Class Economics

This course unit (UC) presents a set of introductory themes about Economics. By targeting this course unit to future engineers the main goal is that students acquire basic, practical and fundamental skills in economic science, which should allow them to: - Develop general knowledge in the field of economic science by understanding its fundamental principles; - Analyze and reflect on macroeconomic information and its impacts on businesses and households; - Apply the theoretical concepts of Economics to the real world creating the ability to reflect on real problems; - Have the ability to solve specific problems, not only as consumers, but also from the perspective of the producer / seller; - Participate in debates around economic science and be able to sustain and argue their own positions; - Know the reality of the Portuguese and world economies through the analysis of a set of indicators.

- Introduction to economic science;

- The economic problem and its solutions;

- The Marshallian cross (demand and supply);

- Consumer and producer theories;

- Theory of international trade;

- The main forms of market;

- Economic activity;

- The evolution of the State's economic role;

- Brief notions of economic policy;

- Appearance, functions and characteristics of the currency;

- Portuguese economy in a historical perspective;

- Portuguese business fabric and internationalization.

Teaching methodology: Theoretical classes, practical classes to solve practical exercises (with guidance) and group work

Innovative methodologies: The practical work to be carried out by the students is aimed at analyzing the economies of real countries (with a view to emphasizing a greater connection between the concepts obtained in class and the practical application to the global economy). Contents within the scope of sustainability and the circular economy (increasingly relevant topics) are also addressed, albeit briefly.

Neves, J. (2016). Introdução à Economia , 11ª edição. Lisboa: Verbo.

Ferraz, R. (2022). Slides de apoio às aulas de Economia . Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias