Students

ECON8040 – Applied Econometrics

2025 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor, lecturer, tutor
Chris Heaton
Contact via chris.heaton@mq.edu.au
04EaR-436
TBA on iLearn
Tutor
Md Arafat Rahman
Contact via mdarafat.rahman@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(Admission to GradCertResBus or GradDipResBus) or ECON6034 or STAT6175
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
ECON7035
Unit description Unit description

This unit enables students with basic statistical knowledge to upgrade their understanding to a practical level where they can apply knowledge of econometrics to empirical analysis. By successfully completing this unit, students are able to develop an econometric model suitable for the objective of their analysis, estimate the model using an appropriate estimation method, and draw valid inferences from the estimation results. The unit starts with a brief review of the standard multiple linear regression model and the OLS estimation method. It then relaxes the standard assumptions and investigates alternative estimation methods that are valid under the new circumstances.

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:

  • ULO1: Develop an econometric model suitable for the objective of analysis.
  • ULO2: Estimate the model using an appropriate estimation method.
  • ULO3: Interpret the estimation results and draw valid inferences.
  • ULO4: Critically analyse the econometric methods covered in the unit.

General Assessment Information

Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written tasks):

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. 

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Skills development Quiz 25% No 07/04/2025
Formal and observed learning: Test 25% No 19/05/2025
Formal and observed learning: Exam 50% No Exam Period

Skills development Quiz

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 07/04/2025
Weighting: 25%

 

The purpose of this assessment is to ensure your acquisition of the concepts and skills that are foundational to applied econometrics.   You will be given a quiz before the mid session break and will receive valuable feedback on your progress.   Skills in focus: - Discipline knowledge - Analytical thinking   Deliverable: Quiz Individual assessment

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Estimate the model using an appropriate estimation method.
  • Interpret the estimation results and draw valid inferences.

Formal and observed learning: Test

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 19/05/2025
Weighting: 25%

 

The purpose of this assessment is to develop an understanding of econometric techniques and theory and how they can be applied to solve practical problems in economics. This test will provide students with feedback on their progress before the final assessment.   You will be given a take home diagnostic test with a similar format to the final exam. All questions and data sets will be randomised.   Skills in focus: - Problem solving - Discipline Knowledge   Deliverable: Test Individual assessment

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop an econometric model suitable for the objective of analysis.
  • Interpret the estimation results and draw valid inferences.
  • Critically analyse the econometric methods covered in the unit.

Formal and observed learning: Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 50%

 

The purpose of this assessment is for students to demonstrate their ability to choose, implement and interpret the results of econometric procedures taught in Applied Econometrics   You will participate in a 2-hour exam held during the University Examination period. Important information about the exam will be made available on the unit iLearn page. You should also review the MQ Exams website for general tips.   Deliverable: Formal exam Individual assessment

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop an econometric model suitable for the objective of analysis.
  • Estimate the model using an appropriate estimation method.
  • Interpret the estimation results and draw valid inferences.
  • Critically analyse the econometric methods covered in the unit.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

See iLearn.

Unit Schedule

Week Topic
1 Introduction/Probability
2 Estimation and Hypothesis Testing
3 Simple Linear Regression
4 Multiple Linear Regression
5 Prediction/Heteroscedastiticty
6 Specification
7 Endogeneity
8 Endogeneity
9 Binary Dependent Variables
10 Panel Data
11 Stationary Time Series
12 Dynamic Causal Effects/Structural Breaks
13 Stochastic Trends

  Stock, J. H. and Watson, M. W. (2019) Introduction to Econometrics, Global Edition, 4th edition, Pearson is used for most of the unit.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

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.


Unit information based on version 2025.03 of the Handbook