Students

ECON915 – Topics in Applied Econometrics

2019 – S2 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convener/lecturer
Chris Heaton
Contact via Email
04EaR 414
TBA on iLearn
Lecturer
Fazeel Mohamed Jaleel
Contact via Email
04EaR 444
TBA on iLearn
Lecturer
Roselyne Joyeux
Contact via Email
04EaR 440
TBA on iLearn
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
ECON840
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
ECON715
Unit description Unit description
This unit covers the application of econometric methods to applied problems in economics. The topics covered will vary from year to year, and will extend students' knowledge of econometric techniques beyond that gained in ECON840. The emphasis of the unit is on the application of econometric techniques as part of an evidence-based approach to knowledge-discovery and policy-formulation, and theoretical knowledge of econometrics will be developed only to the extent necessary to achieve this. Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to interpret and critically evaluate econometric results that appear in the applied economic research literature and industry reports. They will also be able to design and execute econometric studies that contribute to the analysis of applied problems in economics.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Estimate econometric models and test hypotheses using techniques that are appropriate for the problem at hand.
  • Generate and interpret the results of econometric analysis using the software employed in the unit.
  • Effectively communicate the findings from econometric analysis.
  • Interpret and critically evaluate applications of econometrics in the applied economic research literature.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assignment 1 33% No Week 6, Monday 7am
Assignment 2 33% No Week 10, Monday 7am
Assignment 3 34% No Week 15, Monday 7am

Assignment 1

Due: Week 6, Monday 7am
Weighting: 33%

Assignment 1 assesses work covered in lectures up to the submission deadline. Students will be given an applied econometric problem to work on and will be required to submit a written report on their investigation of the problem. Students will also be required to submit relevant computer files.

Submission 

The assignment will be a made available on iLearn at least one week prior to the submission deadline. The only acceptable form of submission will be via the relevant links in iLearn. Note in particular that assignments that are emailed to staff will not be accepted. The assignment may be submitted once only. 

What is required to complete the unit satisfactorily?

Students must demonstrate satisfaction of the learning objectives assessed by the assignment. Students will be awarded a numerical mark. Detailed information about the requirements of the assignment will be released with the assignment question.

It is intended that students will work on the assignments independently. Students who collude or otherwise violate the Academic Honesty Policy will face further action which may result in failure in the unit and more severe penalties.  

Extensions 

No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply to cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved. Students who wish to submit the assignment after the deadline should notify the unit convener by email so that the necessary arrangements may be made.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Estimate econometric models and test hypotheses using techniques that are appropriate for the problem at hand.
  • Generate and interpret the results of econometric analysis using the software employed in the unit.
  • Effectively communicate the findings from econometric analysis.
  • Interpret and critically evaluate applications of econometrics in the applied economic research literature.

Assignment 2

Due: Week 10, Monday 7am
Weighting: 33%

Assignment 2 assesses work covered in lectures up to the submission deadline. Students will be given an applied econometric problem to work on and will be required to submit a written report on their investigation of the problem. Students will also be required to submit relevant computer files.

Submission 

The assignment will be a made available on iLearn at least one week prior to the submission deadline. The only acceptable form of submission will be via the relevant links in iLearn. Note in particular that assignments that are emailed to staff will not be accepted. The assignment may be submitted once only. 

What is required to complete the unit satisfactorily?

Students must demonstrate satisfaction of the learning objectives assessed by the assignment. Students will be awarded a numerical mark. Detailed information about the requirements of the assignment will be released with the assignment question.

It is intended that students will work on the assignments independently. Students who collude or otherwise violate the Academic Honesty Policy will face further action which may result in failure in the unit and more severe penalties.  

Extensions 

No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply to cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved. Students who wish to submit the assignment after the deadline should notify the unit convener by email so that the necessary arrangements may be made.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Estimate econometric models and test hypotheses using techniques that are appropriate for the problem at hand.
  • Generate and interpret the results of econometric analysis using the software employed in the unit.
  • Effectively communicate the findings from econometric analysis.
  • Interpret and critically evaluate applications of econometrics in the applied economic research literature.

Assignment 3

Due: Week 15, Monday 7am
Weighting: 34%

Assignment 3 assesses work covered in lectures up to the submission deadline. Students will be given an applied econometric problem to work on and will be required to submit a written report on their investigation of the problem. Students will also be required to submit relevant computer files.

Submission 

The assignment will be a made available on iLearn at least one week prior to the submission deadline. The only acceptable form of submission will be via the relevant links in iLearn. Note in particular that assignments that are emailed to staff will not be accepted. The assignment may be submitted once only. 

What is required to complete the unit satisfactorily?

Students must demonstrate satisfaction of the learning objectives assessed by the assignment. Students will be awarded a numerical mark. Detailed information about the requirements of the assignment will be released with the assignment question.

It is intended that students will work on the assignments independently. Students who collude or otherwise violate the Academic Honesty Policy will face further action which may result in failure in the unit and more severe penalties.  

Extensions 

No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply to cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved. Students who wish to submit the assignment after the deadline should notify the unit convener by email so that the necessary arrangements may be made.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Estimate econometric models and test hypotheses using techniques that are appropriate for the problem at hand.
  • Generate and interpret the results of econometric analysis using the software employed in the unit.
  • Effectively communicate the findings from econometric analysis.
  • Interpret and critically evaluate applications of econometrics in the applied economic research literature.

Delivery and Resources

Classes

There is a single 3 hour class each week that combines a lecture and tutorial work. Students are expected to attend all classes.

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

There is no single set text. Each lecturer will recommend reading materials available from the library or online as the unit progresses.

Technologies used and required

A range of software is likely to be used in the unit, including R, RStudio, Gretl and Eviews. Precise requirements will be advised by the lecturers as the unit progresses.

Learning and Teaching Activities

The unit is taught by class sessions that combine lectures, tutorial work and class discussion.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Estimate econometric models and test hypotheses using techniques that are appropriate for the problem at hand.
  • Generate and interpret the results of econometric analysis using the software employed in the unit.
  • Interpret and critically evaluate applications of econometrics in the applied economic research literature.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Estimate econometric models and test hypotheses using techniques that are appropriate for the problem at hand.
  • Generate and interpret the results of econometric analysis using the software employed in the unit.
  • Interpret and critically evaluate applications of econometrics in the applied economic research literature.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Generate and interpret the results of econometric analysis using the software employed in the unit.
  • Interpret and critically evaluate applications of econometrics in the applied economic research literature.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Effectively communicate the findings from econometric analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2