Growth and Development Economics

Models of the Post-Keynesian Growth Theory (Harrod/Domar Model and Two-Gaps Model) and the neoclassical growth model are discussed in detail. In particular, the determinants “savings” and “population growth” are critically assessed as well as the interdependency of growth and capital imports and foreign trade, respectively. Another focus is set on the analysis of “technological progress” as growth determinant. Subsequent to the theoretical models, problem oriented topics are covered, concentrating on development financing, trade, financial crisis, human capital accumulation, HIV/AIDS and technological progress in developing countries. Qualification targets: The aim of the module is to familiarize students with diverse growth theories and to enable them to classify these approaches with regard to theoretical and empirical relevance for the explanation of success and failure of development Imparted soft skills: Analytical thinking, Independent studying and learning, Critical thinking Faculty of Management and Economics a) RUB main campus b) Blue Square Good knowledge of macroeconomics. Week1: Introduction Week2: followed by Week3 to the Final Week Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Löwenstein – 5 ECTS MA a) Lecture b) Exercise Session Learning material and relevant literature: Acemoglu, D. (2009): Introduction to Modern Economic Growth, Princeton University Press.; Bender, D.; Löwenstein, W. (2005): Two-Gap Models: PostKeynesian Death and Neoclassical Rebirth.; Feenstra, R./Taylor, A., International Economics, 2008.; Krugman, P./Obstfeld, M., International Economics, 7. Auflage, 2006.; Weil, David N. (2009): Economic Growth, 2. Auflage, Pearson Addison-Weasly, Boston. not offered every semester 100 % Written exam (90 min) Jan Wüstenfeld: wiwi-international@ruhr-uni-bochum.de https://www.wiwi.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studium/service.html.de

International Trade

This course provides an intermediate level study of international trade theory and policy. The issues that will be addressed are, among others, the fundamental gains from trade, the implications of imperfect competition for trade patterns and welfare, how firms of different sizes and productivities engage in trade Qualification targets: (1) To develop a solid grounding in the analytical work of modern trade theory; (2) to master some tools for use in practical trade analysis; and (3) to provide a better understanding of the circumstances within which international trade policy is provided Imparted soft skills: Analytical thinking, Independent studying and learning, Literature research and documentation, Presentation of scientific results, Presentation techniques/language competencies Faculty of Management and Economics RUB main campus None Week1: Introduction Week2: followed by Week3 to the Final Week Jun.-Prof. Dr. Sanne Kruse-Becher – 5 ECTS MA a) Lecture b) Tutorial 100 % Written exam (90 min) Jan Wüstenfeld: wiwi-international@ruhr-uni-bochum.de https://www.wiwi.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studium/service.html.de

Seminar in Development Economics

The seminar intends to focus on particular aspects of development economics, such as the integration of developing countries into the world economy, poverty and health, governance and institutions, macroeconomic distortions, or civil war. Students will apply analytical tools to understand these issues in developing countries, to examine empirical evidence, and to evaluate policy options for governments in developing countries to enhance growth rates and promote development Qualification targets: This seminar will deal with major issues in development economics. By enrolling in this seminar, students can broaden their theoretical and empirical knowledge in this field. Imparted soft skills: Analytical thinking, Independent studying and learning, Literature research and documentation, Presentation of scientific results, Presentation techniques/language competencies, Team work and capacity for team work, Critical thinking Faculty of Management and Economics Blue Square Knowledge of “Growth and Development Economics” is beneficial. Week1: Introduction Week2: followed by Week3 to the Final Week Dr. Thomas Koch; Prof. Dr. Matthias Busse 20 5 ECTS MA Block seminar (one weekend) not offered in every semester 50 % Term paper (12-15 pages); 50 % Presentation (20-40 min) Jan Wüstenfeld: wiwi-international@ruhr-uni-bochum.de https://www.wiwi.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studium/service.html.de

Macroeconomics I

This module is necessary for further studies of macroeconomics at an advanced level. It prepares students for PhD programs or work in research institutions. This module covers advanced theoretical models on business cycle fluctuations, inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. It provides an overview over the most important macroeconomic topics and introduces students to theories in macroeconomics. The theories are applied to relevant macroeconomic policy issues such as how to deal with financial crisis or the European dept crisis. Qualification targets: This module is an introduction to modern macroeconomics and important current topics of macroeconomic policy. Students learn standard modeling techniques. We also discuss major controversies and the limits of these models. The module stimulates critical thinking and trains the skills required to solve and analyze formal models. Students also get an overview of important policy discussions. Imparted soft skills: Analytical thinking, Independent studying and learning, Presentation techniques/language competencies, Team work and capacity for team work, Critical thinking Faculty of Management and Economics Blue Square Thorough knowledge of mathematics for economists is recommended. Knowledge of the materials from the Bsc module “Grundlagen der Makroökonomik” (Foundations of Macroeconomics) is expected. Week1: Introduction Week2: followed by Week3 to the Final Week Dr. Paola D’Orazio; Prof. Dr. Michael Roos 5 ECTS MA 100 % Written exam (60 min) Jan Wüstenfeld: wiwi-international@ruhr-uni-bochum.de https://www.wiwi.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studium/service.html.de

