Program Overview

---

Introduction to Econometrics

The course will be held online. The course consists of a limited number of lectures, a larger number of teacher-made but self-organized exercises and a lot of independent work and self-study. Learning how to apply econometrics to interesting economic problems quite naturally entails working with economic data. Therefore, a large part of the course focuses on acquainting students with the R programming language, the success of which largely depends on the time and effort the students spend on it. The final learning outcome is therefore closely linked to the students’ ability to work independently and thoroughly with the supplied material.

Course Description

The course focuses on introducing the linear regression model for data analysis within economics. Emphasis is on the statistical theory behind econometrics, understanding the nature of economic data, and the applications of econometrics to real-world problems. The latter emphasizes a focus on the interpretation of statistical results and a discussion on possible limitations or issues with the chosen application. More formally, this requires a thorough understanding of the assumptions underlying the linear regression model and what to do when these assumptions are violated.

Learning Outcome

The purpose of the course is to prepare students to future courses in econometrics. The aim therefore includes introducing the application of statistical methods and models to relevant economic problems using real-world data.
After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• Explain the basic econometric concepts related to the linear regression model
• Explain the assumptions behind the linear regression model that ensures OLS is a consistent, unbiased, and efficient estimator
• Carry out an OLS estimation of parameters in a (multiple) linear regression model
• Report and interpret results of linear econometric models for continuous, discrete, binary, and dummy variables
• Apply relevant econometric methods to a chosen economic problem
• Carry out, explain, and interpret hypothesis tests for specific parameter restrictions and correct model specification in a (multiple) linear regression setting
• Interpret the results of an econometric analysis and make relevant conclusions or policy recommendations based upon these
• Use relevant econometric methods to investigate a specific economic problem
• Discuss whether the relevant assumptions behind the linear regression model apply to some situation and the implications hereof
• Carry out a basic econometric analysis independently, from data collection to policy implications, using appropriate linear regression tools

Literature

Literature: Jeffrey M. Wooldridge. Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach, 7th edition Software: R The literature is indicative. The exact literature will be announced at the beginning of the course.

Recommended Academic Qualifications

Competencies equivalent to those gained from LMAB10066U Matematik og databehandling (MatDat) and LMAB10069 Statistisk dataanalyse 1 or similar.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course is online. The course is a combination of (short) lectures, exercises, and independent work. The (short) lectures will delve into key concepts, whilst exercises provide hands-on experience with core material and R. Students’ learning outcome is largely dependent on dynamic participation and effort spent on working with the supplied exercises and other course material.
Throughout the course, students’ will be able to collaborate on exercises and ask questions to all of the supplied material. Quizzes for the individual readings will be provided as a way to follow up on student learning. This dynamic is also the basis for the (short) lectures.

Workload

• Category: Lectures Hours: 20
• Category: Preparation Hours: 84
• Category: Theory exercises Hours: 30
• Category: Exam Hours: 72
• Category: Total Hours: 206

Exam

• Credit: 7,5 ECTS
• Type of assessment: Written assignment, 72 hours
• Type of assessment details: To pass the course the student should be able to: Explain the basic concepts behind the linear regression model, use data to analyze a specific economic problem, perform estimations and hypothesis tests in a linear regression setting, interpret the ensuing results, and make relevant conclusions based upon these
• Aid: All aids allowed
• Marking scale: 7-point grading scale
• Censorship form: No external censorship
• One internal examiner
• Re-exam: The reexamination will be oral. 20 - 30 minutes. No preparation. No aids allowed.

Course Information

• Language: English
• Course code: NIFB22001U
• Credit: 7,5 ECTS
• Level: Bachelor
• Duration: 3-week summer course. Teaching begins Monday, 7 August and ends Friday, 18 August 2023. 72 hour take-home exam Tuesday - Friday the following week.
• Course capacity: No limit
• The number of seats may be reduced in the late registration period
• Course is also available as continuing and professional education

Study Board

• Study Board of Natural Resources, Environment and Animal Science

Contracting Department

• Department of Food and Resource Economics

Contracting Faculty

• Faculty of Science

Course Coordinators

• Carl-Emil Pless

Lecturers

• Carl-Emil Pless