ECON 221 : Introduction to Econometrics
Business and Economics
2021 Semester Two (1215) (15 POINTS)
Course Prescription
Course Overview
This course introduces you to the basic statistical techniques used in economic analysis. As a foundation course for economics and related majors, ECON 221 emphasizes on (a) developing the econometric skills necessary to read and understand empirical papers in economics, and (b) the application of econometrics to real-world data using modern statistical software such as STATA. Successful completion of this course will prepare you to evaluate economic policies and conduct proper economic analysis.
Capabilities Developed in this Course
| Capability 1: | Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice |
| Capability 2: | Critical Thinking |
| Capability 3: | Solution Seeking |
Learning Outcomes
- Learn the mathematical and statistical tools required for econometric analysis. (Capability 1)
- Know the basic principles of econometric modeling and analysis. (Capability 2)
- Develop an understanding of both the fundamental techniques and wide array of applications involving linear regression estimation. (Capability 1)
- Know how to apply regression analysis to real-world economic examples and data sets (Capability 3)
- Conduct hypothesis testing and prediction (Capability 1)
Assessments
| Assessment Type | Percentage | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 40% | Individual Coursework |
| Test 1 | 20% | Individual Test |
| Test 2 | 20% | Individual Test |
| Test 3 | 20% | Individual Test |
| 4 types | 100% |
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcome Addressed | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||||||
| Assignments | ||||||||||
| Test 1 | ||||||||||
| Test 2 | ||||||||||
| Test 3 | ||||||||||
As a general rule, you will need to score 50% to pass the course. Plussage does NOT apply.
Workload Expectations
This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in. For each week of this course, you can expect 3 hours of lectures, a one-hour tutorial, 3 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 3 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.
Delivery Mode
Online
Attendance is required at scheduled online activities including labs/tutorials/studios/at home to receive credit for components of the course.
The course will include live online events including group discussions and these will be recorded. The course will offer in-person tutorial sessions on a weekly basis throughout the course.
Attendance on campus is not required for the test.
Where possible, study material will be released progressively throughout the course.
This course runs to the University semester timetable and all the associated completion dates and deadlines will apply.
Learning Resources
Main Textbook:
J.M. Wooldridge, Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach, 5th edition, 2013, South-Western (6th edition will also work).
This book is closely followed. You will find it essential for success in the course to regularly follow the textbook readings and applications on the topics covered. There are helpful questions at the end of each chapter. The book has a useful appendix on review of probability and statistical distributions.
Main Supplementary Reading:
I will also provide supplementary notes that will be available on Canvas.
Student Feedback
At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.
Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.
Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.
Digital Resources
Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).
Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.
Academic Integrity
The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.
Inclusive Learning
All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.
Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz
Special Circumstances
If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.
If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.
This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.
Learning Continuity
In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.
Student Charter and Responsibilities
The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.
Disclaimer
Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.
In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.