EC995-8-AU-CO:
Topics in Applied Economics

The details
2023/24
Economics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 8
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
20
04 September 2023

 

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

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

This module covers the basics for doing sound empirical work at the post-graduate level, including Labour and Public Economics, Development and Experiments, Industrial Organization and Trade.


The identification issue of causal relationship when analyzing experimental and non-experimental data represents the unifying topic of the course. Much in the spirit of "Correlation is not equal to causation!"

Module aims

This module is particularly aimed at students who plan on doing applied work for their thesis.

Module learning outcomes

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



  1. Have a clear understanding of how to do empirical work in applied micro econometrics.

Module information

Students will learn how current empirical microeconomic work addresses issues of causality. Emphasis is on the formulation and estimation of a wide range of models and techniques, from randomized control trials to reduced-form techniques, and covering a broad set of design based identification tools, including difference-in-difference models, instrumental variables regressions, regression discontinuity design, synthetic control methods, and panel data econometrics.


Applications of these techniques cover several fields of interest, including labour market effects of education and migration, income inequality, sorting, wage differentials, health, development, and behavioural economics. Throughout the module, attention will be paid to link the analysis to current debates in the public policy context.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • Lectures.

Bibliography

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 Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Presentation slides    50% 
Coursework   Problem Set    50% 

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
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Nicholas Reynolds, email: nicholas.reynolds@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Michele Rosenberg, email: michele.rosenberg@essex.ac.uk.
Lectures & Classes: Dr Nicholas Reynolds and Dr Michele Rosenberg
nr20147@essex.ac.uk, xx20414@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
Yes
No
Yes

External examiner

Miss Maria Kyriacou
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 38 hours, 34 (89.5%) hours available to students:
4 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
Economics

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