Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module ECON47715: MICROECONOMETRICS

Department: Economics

ECON47715: MICROECONOMETRICS

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap None.
Tied to L1T109
Tied to L1T409
Tied to L1T609

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • Econometric Analysis (ECON41515)

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • to build upon the knowledge gained in Econometric Analysis and provide students with the specific advanced technical skills (both theoretical and practical) necessary to understand the methods employed by micro econometricians;
  • to provide students with the tools required to conduct policy evaluation using microeconomic cross section and panel datasets.

Content

  • Topics may include:
  • Static and dynamic models for panel data: random-effects approach, fixed-effects approach
  • Limited dependent variable models: discrete response, censored regression, sample selection
  • Treatment effect models: regression-based methods, alternative methods (e.g. matching)

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • have an advanced knowledge of the principles and methods of modern microeconometrics;
  • have extended and deepened their understanding of econometrics gained in Econometric Analysis, and improved their critical judgement and discrimination in the choice of techniques applicable to complex situations;
  • have extended their understanding of the application of econometric methods and interpretation of the results at an advanced level;
  • have extended their understanding of the use of econometric tools to conduct advanced empirical investigations into complex specialised issues.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • have further practised problem-solving skills in econometrics at an advanced level and the use of econometric software.
Key Skills:
  • 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. Fortnightly seminars will discuss applications of the econometric techniques and fortnightly computer classes will introduce students to implementation of the methods in statistical software package(s), using micro data. The summative assignment will involve students writing an empirical report using techniques covered in the module, applied to micro data. This will test students' knowledge and critical understanding of the material covered in the module, their analytical and problem-solving skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 1 per week 2 hours 20
Seminars 4 Fortnightly 1 hour 4
Computer classes 4 Fortnightly 1 hour 4
Preparation & Reading 122
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Project Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Project 3000 words maximum 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

Students prepare answers to questions in advance of seminars, these are discussed during the seminar with feedback given by the lecturer. 'Indicative answers' are also presented during the seminar and posted on Learn Ultra. Feedback on discussions is available 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