EC969-7-SP-CO:
Applications of Data Analysis

The details
2024/25
Economics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
20
23 September 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MSC L11012 Applied Economics and Data Analysis,
MSC L11024 Applied Economics and Data Analysis,
MSC L110EB Applied Economics and Data Analysis,
MSC L110UH Applied Economics and Data Analysis

Module description

This module consists of three parts: an introduction to different types of panel datasets and their issues, and how to manage them using the statistical software R; applications of panel data econometric methods to the study of labour markets, with focus on demographic transitions, unemployment and wages; and an introduction to survey methodology, and how to account for survey design, response and attrition in your analysis.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To provide students with the tools to conduct an independent piece of quantitative research using panel data.

  • To enable students to interpret and critically evaluate existing work.

  • To develop hypotheses from economic theory that are testable using longitudinal dataset.

  • To manipulate raw datasets to produce a dataset for analysis.

  • To select and critique the appropriate econometric methods.

  • To assess magnitude, statistical significance, possible bias and representativeness of results.

  • To ensure the analysis can be replicated.

Module learning outcomes

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


Acquire key skills and understanding in:



  1. Data analysis software and coding techniques.

  2. Panel data econometrics.

  3. Statistics.

  4. Survey methodology.

  5. Analytical reasoning.

  6. Critical evaluation.

  7. Independent inquiry.

Module information

All participants must sign a Data Access Agreement with the UK Data Service to access the British Household Panel Study for this course. Additional details and instructions provided in the first week.


Access to R is essential to achieve the learning outcomes of this course. Additional details and instructions will be provided in the first week.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • 30 hours in a computer lab over 10 weeks, divided between lectures and practical laboratory sessions.

Lab sessions are built around completing and discussing practical worksheets, with which you will use R to analyse the British Household Panel Study.

There are two optional but recommended formative assessments. The first is a mock exam. It is recommended you complete this in closed-book conditions in your own time. The second is a mock term paper, which will test your ability to build and analyse a panel dataset to answer a specific research question, and interpret results. You will receive personalised feedback on both.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Assignment     
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 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
Dr Angus Holford, email: ajholf@essex.ac.uk.
Labs: Dr Angus Holford and Dr Annalivia Polselli
For further information, send an email message to pgteco@essex.ac.uk.

 

Availability
Yes
No
No

External examiner

Miss Maria Kyriacou
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 28 hours, 10 (35.7%) hours available to students:
18 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

 

Further information
Economics

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