EC2C3      Half Unit
Econometrics I

This information is for the 2023/24 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Michael Gmeiner (SAL.4.28)

Availability

This course is compulsory on the BSc in Economic History with Economics, BSc in Economics and Economic History, BSc in Finance, BSc in International Social and Public Policy and Economics, BSc in Philosophy and Economics and BSc in Politics and Economics. This course is available on the BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Data Science, BSc in Environment and Development, BSc in Environment and Sustainable Development, BSc in Environment and Sustainable Development with Economics, BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics, BSc in Geography with Economics, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Data Science, BSc in Mathematics with Economics, BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (with a Year Abroad) and Diploma in Accounting and Finance. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available with permission to General Course students.

Note, EC2C3 is mutually exclusive with EC220, EC221 and MG205.

Pre-requisites

Students will have completed Elementary Statistical Theory (ST102) or Quantitative Methods (Statistics) (ST107), or equivalent.

Course content

This course is an applied introduction to econometrics. The focus is on regression-based techniques and interpreting results in applied settings. The course will centre on how statistical tools can be used to answer causal “what-if” questions (e.g., “What is the effect of years of education on income?”). You will work with statistical software to analyse actual data sets and will learn basic programming in Stata through dedicated workshops. Topics include: randomised experiments, programme evaluation, matching, simple and multiple regression analysis, inference, omitted variable bias, functional form specification, measurement error, missing data, reverse causality, and instrumental variables.

Teaching

30 hours of lectures, 10 hours of classes, and 5 online Stata workshops in the AT.

Student learning will be supported through the EC2C3 Support Lab and through a dedicated discussion forum.

Formative coursework

Students are expected to engage with the problem sets each week. At least two of these will be marked and feedback provided.

Indicative reading

Lecture materials are complemented by reading of J. D. Angrist and J. S. Pischke, Mastering ‘Metrics. The Path from Cause to Effect, Princeton University Press.

Lecture materials are self-contained with regards to econometric theory, so reading of econometrics textbooks is not required. The following texts are recommended for students interested in consulting a textbook.

• J. Wooldridge, Introductory Econometrics. A Modern Approach, Cengage

• J. H. Stock and M. Watson, Introduction to Econometrics, Pearson

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours, reading time: 15 minutes) in the January exam period.

Key facts

Department: Economics

Total students 2022/23: 382

Average class size 2022/23: 20

Capped 2022/23: No

Lecture capture used 2022/23: Yes (MT)

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills