Copperbelt University Economics Course

Introduction

The Bachelor of Science degree in Economics was introduced in the 2012/13 academic year as a response to increased industry, government, non-governmental organizations and international organisations demand graduates with a strong grounding in Economics. Therefore, it became imperative to introduce specialized degrees in Economics at bachelors, masters and doctoral levels. A number of specialized Economics programmes tailored to meet the interests and needs of students are now available at many other universities worldwide. In order to stay competitive on the changing higher education landscape, it was thought important that Copperbelt University also adapts to such changes by introducing the programme of Economics. The department offers only one-degree programme: Bachelor of Science in Economics with various specialisations in international economics, health economics, financial and monetary economics, environmental economics, agricultural economics and development economics.

Rationale

Economic decisions have a crucial influence on all aspects of all life in any economy. Whether people have studies economics or not are affected by economic decisions they make consciously and unconsciously. It is for this reason that the discussions of economic issues dominate the media and politics because everyone is affected by economics. The study of economics can help different individuals, groups of people and society at large to make choices that can improve the quality of living. A number of theories are taught in economics that are aimed at solving and assessing economic problems faced by households, firms and governments. The program of economics will equip students who will immensely be useful in the public and private sectors nationally and internationally. These professionals will have a strong understanding of requisite economic aspects of modern society and will be familiar with techniques for the analysis of contemporary economic problems so as to develop an ability to exercise judgment in evaluating public policy and also make quick but precise decisions aimed at solving problems as they arise in the corporate world and the public sector. The programme of Economics has a practical dimension that enables the candidates to become any of the following:

• Economists in the public sector
• Economists in the private sector
• Finance experts
• Market analysts
• Economic Planners
• Statisticians
• Policy analysts
• Monitoring and Evaluation officers
• Policy Monitoring and implementation

Aims of the programme

The program’s main objective is to train qualified professional economists who will immensely be useful in the public and private sectors nationally and internationally. These professionals will have a strong understanding of requisite economic aspects of modern society and will be familiar with techniques for the analysis of contemporary economic problems so as to develop an ability to exercise judgment in evaluating public policy.

Objectives of the programme

• To provide a background for a holistic understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomic concepts that prepare a candidate for the problem-solving experience in the business world.
• To provide a framework for basic analytical and quantitative skills in understanding and evaluating public policy.
• To equip the candidates with practical research skills in all relevant aspects of economics