ECM604-Econometrics 1

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Andy Chung
Email: chunkit.chung@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module covers core econometrics methods and their applications to cross-sectional data, while also enabling students to develop their skills in handling cross-sectional data using the statistical package STATA and to critically evaluate empirical research papers in economics.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the main methods of economic data analysis and their applications to cross-sectional data. The module will introduce students to core methods used in empirical research in economics and will enable students to gain an understanding and practical experience to apply these methods.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. explain core concepts and methods in econometrics;


2. explain the conditions under which the methods are valid and their limitations;


3. apply the various techniques taught using secondary data and the statistical package STATA, and interpret the results;


4. interpret and critically evaluate the economic data analysis methods used in empirical papers.

Additional outcomes:

The ability to evaluate empirical research and data analysis skills acquired in this module will assist students in carrying out their dissertation or applied economics project, as well as applied coursework in other modules.

Outline content:

Topics to be covered include: different types of economic data; linear regression; estimation; hypothesis testing; instrumental variable; discrete choice models.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will be by way of a combination of lectures and computer classes.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20		2
Practicals classes and workshops	8
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	8
Wider reading (directed)	24
Exam revision/preparation			40
Advance preparation for classes	40
Other	8
Preparation of practical report	25
Completion of formative assessment tasks	5
Reflection	15		5
Total hours by term	153	0	47
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Project output other than dissertation	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 3-hour unseen written examination worth 60% of the overall module mark.  The examination will focus on testing students’ abilities to apply their understanding of economic data analysis. Postgraduate examinations are held in the Summer term.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be one course project in which students will implement a set of econometric tasks by using STATA and produce a report.  This assessment is worth 40% of the overall module mark.

Formative assessment methods:

There will be computer exercises for each topic, which will be discussed during the practical classes and workshops.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A minimum overall mark of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment for all modules takes place in August of the same year.

Re-assessment is by examination only; coursework is not included at the second attempt.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  

4) Printing and binding:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 30 March 2023