Network Economics

This module analyses competition on network markets with tools of industrial economics. Topics are, complementarities, compatibility, network externalities, switching costs etc. Focus on hardware and software industry, telecommunication, informational goods, bank networks, etc. The focus is on the hardware and software industry, telecommunication, informational goods, bank networks, etc. Previous knowledge in industrial organization is helpful, but not a prerequisite, since we will briefly review the main concepts. Qualification targets: The students should obtain a sound knowledge in network economics that allows them to read and understand original papers in the modern literature Imparted soft skills: Analytical thinking, Independent studying and learning, Critical thinking Faculty of Management and Economics RUB main campus Good knowledge of Microeconomics and Mathematics. Good knowledge of the Medium of instruction English. Week1: Introduction Week2: followed by Week3 to the Final Week Prof. Dr. Julio Robledo del Prado 5 ECTS MA a) Lecture b) Tutorial Learning material and relevant literature: Oz Shy (2001) The Economics of Network Industries, Cambridge University Press 100 % Written exam (90 min) Jan Wüstenfeld: wiwi-international@ruhr-uni-bochum.de https://www.wiwi.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studium/service.html.de

Microeconomics II

This module is an introduction to modern industrial organization (IO) and its applications to applied economic policy. The module covers standard IO topics at master level: monopoly, oligopoly, product differentiation, pricing strategies, mergers. Qualification targets: Students learn the standard modelling techniques. After attending this module, students should be able to read and understand IO oriented scientific literature. Imparted soft skills: Analytical thinking, Independent studying and learning, Critical thinking Faculty of Management and Economics RUB main campus Good knowledge of mathematics. Good command of English. Week1: Introduction Week2: followed by Week3 to the Final Week Prof. Dr. Julio Robledo del Prado 5 ECTS MA a) Lecture b) Exercise Session Learning material and relevant literature: Gravelle & Rees (2004, 3rd Edn) Microeconomics; Lynne Pepall et at (2010) Contemporary Industrial Organisation 100 % Written exam (90 min) Jan Wüstenfeld: wiwi-international@ruhr-uni-bochum.de https://www.wiwi.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studium/service.html.de

Microeconometrics

This module deals with the advanced econometric methods applicable to micro data. In particular, discrete choice and selection models as well as advanced empirical evaluation methods are covered. Within the lecture, the participants are introduced to the theoretical concepts of the methods. Within the tutorials, these methods are discussed based on examples from the scientific literature. Qualification targets: By the end of this course, students should be able to understand and evaluate empirical studies based on micro data and to be proficient in the subject-related terminology. Moreover, they should have the ability to choose the right empirical estimation strategy based on a given dataset/problem. Imparted soft skills: Analytical thinking, Independent studying and learning, Critical thinking Faculty of Management and Economics RUB main campus Advanced knowledge of empirical research and/or econometrics is recommended. Week1: Introduction Week2: followed by Week3 to the Final Week Prof. Dr. Thomas Bauer 30 10 ECTS MA a) Lecture b) Tutorial Learning material and relevant literature: Angrist/Pischke, (2008), Mostly Harmless Econometrics: An Empiricist’s Companion. Princeton University Press.; Cameron/Trivedi (2005), Microeconometrics: Methods and Applications. Cambridge University Press.; Further literature (journal articles) will be provided during the course 100 % Written exam (90 min) Jan Wüstenfeld: wiwi-international@ruhr-uni-bochum.de https://www.wiwi.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studium/service.html.de

Labor Economics

The labor market affects the daily lives and the welfare of every individual directly. Hence, the analysis of labor markets is of importance and interest not only to economists but to the population at large. Labor economics is a very challenging and a stimulating area in economics due to the special characteristics of the labor market. For example, different to capital workers are not commodities with fixed characteristics and make decisions about the nature of their participation in the labor market. Institutions affect the labor market much more than any other market. Qualification targets: The aim of this module is to give an understanding of the distinctive features of labor markets and the ways in which they operate. Among other things, we will analyze labor supply, labor demand, human capital, and the role of different labor market institutions and labor market policies for wages and employment. Throughout the module, we attempt to integrate theoretical issues and empirical evidence, and to address questions of policy. The latter will concentrate on European issues. Imparted soft skills: Analytical thinking, Independent studying and learning, Critical thinking Faculty of Management and Economics RUB main campus None Week1: Introduction Week2: followed by Week3 to the Final Week Prof. Dr. Thomas Bauer – 5 ECTS MA a) Lecture b) Tutorial Learning material and relevant literature: Cahuc/Zylberberg (2004), Labor Economics. Cambridge: The MIT Press. 100 % Written exam (90 min) Jan Wüstenfeld: wiwi-international@ruhr-uni-bochum.de https://www.wiwi.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studium/service.html.de

