Module overview
This module will familiarise students with various computational methods and software tools used in economics and econometrics. Topics include programming, numerical simulation and optimisation, data processing and estimation. The module will provide students with a firm foundation in state-of-the-art techniques and software for each topic. The module will go through applications in economics and econometrics.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- use state of the art programming techniques relevant for econometric data analysis.
- retrieve, organise, analyse and present data from large datasets in an informative manner.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- analyse and interpret data using state of the art computational methods;
- successfully collaborate with others in a group on programming assignments.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- numerical methods for statistical data analysis, including using large data sets
- adequate computational tools for quantitative economic and econometric analysis.
- fundamental programming methods relevant for data science
Syllabus
This module will cover three main areas. It will cover programming skills and give an introduction to computer programming for economists and econometricians. A second focus is on methods of data processing, manipulation and analysis that are relevant for economists and econometricians. The module will also cover techniques of numerical simulation with an emphasis on optimisation and its economic and econometric applications.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, masterclasses, computer lab sessions
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tutorial | 8 |
| Independent Study | 120 |
| Lecture | 20 |
| Workshops | 2 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Continuous assessment through three take-home programming assignments, supported by formative assessment in form of programming exercises. There is no final exam. This is the same for an internal repeat. Assessment for external repeat and referral is through a single piece of coursework.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 50% |
| Coursework assignment(s) | 35% |
| Coursework assignment(s) | 15% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 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 |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External