Two-part tariffs, block pricing, and bundling: when they raise profit and welfare
48
Oligopoly: Cournot and Bertrand
2 subtopics
49
Compute Cournot equilibrium with linear demand; do comparative statics
50
Understand Bertrand outcomes, capacity constraints, and collusion incentives (intro)
51
Product differentiation, entry, and monopolistic competition
2 subtopics
52
Hotelling/Salop basics: location choice and price competition with differentiation
53
Monopolistic competition: entry, zero-profit condition, and markup (worked setup)
Chapter 5
General equilibrium & welfare economics
54
Edgeworth box & exchange equilibrium
2 subtopics
55
Find Walrasian equilibrium in a 2x2 exchange economy (solve an example)
56
Compute the contract curve and core; identify Pareto improvements
57
Welfare theorems & efficiency
2 subtopics
58
Apply the First Welfare Theorem; diagnose which assumption fails in examples
59
Use the Second Welfare Theorem logic: decentralization via lump-sum transfers
60
General equilibrium with production
2 subtopics
61
Use the PPF and marginal rates of transformation to characterize efficiency
62
Factor markets and distribution in GE (basic exercises and interpretations)
63
Excess demand, stability, and comparative statics in general equilibrium
2 subtopics
64
Walras’ law, (gross) substitutes, and tâtonnement stability intuition
65
Trace general-equilibrium effects of a tax or shock in a simple model (qualitative)
Chapter 6
Game theory & strategic interaction
66
Normal-form games & Nash equilibrium
2 subtopics
67
Compute Nash equilibria in 2x2 games using best responses
68
Apply dominant strategies and iterated elimination of dominated strategies
69
Mixed strategies & equilibrium refinements (overview)
2 subtopics
70
Find mixed-strategy Nash equilibria using the support method
71
Understand refinement goals (trembling-hand perfection, risk dominance) at a high level
72
Extensive-form games & subgame perfect equilibrium
2 subtopics
73
Solve extensive-form games by backward induction; compute subgame perfect equilibrium
74
Identify credible vs non-credible threats; analyze commitment problems
75
Repeated games & cooperation
2 subtopics
76
Construct trigger strategies and check incentive constraints for cooperation
77
Work a repeated-oligopoly example (price wars / collusion sustainability)
78
Auctions (strategic bidding)
2 subtopics
79
Compare first-price vs second-price auctions; solve for equilibrium bidding (basic)
80
Revenue equivalence intuition; effects of reserve prices and entry (basics)
Chapter 7
Information economics & market failures
81
Adverse selection
2 subtopics
82
Akerlof “lemons” model: quality uncertainty and market unraveling
83
Adverse selection in insurance: pooling vs separating (graph/constraints practice)
84
Moral hazard & principal-agent
2 subtopics
85
Hidden action model: incentive compatibility, effort choice, and trade-offs
86
Optimal contracting under moral hazard (limited liability / participation constraints)
87
Signaling & screening
2 subtopics
88
Spence signaling: find separating/pooling equilibria in a simple setup
89
Screening with menus: single-crossing intuition and distortion at the top/bottom
90
Mechanism design basics
2 subtopics
91
Revelation principle intuition; write incentive-compatibility constraints
92
Work a simple mechanism example (e.g., VCG/Groves intuition)
↗ Auctions (strategic bidding) (see Chapter 6)
93
Externalities & property rights (Coase)
2 subtopics
94
Compute optimal policy for externalities: marginal damage and Pigouvian tax/subsidy
95
Apply Coase theorem with transaction costs; analyze assignment of rights
96
Public goods & common resources
2 subtopics
97
Public goods: Samuelson condition and the free-rider problem (problem practice)
98
Commons/congestion: tragedy of the commons and permit/quota solutions (examples)

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