This is a unit in basic econometrics, emphasising the problems involved in the empirical measurement of economic relationships and the techniques used to solve these problems. While the application of econometric techniques is of prime importance, the results are not just presented but derived using a mixture of rigour and intuition so as to leave as few loose ends as possible.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. be able to conduct a basic empirical analysis of cross sectional data (observations on characteristics of several economic units, such as firms or households, at a single point in time) or time series data (observations on characteristics of one economic unit over time);
2. have sufficient background to take EMET8001 Applied Micro-Econometrics or EMET8010 Applied Macro and Financial Econometrics or EMET8002 Case Studies in Applied Econometrics in the second semester.

Examination Material or equipment

You may need access to a calculator to complete exercises required for this course. You will be provided with a calculator (HP Scientific Calculator 300s+) for the final examination.

Required Resources

Essential textbooks (available on reserve in the library):

•   Stock and Watson (2020). Introduction to Econometrics. 4th global edition. Pearson. Expect to cover chapters 1-13, parts of 18-19, and part of 15-16 if there is time.

•   Angrist and Pischke (2014). Mastering 'Metrics: The Path from Cause to Effect. Princeton University Press. Expect to cover chapters 1-3 and 5.

Additional readings from other sources may be assigned later, see Wattle for details.

Essential software:

There will be a lot of practical data analysis in this course using Stata. Stata is available in the PC computer labs.

Recommended Resources

Other nonessential but useful textbooks (available on reserve in the library):

•   Wooldridge (2013/2015/2016/2020). Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach. 7th edition. Cengage Learning. (Not to be confused with the Asia-Pacific edition!)

Staff Feedback

The two assignments are expected to be returned with written comments within two week after the submission date.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1-6: Two-sample comparison analysis, bivariate regression, multivariate regression.	Stata quiz #1.
2	Week 7-12: More multivariate regression, difference in differences, panel data, instrumental variables, probit/logit models, maximum likelihood estimation, and time series analysis (time permitting).	Assignment #1. Final exam.

Tutorial Registration

The tutorials begin in week 1. Please register on the Wattle course site.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Stata quiz #1	10 %	16/03/2020	03/04/2020	1,2
Assignment #1	20 %	11/05/2020	31/05/2020	1,2
Final Exam	70 %	*	*	1,2

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

This is an on-campus course. Attendance at all teaching events, while not compulsory, is expected in line with “Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning”, clause 2 paragraph (b). In addition, tutorials are a discussion-based class. Providing worked solutions would not effectively compensate for missing a tutorial. Students who, through unavoidable and unplanned occurrences, are unable to attend a tutorial class one week are encouraged to work through the problems and attend a consultation session for discussion and solutions.

 

Examination(s)

See assessment task 3.

Assessment Task 1

Stata quiz #1

The Stata quiz will involve performing tasks using the software program Stata in the computer lab. The quiz will be conducted during the regular tutorial time, probably in week 4. More information will be provided on Wattle a week prior to the quiz.

The results will be published within two weeks.

Assessment Task 2

Assignment #1

The assignment will, in part, be analysis of a given data set using Stata and discussion of results. The assignment will be due in the second half of the semester, probably in week 10. The due date will be given on Wattle. The assignment questions will be available on Wattle at least one week prior to the due date.

The assignments must be submitted in two forms: an online version submitted through Wattle, and a hardcopy version submitted in the appropriate assignment box next to the RSE reception desk in the H W Arndt building 25A.

Marked assignments will be returned to you within two weeks. Nevertheless, you may wish to keep a copy.

Assessment Task 3

Final Exam

Standard written closed-book examination held during the exam period. Duration 2-3 hours to be determined.

Please note - you will be provided with a calculator (HP Scientific Calculator 300s+) for this exam. Only calculators provided by the Examinations Office on the day of the exam are permitted in the exam room.

The exam questions may require short written answers, calculations, mathematical derivations, and sketching.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Student work will be returned in the tutorial class within two weeks. Thereafter, work can collected from the tutors during regular consultation hours. Work that is not collected by the end of the semester will be destroyed.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

N/A.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students