University of Essex

EC116-4-FY-CO:
Applied Economics and Policy

The details

Year: 2023/24

Department: Economics

Campus: Colchester Campus

Term: Full Year

Level: Undergraduate: Level 4

Status: Current

Start date: Thursday 05 October 2023

End date: Friday 28 June 2024

Credits: 30

Last updated: 24 October 2023

Requisites for this module

Pre-requisites: (none)

Co-requisites: (none)

Pre and / or co-requisites: (none)

Prohibited modules: (none)

Key module (requisite for): (none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

This module is about the analysis of data within economics, and the interpretation of empirical results.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:

To provide an introduction to data analysis in economics. How to find and create datasets and how to describe the main features of economic data.

To develop an understanding of simple statistical and econometric techniques used in economics that complement the theoretical treatment in Introduction to Quantitative Economics.

To provide an introduction on how economic models are tested using data and how to interpret results both statistically and economically.

To provide an introduction to policy evaluations in economics.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

Apply basic data analysis to address economic issues.

Be aware of the main sources of economic data.

Construct and interpret graphs of the data.

Construct summary statistics and how to interpret statistical regressions in relation to economic issues.

Be able to read, understand and properly manipulate data.

Have knowledge of widely used computational packages and plenty of examples from real datasets.

Module information

Feedback for this module will occur through class meetings where we will go over the answers to problem sets and where you will be able to ask questions about your own method of solution; answers that will be posted on the website for the module that will give you written guidance on the appropriate method to approach the problems, assignments, and tests; and office hours where any additional questions can be addressed. You should be sure that you use these methods to understand how to improve your own performance. For modules including a term paper, the term paper will be returned with individualised feedback that addresses what the marking criteria are and how you could improve your own work.

Learning and teaching methods

No information available.

Bibliography

Trouble with accessing resources? (no date). Available at: https://essex.libwizard.com/id/0ca0192f0d51b4c22469d6030fd1306f.
Lind, D., Marchal, W. and Wathen, S. (2021) Basic Statistics for Business and Economics. 10th edition. OH: McGraw-Hill Education. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/885250.
Angrist, J.D. and Pischke, J.-S. (2009a) Mostly harmless econometrics: an empiricist’s companion. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/168906.
Gertler, P. et al. (2016) Impact evaluation in practice. Second edition. Washington, DC: World Bank Group. Available at: https://search-ebscohost-com.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1249933&site=ehost-live&authtype=sso&custid=s9814295.
Angrist, J.D. and Pischke, J.-S. (2009b) Mostly harmless econometrics: an empiricist’s companion. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/168906.
Wooldridge, J.M. (2020) Introductory econometrics: a modern approach. Seventh edition. Boston, Massachusetts: Cengage Learning. Available at: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6135934.
Angrist, J.D. and Pischke, J.-S. (2015) Mastering ’metrics: the path from cause to effect. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/300585.

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam	Description	Coursework weighting
Coursework	Assignment 01	50%
Coursework	Assignment 02	50%
Exam	Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 180 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
Exam	Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 180 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)

Exam format definitions

Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework	Exam
50%	50%

Reassessment

Coursework	Exam
50%	50%

Module supervisor and teaching staff

Supervisor: Dr Elif Kubilay, email: elif.kubilay@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Michele Rosenberg, email: michele.rosenberg@essex.ac.uk.

Teaching staff: Lectures: Dr Michele Rosenberg (Autumn) & Dr Elif Kubilay (Spring) / Laboratory: various teachers

Contact details: Send an email to: ueco@essex.ac.uk

Availability

Available to incoming Essex Abroad / Exchange students: Yes

Available to Outside Option: Yes

Available to Audit: No

External examiner

Name: Mr Georgios Papadopoulos

Resources

Teaching materials: Available via Moodle

Lecture recording: Of 135 hours, 115 (85.2%) hours available to students:
20 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

Further information

Department website: Economics

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Module Directory

EC116-4-FY-CO:Applied Economics and Policy