Module ECON47815: Econometric Methods

Department: Economics and Finance

ECON47815: Econometric Methods

Prerequisites

• One module at a level equivalent to a second year British Honours Degree standard, covering basic statistics and in particular covering at least basic probability theory and distributions as well as hypothesis testing.

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Econometrics I (ECON41515) and Econometrics II (ECON41615)

Aims

• to provide students with some of the econometrics skills necessary to pursue empirical research in economics and/or finance;
• to provide a basis for understanding more advanced econometric techniques to be taught in the second term of the MSc.

Content

• Functions (mainly in maths/stats sessions)
• Differentiation and Integration (mainly in maths/stats sessions)
• Matrix algebra (mainly in maths/stats sessions)
• Statistics and Probability theory
• Linear Regression Model using some Matrix Algebra, Gauss-Markov, Identification, OLS, finite sample properties of the OLS estimator
• Hypothesis testing and Confidence intervals
• Asymptotic properties of the OLS estimator
• Misspecification and dummy variables
• GLS, autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity
• Endogeneity, Simultaneity, Instrumental Variables (IV) estimation

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students should:
• have a thorough knowledge of the key econometric concepts, principles and methods.

• By the end of the module students should:
• have the ability to apply econometric methods and interpret the results at an advanced level;
• be able to use a range of econometric tools to conduct their own empirical investigations;
• have problem solving skills and have practised the use of econometric software.

• Written Communication;
• Planning, Organising and Time Management;
• Problem Solving and Analysis;
• Using Initiative;
• Numeracy;
• Computer Literacy.

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

• A combination of lectures, seminars, computer classes and guided reading will contribute to achieving the aims and learning outcomes of this module.
• The formative assessment includes an in-class test to ensure students have a thorough understanding of the underpinning mathematical concepts.
• The summative assessment comprises a two-hour examination to test students' knowledge of key econometrics methods, concepts and principles, and their problem-solving skills, plus a short project to test their ability to apply these methods and interpret the results.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A one-hour in-class test. Work prepared by students for seminars; answers to questions either discussed during a seminar, or posted on DUO; feedback on discussions with teaching staff during consultation hours, or via e-mail.

■ 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