Program Overview

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Course Overview

Course Description

The course "Statistics for Economists" (SÏK1004) is a foundation course that covers methods used to analyze data characterized by uncertainty and variation. It includes the calculation of probability, model estimation, and hypothesis testing.

Course Details

• Credits: 7.5
• Level: Foundation courses, level I
• Course start: Spring 2026
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of instruction: Norwegian
• Location: Trondheim
• Examination arrangement: School exam

About the Course

Course Content

Data is required to quantify economic relationships, and statistical models are used to draw information from data. This course covers methods used to analyze such data and includes the calculation of probability, model estimation, and hypothesis testing. The topic also includes the use of statistical tools.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

You will learn about:

• Probability theory, variation, and uncertainty
• Descriptive statistics, central tendency, and distribution
• Discrete stochastic variables and continuous stochastic variables
• Common probability distributions, such as the normal distribution and the binomial distribution
• Estimation: Point estimation, interval estimation, evaluation of sample size
• Formulating hypotheses and testing whether a hypothesis is rejected
• Hypothesis testing using normal approximation, p-values, variance
• What a statistical model is, how statistical conclusions can be made, and how the uncertainty in such conclusions can be characterized

Skills

You should be able to:

• Formulate a probability model based on a verbally unstructured question
• Recognize which, among the most common probability distributions, is applicable in a given situation
• Conduct hypothesis testing and apply appropriate hypothesis testing
• Estimate and find confidence intervals for unknown parameters
• Relate the applications of statistical methods to issues related to the field of economics
• Critically evaluate results from statistical analysis
• Use statistics to express, analyze, and communicate economic relationships
• Have a generally good understanding of statistics as a basis for further studies
• Use of data tools

Learning Methods and Activities

The course consists of 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of practical assignments every week. The course has compulsory activity, with specific requirements announced at the beginning of the term.

Compulsory Assignments

• Approved term paper(s)/exercise(s), with the number and requirements given at the start of the semester

Further on Evaluation

Compulsory activity must be completed in the semester the course is taught. The approval also applies to later semesters.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

SÏK1001/MET1001 and TDT4111 or equivalent

Required Previous Knowledge

None

Course Materials

Announced at the beginning of the term

Credit Reductions

The course has academic overlap with the following courses:

• SVSÏ211: 7.5 sp
• ST1101: 1.5 sp (from Autumn 2008)
• ST1201: 3 sp (from Autumn 2008)
• ST0202: 7.5 sp (from Autumn 2011)
• SÏK2900: 7.5 sp (from Autumn 2011)
• MET1002: 7.5 sp (from Autumn 2025) If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject Areas

• Social Science
• Economics
• Social Sciences

Examination

Examination Arrangement

The examination arrangement is a school exam, with a weighting of 100/100. Examination aids are allowed, with a code of D. The exam duration is 4 hours, using the Inspera Assessment exam system.

Ordinary Examination

The ordinary examination is held in both Autumn and Spring semesters, with the following details:

• Autumn 2025: Date and time to be announced, with a duration of 4 hours
• Spring 2026: Date and time to be announced, with a duration of 4 hours

Place and Room for School Exam

The specified room can be changed, and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb. The rooms and candidate numbers are as follows:

• Sluppenvegen 14, Room SL238: 1 candidate
• Sluppenvegen 14, Room SL311 brun sone: 32 candidates
• Sluppenvegen 14, Room SL323: 1 candidate
• Sluppenvegen 14, Room SL425: 1 candidate
• Sluppenvegen 14, Room SL520: 2 candidates
• Sluppenvegen 14, Room SL110 hvit sone: 51 candidates
• Sluppenvegen 14, Room SL110 lilla sone: 64 candidates
• Sluppenvegen 14, Room SL110 turkis sone: 80 candidates
• Sluppenvegen 14, Room SL111 brun sone: 81 candidates
• Sluppenvegen 14, Room SL111 lyseblÕ sone: 72 candidates
• Sluppenvegen 14, Room SL310 blÕ sone: 48 candidates
• Sluppenvegen 14, Room SL410 blÕ sone: 40 candidates