Module overview
This module covers the application of concepts and methods in contemporary microeconometrics to address various applied research questions using mainly individual level (e.g. firms, households) micro data. Many of the examples will come from labour, public and financial economics, but the techniques covered in this course are applicable to a wide range of fields.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches to estimation and testing
- the application of microeconometric methods to economic problems and questions.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Conduct empirical analyses using different types of economic data and interpret their results
- Identify statistical models and techniques that are appropriate for a particular type of microeconomic data
- Use adequate statistical software to analyse data to address economic questions
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply statistical methods using empirical data to answer a specific research question.
Syllabus
The main topics to be covered include:
(1) Randomised Experiments
(2) Instrumental Variables
(3) Panel Data Methods
(4) Differences in Differences
(5) Regression Discontinuity Design
Depending on students' prior knowledge of econometrics and their interests other topics may be added or substituted as well.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
There are 20 hours of lectures and four hours of computer classes. There is also an independent research component.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 126 |
| Teaching | 24 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
J. Angrist and S. Pischke (2009). Mostly Harmless Econometrics. Princeton University Press.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessment in this module is through problem sets (worth 20% of the final mark in total) and an individual empirical project (80%). This is supported by formative assessment in form of problem sets. This is the same for internal repeat. Assessment for external repeat and referral is through 100% empirical project.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Problem sets | 20% |
| Empirical Project | 80% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Empirical Project | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Empirical Project | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External