ECON 4010

Only take this class if you have plenty of time to put in each week. This class is hard and the class is not set up to receive good feedback. You have to put in the time. Def advisable to take this class with a friend to bounce concepts off of each other (although you cant work together on homework)

This is a math course in disguise as an econ course. The level of mathematics used approaches graduate level econ; do not take this course if you are bad at math or don't like lots of very in-depth and complex math. You need to be very comfortable with calculus (multi not strictly necessary but highly recommended) and familiar with probability (pdf, cdf, etc). Having taken real analysis could also be very helpful.

This is likely one of the hardest undergrad classes at UVA. Certainly it is the hardest class in the Econ department. HOWEVER, the grade curve is fairly generous. Since it is so difficult, Engers curves the class generously so that most people end up in the As/Bs range. This will not save you if you are bad at math, since the class is not required for the major and so only fairly smart people self-select into the class. Problem sets every two weeks, a midterm, and a final. You can work together on the problem sets, but they are still very very difficult (ex. 3 problems took me multiple hours over two weeks to do).

That being said, this is intensely interesting and intellectually challenging material. Engers is very smart and a good lecturer, although he moves at blistering pace. He's a capable teacher for what is a very difficult but deep area of mathematics, and I would recommend this class to anyone interested in economic theory, game theory, or mathematical economics. Also gives a taste of what econ grad students deal with. Would recommend to anyone good at math and interested in upper level "real" economics.