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Econometrics

Module Code: EC309C

Module Title: Econometrics

• ECTS Weighting: 5
• Semester/Term Taught: Hilary Term
• Contact Hours: 22 hours of lectures and 10 hours of computer workshops
• Module Personnel: Lecturer - Gaia Narciso

Module Learning Aims

This module provides an introduction to the theory and methods of modern econometrics. It begins by reviewing and extending the statistical material covered in the senior freshman year. Following this students are guided through the fundamental principles of econometrics and working through to more advanced topics as the module progresses. The module provides a balance between core theoretical material and an extensive applied component which aims to develop student's practical skills necessary to conduct independent applied research.

Module Content

Topics discussed include:

• Dummy Variables and Qualitative Choice Models: Binary and categorical explanatory variables in regression analysis; interaction terms; binary dependent variables – the linear probability and probit models
• Introduction to Time-Series Analysis: Stationarity/non-stationarity; unit roots and cointegration; MA, AR and ARMA models
• Instrumental Variables Estimation: Omitted variables and endogeneity; two stage least squares estimation; testing for endogeneity and overidentifying restrictions.
• Simultaneous Equation Models: Simultaneity bias in OLS; Structural and reduced forms; the identification problem; estimation.
• Introduction to Panel Data Analysis: Pooling cross sections over time; Fixed and Random effects estimation

Learning Outcomes

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

• Confidently discuss the problem of identification;
• Construct, estimate and test econometric models with limited variables;
• Estimate and test models using instrumental variables and two stage least squares;
• Identify and estimate two and three equation simultaneous equation models;
• Perform basic time series analysis;
• Perform basic econometric analysis for panel data;
• Use the techniques developed to test simple economic models;
• Use STATA to estimate econometric models;
• Present a research topic and research plan to their peers and write an empirical paper on an applied research topic.

Recommended Reading List

Primary Texts:

• J.M. Wooldridge, Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach, 5/e, Cengage, 2013
• D. Gujarati and D. Porter, Basic Econometrics, 5/e, McGraw-Hill, 2011

Secondary Texts:

• Angrist, J.D. and Pischke, J. Mastering Metrics, Princeton University Press, 2015
• Gujarati, Econometrics by Example, Palgrave MacMillan, 2011

Module Pre Requisite

EC2040

Assessment Details

• 4 Homework Assignments accounting for 20% of the overall grade.
• Each student will present on the topic of their project in week 1 of Hilary Term which is worth 5% of the overall grade.
• A project is due in Week 12 of Hilary Term which is worth 15% of the overall grade.
• The annual exam is worth 60% of the overall grade.

Module Website

Blackboard