Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module ECON2061: ECONOMIC DATA ANALYSIS

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Economics and Finance)

ECON2061: ECONOMIC DATA ANALYSIS

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Economic Methods (ECON1021) AND Elements of Economics (ECON1011).

Corequisites

  • Any Level 2 Economics module.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To enable students to read and understand the typical empirical analysis as utilised in much of the economic literature.
  • To enable students to write a report based on econometric analysis.
  • To build on the material of Economic Methods
  • To provide relevant material to be utilised in other core and optional modules.

Content

  • Ordinary Least Squares Regression, Choice of Regressors, Hypothesis Tests in Regression, Introduction to Multicolinearity, General Testing of Restrictions, Stability, Dummy Variables, Heteroscedasticity, Serial Correlation, Diagnostic Tests.
  • Examples will include Demand Functions, Government Expenditure, Rational Expectations and Production Functions.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Understand and perform regression analysis
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Set in context results from empirical research
  • Conduct and manage a small scale empirical project and tie the results to relevant literature
Key Skills:
  • Written Communication: the summative assessment includes both a written report and a written examination.
  • Problem Solving: the exercises will require students to use the basic material to solve problems tested in the summative assessment
  • Initiative: students, whilst undertaking the project, must carry out resource investigation by accessing a range of hard copy and electronic resources, establishing the relevance of the documents for the problem in hand.
  • Numeracy: students are expected to perform econometric tests and interpret empirical work to the level of their knowledge.
  • Computer Literacy: the project will be word-processed and the analysis requested will require the use of an econometric package.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures, tutorials, workshops and computer practicals. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in tutorial classes, workshops, computer classes, and private study. Formative assessment is by means of one exercise per student. Summative assessment is by means of a written examination and a written assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 31 2 per week 1 hour 31
Tutorials 5 1 every 2 weeks 1 hour 5
Workshops 3 Terms 1 and 2 1 hour 3
Computer Practicals 3 3 in term 2 1 hour 3
Preparation and Reading 158
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written examination 1 hour 30 mins 100%
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written assignment 2500 words max 100%

Formative Assessment:

One exercise per student


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University