Current Topics in Health Economics

In this seminar students will explore a varitiey of current topics in health economics. Students will get an overview of institutional characteristics of the market for and public policy towards health care. The topics will cover both empirical and theoretical contributions. Students will prepare their seminar papers in the first half of the semester and present their papers in the second half of the semester. Further course details will be given at the introductory meeting. Qualification targets: Students will have the possibility to acquire the necessary knowledge and methodological skills for the successful completion of a master thesis in health economics and related fields. To this aim students will prepare a term paper based on current themes in the field of health economics. Imparted soft skills: Analytical thinking, Independent studying and learning, Project/time management, Literature research and documentation, Presentation of scientific results, Presentation techniques/language competencies, Team work and capacity for team work, Critical thinking Faculty of Management and Economics RWI (located in the nearby town of Essen) None: However, sufficient proficiency in microeconomics and microeconometrics in order to be able to read and understand the current international theoretical or empirical literature is strongly recommended. Week1: Introduction Week2: followed by Week3 to the Final Week apl. Prof. Ansgar Wübker 30 5 ECTS MA 65 % Term paper (15 pages); 35 % Presentation and discussion (20 min) Jan Wüstenfeld: wiwi-international@ruhr-uni-bochum.de https://www.wiwi.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studium/service.html.de

Optical Metrology

Optical metrology is used as cross-sectional technology in many disciplines. At first, the basic characteristics of light and its interaction with matter are pointed out in a short fundamental chapter. Subsequently, the tools of optical metrology, i.e. active and passive optical elements are discussed. The main part of the lecture deals with measuring techniques like: geometry measurements, profilometry, shape measurements, spectroscopy, highspeed cameras, infrared imaging, and biophotonics. The students understand the physical functional principles of optical metrology. They have learned the characteristics and limits of optical metrology. Furthermore, they got to know the selection criteria of suitable optical measuring techniques for a given application. Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology RUB main campus none; recommended prior knowledge: Fundamental knowledge of electromagnetic waves and optics Week1: Introduction Week2: followed by Week3 to the Final Week Priv.-Doz. Dr.-Ing. Nils C. Ger­hardt 6 ECTS MA (2nd. semester) Lecture and Exercise Literature: Saleh, Teich, “Fundamentals of Photonics”, Wiley & Sons, 2007 oral exam (30 min) studienberatung@ei.ruhr-uni-bochum.de https://www.ei.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studium/lehrveranstaltungen/250/

Photonics

The lecture starts with the fundamentals of linear optics (refraction, diffraction, dispersion etc.). Afterwards, interaction of light and matter is analyzed and fundamentals of lasers are worked out. Important laser systems are discussed and principles of the generation of short light pulses are explained. The principles and applications of non-linear optics are discussed. Optical memories and optical telecommunications are discussed in separate chapters. An outlook on the potential of photonic crystals is given. The students have learned the fundamentals of optical information transfer and retrieval. They have acquired basic knowledge of lasers, linear and non-linear optics and understand the concepts of optical memories (CD, DVD) and optical telecommunication. Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology RUB main campus none; recommended prior knowledge: Fundamental knowlegde of electromagnetic waves Week1: Introduction Week2: followed by Week3 to the Final Week Prof. Dr. Mar­tin R. Hof­mann 5 ECTS MA (2nd. semester) Lecture and Exercise Literature: Saleh, Teich, “Fundamentals of Photonics”, Wiley & Sons, 2007; Meschede, Dieter “Optics, Light and Lasers”, Wiley-VCH, 2007 oral exam (30 min) studienberatung@ei.ruhr-uni-bochum.de https://www.ei.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studium/lehrveranstaltungen/696/

Physical Attacks and Countermeasures

The modern cryptographic algorithms provide a reasonable level of security against the known mathematical and analytical cryptanalysis attacks. Breaking a system by means of a physical attack does not infer to the weakness of the algorithm, but of the implementation. In the first part of the lecture, different kinds of physical attacks on cryptographic devices (e.g., a smartcard used for payment, a contactless card used for authentication, and smartphones) are introduced, while we focus later on countermeasures and the methods to make implementations resistant against the known physical attacks. The goal of this lecture is to give an overview about the known physical attacks and most considerably the schemes developed to counter such a kind of attacks. Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology RUB main campus none; recommended prior knowledge: basic knowledge of digital technology, basic knowledge of data security and cryptography, solid programming skills in at least one programming language (e.g. C++), basic knowledge of computer architecture, basic knowledge of signal processing Week1: Introduction Week2: followed by Week3 to the Final Week Priv.-Doz. Dr. Amir Mo­ra­di 5 ECTS MA Lecture and Exercise Project-based work is a large part of the course. In addition to a written exam, there is weekly project work (homework) and a final seminar. All parts have to be worked on individually. To successfully pass the course, the exam must be passed with at least 50% AND the composite final grade must be at least 50%. The final mark is composed as follows: Weekly project work (homework): 30% Written exam: 60%. Final seminar: 20%. This gives a total of 110%. Therefore 10% of the points to be achieved are bonus points. written exam (120 min) studienberatung@ei.ruhr-uni-bochum.de https://www.ei.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studium/lehrveranstaltungen/533/