VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

351-1109-00L 3 Credits BSC , DS , DR , MSC D-INFK , D-MTEC , D-GESS , D-ITET , D-USYS

Introduction to Microeconomics

Einführung in die Mikroökonomie

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Martin Wörter, Dr. Michael David König

GESS (Science in Perspective): This course is only for students enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree programme. Students enrolled in a Master’s degree programme may attend “Principles of Microeconomics” (LE 363-0503-00L) instead. Note for D-MAVT students: If you have already successfully completed “Principles of Microeconomics” (LE 363-0503-00L), then you will not be permitted to attend it again.

VVZ CR 2.9

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:19

Abstract

The course introduces basic principles, problems and approaches of microeconomics. It describes economic decisions of households and firms, and their coordination through perfectly competitive markets.

Objective

Students acquire a deeper understanding of basic microeconomic models. They acquire the ability to apply these models in the interpretation of real world economic contexts. Students acquire a reflective and contextual knowledge on how societies use scarce resources to produce goods and services and distribute them among themselves.

Content

Market, budget constraint, preferences, utility function, utility maximisation, demand, technology, profit function, cost minimisation, cost functions, perfect competition, information and communication technologies

Resources

Lecture Notes

Course material in e-learning environmenthttps://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/auth/shibboleth/login.php

Literature

Varian, Hal R. (2014), Intermediate Microeconomics, W.W. Norton

General Information

Language: German
Levels: BSC , DS , DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 60 minutes
Aids: Nicht programmierbarer Taschenrechner

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Einführung in die Mikroökonomie	No time listed	2 h weekly

Offered In

Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
- Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
  - Economics
- Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses. Particularly relevant for students interested in those subjects. All these courses are also listed under the category “Typ A”, and every student can enroll in these courses.)
  - D-MTEC
Computer Science Bachelor
- Minor Courses
  - Minor Courses
Umweltnaturwissenschaften Bachelor
- Sozial- und Geisteswissenschaften
  - Wahlfächer
    - Wirtschaftswissenschaften
Agrarwissenschaften Bachelor
- Agrarwissenschaftliche Fachbereiche
  - Agrarökonomie
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Bachelor
- Electives (This is only a small selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen. Please consult the "Richtlinien zu Projekten, Praktika, Seminare" (German only), ).)
  - Economics, Law and Management Electives (These subjects are particularly suitable for students planning to apply to the Master's Degree Program in Energy Science and Technology (MSc EST) or Management, Technology and Economics (MSc MTEC).)
Management, Technology and Economics (General Courses) (In the section "general courses", lectures are listed which are offered by the D-MTEC as service lectures for students not belonging to D-MTEC.)
- General Courses