EC331     
Quantitative Thesis

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Matthew Levy 32L3.21

Availability

This course is compulsory on the BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics. This course is not available as an outside option nor to General Course students.

Pre-requisites

Students must have completed Principles of Econometrics (EC221) or exceptionally Introduction to Econometrics (EC220).

Course content

This course provides an opportunity to learn how to do independent quantitative economic research at an advanced level. Students are expected to pursue research on a question of their own choice under the supervision of a member of staff. They are expected to formulate an initial proposal near the start of MT in order to be matched with a supervisor, refining their choice into a manageable research question during that term. Following independent work during MT, a seminar in week 9 will review student progress. In the LT seminars, each student will present a preliminary outline of the results for comments by fellow students and teachers, and later a follow-up presentation on further, more final results and a draft thesis. Seminars in LT are formally timetabled as classes.

Teaching

4 hours of seminars in the MT. 20 hours of seminars in the LT.

In week 11 of the MT and the LT students will work independently (with supervisory advice).

This year, some or all of this teaching may be delivered virtually. 

Formative coursework

Students are required to prepare material for their presentations in the seminar, but this is not formally graded.  Students are additionally expected to participate in discussion on the presentations of other students’ as this is part of the training of a research economist, but this is also not formally assessed.

Indicative reading

As each student chooses an individual research question, there is no common reading list for this course.

Assessment

Thesis (100%) in May.

A completed thesis (up to 10,000 words, not including abstract, footnotes, bibliography and tables) on an approved subject will be required to be submitted by 05 May 2021. There is no written examination. The thesis is weighted at 100% of the final assessment.

Key facts

Department: Economics

Total students 2019/20: 11

Average class size 2019/20: 11

Capped 2019/20: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

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.