MSc Financial Economics

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Microeconometrics

Course unit fact file
Unit code ECON60052
Credit rating 15
Unit level FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Available as a free choice unit? Yes

Overview

The aims of this course unit are to:

(i) introduce students to modelling and estimation techniques in the analysis of microeconometric data;

(ii) develop an understanding on how and when to use the different techniques

(iii) provide sufficient background to enable students to read the applied literature which applies these techniques;

(iv) prepare students for a dissertation topic that analyses microeconometric data.

 

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Econometric Methods ECON61001 Pre-Requisite Compulsory

Pre requisite ECON61001

Aims

The aims of this course unit are to:

(i) introduce students to modelling and estimation techniques in the analysis of microeconometric data;

(ii) develop an understanding on how and when to use the different techniques

(iii) provide sufficient background to enable students to read the applied literature which applies these techniques;

(iv) prepare students for a dissertation topic that analyses microeconometric data.

 

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit successful students will be able to:

(i) demonstrate an understanding of some of the problems associated with microeconometric data such as endogenous regressors, selection bias and causal effects;

(ii) understand and apply some standard techniques to address these problems, such as instrumental variable estimation, randomized experiments, using panel data, using Differences-in-Differences approaches or using Regression Discontinuity Designs;

(iv) apply these techniques using the computer software R;

(v) interpret R output correctly.

 

Syllabus

1) Regression

(2) Standard Errors

(3) Instrumental Variables

(4) Randomized Experiments

(5) Panel Data Methods

(6) Differences-in-Differences

(7) Regression Discontinuity Designs)

 

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and tutorials

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 25%
Written exam 75%

75% Final Exam

25% Group MIdterm Assessment

Recommended reading

There is no one course text. Material will be delivered primarily though the lecture unless specified otherwise.

 

The main texts are: -

Wooldridge, J.M. (2020): Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach, 7th ed., Cengage. -

Angrist, J. D. and J.- S. Pischke (2009). Mostly Harmless Econometrics, Princeton University Press.

 

For some parts, the course also follows: -

Wooldridge, J.M. (2010): Econometric Analysis of Cross Section and Panel Data, Second Edition. MIT Press. -

Duflo, E., Glennester, R. and M. Kremer (2007): Chapter 61 Using Randomization in Development Economics research: A Toolkit, Elsevier, vol. 4 of Handbook of Development Economics, 3895 – 3962. -

Fröhlich, M. and S. Sperlich (2019): Impact Evaluation: Treatment Effects and Causal Analysis. Cambridge University Press.

 

Students may note that the following cover the same or related topics. -

Cameron, C. and P. Trivedi (2012): Microeconometrics: Methods and Applications, Cambridge University Press. -

Verbeek, M. (2012): A Guide to Modern Econometrics, 4th edition, Wiley. -

Angrist, J.D. and J.-S. Pischke (2014):  Mastering metrics: The path from cause to effect. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press.

The specific references relevant for each topic are given in the lectures

 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 18
Tutorials 7
Independent study hours
Independent study 125

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Jasmin Fliegner Unit coordinator

Additional notes

 

 

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