EC333     
Problems of Applied Econometrics

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Mark Schankerman 32L.4.30

Dr Rachael Meager 32L.3.13

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, BSc in Economics, BSc in Economics and Economic History, BSc in Mathematics and Economics and BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is not available to General Course students.

Pre-requisites

Students should have completed Microeconomic Principles I (EC201) or Microeconomic Principles II (EC202) or equivalent, and either Introduction to Econometrics (EC220) or Principles of Econometrics (EC221), or equivalent.

Students who have completed EC220 rather than EC221 should refer to Dr Meager for advice before starting the course regarding additional preparatory work for Lent term course material.

Course content

The purpose of this course is to provide a solid grounding in recent developments in applied micro-econometrics. A major feature of the course is the use of both analytical and computer-based (data) exercises for the classes, as well as reading applied economic papers from the journals which apply the techniques being taught. This mix will enable students to gain practical experience in analysing a wide variety of econometric problems. The topics covered in the Michaelmas term include analysis of matching methods, identification of average, local average and marginal treatment effects using instrumental variables, weak instrument problems, regression discontinuity and randomised control experiments. The Lent term will focus on topics in the analysis of cross section and panel data with static and dynamic models, including fixed and random effects, nonlinear models, issues of measurement error, selection and attrition in panel contexts, binary choice models, maximum likelihood estimation, and generalized method of moments.

Teaching

15 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the MT. 15 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the LT.

This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 50 hours across Michaelmas Term and Lent Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of virtual classes, live streamed (recorded) lectures, and some flipped content delivered as short online videos.

Formative coursework

Michaelmas term: Required weekly “referee reports” (3-4 pages) on assigned journal articles, with two graded. Feedback to be provided by the class teacher. Lent term:  Two required problem sets, usually to include econometric questions and applications. Feedback to be provided by the class teacher.

Indicative reading

A detailed reading list will be provided at the beginning of each term of the course. In parts of the Michaelmas we will use sections from the textbook "Mostly Harmless Econometrics" by Angrist and Pischke. There is no single text for the Lent term, but useful books include “A Guide to Modern Econometrics” by Marno Verbeek, “Introduction to Econometrics” By Stock and Watson (somewhat less advanced than the lectures) and “Econometric Analyses of Cross Section and Panel Data” by Wooldridge (somewhat more advanced than the lectures).

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 3 hours, reading time: 15 minutes) in the summer exam period.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Economics

Total students 2019/20: 38

Average class size 2019/20: 19

Capped 2019/20: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of numeracy skills