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University of Alberta Department of Economics
Course Outline ECON 399 –Section A2 Introductory Econometrics
Schedule: T-R (14:00-15:20), Location: TBA Labs (check your Bear Tracks)
Fall 2017
Instructor: Mesbah Sharaf Office: 9-11 Tory
E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 780-492-1331
Office hours:
Monday 10:40 - 11:40
Tuesday 15:30 - 16:30 Also by appointment through email.
Course objectives: This course provides a good understanding of the basic principles of econometrics. In this course, we will learn how to estimate regression models, interpret the estimation results, and how to deal with the problems commonly encountered in the estimation process. In addition to the theoretical presentation of key econometric concepts, students, as part of this course, will learn how to use STATA, a statistical software, to empirically apply what they learn using data.
Course Prerequisites: ECON 281, ECON 282, STAT 141, and ECON 299 (or equivalent). These prerequisites are required by the department of Economics. No exceptions.
Econometrics Package
In this course, students will learn how to use the statistical software STATA. Students could buy the “Small STATA” version for a six-month license which costs 45$. For the different options of buying STATA see the link below:
http://www.stata.com/order/new/edu/gradplans/student-pricing-nodl/
Students are not required to purchase STATA. A no-cost option for getting STATA is using the University Computer lab.
Lab Sessions
To complement the lecture, weekly lab sessions will be held to provide an introduction to STATA and apply what is theoretically covered in the lecture using empirical examples and to familiarize students on how to complete the homework assignments. Please check your Bear Tracks for the schedule of the labs.
Required Textbook- Wooldridge, J.M. (2016): Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach, 6th Edition, (Earlier editions could also be used.)
The textbook could be found in the bookstore. Students could also buy the book directly from the publisher website
(http://www.cengagebrain.co.uk/shop/en/GB/storefront/emea?cmd=CLHeaderSearch&fieldValue=Introductory+Ec onometrics+A+Modern+Approach).
Students may also search on the internet for a lower cost version of the textbook.
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Note
• Practice questions, past exams, and an outline of the empirical paper will be made available on eclass.
Course Outline
Topic Chapter
1. The nature of Econometrics and Economic data 1
2. The simple regression model 2
3. Multiple regression analysis: Estimation 3
4. Multiple regression analysis: Inference 4
5. Multiple regression analysis: Further issues 6
6. Multiple regression analysis with qualitative information 7
7. Heteroskedasticity 8
8. More on Specification and data issues 9
9. Serial Correlation and Heteroskedasticity in Time series regressions (Depending on our progress)
12 10. Carrying Out an Empirical Project
Chapter 19 is a very useful resource for ideas on how to structure an empirical paper.
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Evaluation
The evaluation in this course will be based on the following table:
Weight Two Homework Assignments (4.5 marks each) 9 %
Empirical paper 16%
Midterm Exam 30 %
Final Exam 45 %
Covered chapters Date
Midterm exam 1,2,3,4 and 6 Tuesday, October 10 during the lecture time Final exam 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9 and 12 Check Bear Track for the exact date.
For this course, no extra credits are given beyond what has been stated in this course outline.
Homework Assignments:
There will be Two homework assignments allocated throughout the entire semester. Homework assignments will be a combination of computer problems using STATA and analytical problems.
Solutions to the assignments will be posted on the course website after the due date. There is no make-up for any missed assignment. Every student must turn in his/her own homework assignments, but collaboration is permitted. Collaboration on the computer problems is encouraged. Late homework assignments will not be accepted.
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Though class attendance is not mandatory, students are highly encouraged not to miss lectures and labs, as this is essential for effective learning. Students are required to visit the course website (Moodle) on a regular basis to check any announcements or posted materials such as lecture notes, practice questions, and exams.
Midterm test
There will be one midterm test which worth 30 % of the final grade. No term test can be written after the scheduled test date and time. If you missed the midterm test, its weight will be transferred to the final exam, and you will get an Excused Absence (EA) for that midterm test.
Answers to the midterm test as well as the grades will be posted on the course website. Please note that midterm test marks take approximately one week to process.
A student who misses the final exam because of illness or any other compelling reason (including religious conviction) may apply for a deferred final exam. Students seeking a deferred exam need to apply to their own Faculty. The instructor does not have the authority to approve such applications.
Empirical paper:
To empirically practice what you have learned during the course, all students are required to submit an empirical paper. Chapter 19 in the textbook is a very useful resource for ideas on how to structure an empirical paper.
An Empirical Paper has to be returned on or by the last day of classes (December 8, 2017, at 3:00 pm).
Students are not allowed to generate their own data through surveys, as this might require a prior ethical approval from the University. To do the empirical paper, all students must use data published online by a third party such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Statistics Canada, or any other organization which will not require ethical approvals.
A document with instructions and guidance on how to write the term paper, its structure, length, the basis on which your paper will be assessed, etc. will be posted on eclass.
Meanwhile, I will devote sufficient time in the lecture to talk about the term paper, its objective, composition, and what I expect from the students.
Final Grade
You could access your final grade on Bear Tracks.
University Grading System
“Grades reflect judgments of student achievement made by instructors. These judgments are based on a combination of absolute achievement and relative performance in a class.” 23.4(4) University of Alberta 2014-15 Calendar.
The following table will be used to translate the numerical grade to a letter grade.
Range letter grade
Range letter grade
0 - 50 F 71.01-76 B-
50.01-57 D 76.01-80 B
57.01-60 D+ 80.01-83 B+
60.01-64 C- 83.01-87 A-
64.01-68 C 87.01-91 A
68.01-71 C+ 91.01-100 A+
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Code of Student Behaviour, Plagiarism, and Cheating
• “The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at www.governance.ualberta.ca) and avoid any behavior which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offense. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.”
• “Policy about course outlines can be found in the Evaluation Procedures and Grading System section of the University Calendar.”
Note:
• “Audio or video recording, digital or otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as part of an approved accommodation plan. Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created and/or used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).”
• The use of unauthorized materials, dictionaries, programmable (graphing) calculators, and/or electronic communication devices is not permitted during tests or exams. Please be courteous by turning off your cell phone, blackberry, etc. at the door! It is required that you have your student ID with you for term tests and finals.
• The date of the Fall Term reading week is November 14-17 Useful resource:
• Student Accessibility Services: If you have a condition that may require some classroom or exam modifications, please contact SAS (www.ssds.ualberta.ca) to obtain a determination as to what accommodations should be made. [More possible syllabus statements here].
• Student Success Centre: The Student Success Centre (www.studentsuccess.ualberta.ca) offers a variety of learning resources, including a variety of workshops in learning effective study and exam strategies. Sessions are available in person and online, for a modest fee.
Centre for Writers: The Centre for Writers (www.c4w.ualberta.ca) offers free one-on-one writing coaching to all students. Students can request a consultation for a writing project at any stage of development, including completed and graded work.
