Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module ECON3281: BEHAVIOURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ECONOMICS

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

ECON3281: BEHAVIOURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ECONOMICS

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Economic Principles II: Microeconomics (ECON2021) AND Economic Data Analysis (ECON2061).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide an understanding of theories in behavioural economics and methods in experimental economics.

Content

  • The course will give students training in the theoretical foundations of behavioural economics and the experimental methods to test theory. The course will cover a range of topics including game theory, individual decisions, markets, bargaining, public choice and auctions. The ideas will be illustrated by classroom experiments.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • At the end of the module students should be able to understand research contributions in behavioural and experimental economics.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students should be able to design experiments to test hypotheses that are related to theory in behavioural economics.
Key Skills:
  • Analytical and statistical understanding.
  • Written communication.
  • Planning and organisation.

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

  • Teaching is by lectures and tutorials. Classroom experiments will be an essential part of teaching.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 1 per week 1 hour 22
Seminars 8 4 in term 1; 4 in term 2 1 hour 8
Preparation and reading 170 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written examination 1 hour 30 minutes 100%
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written assignment 2000 words max 100%

Formative Assessment:

Seminar exercises and presentations.


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