Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - ECON 483 D100

Selected Topics in Economics (3)

Computational Economics

Class Number: 2340

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students.

COURSE DETAILS:


Selected Topics in Economics: Computational Economics

Prerequisite: Econ 302


This course will deal with the topics in computational economics.  In particular, it will focus on agent-based modeling of a number of different economic environments.  Each economic model will first be analyzed using the traditional economic analysis techniques.  Then, it will proceed in describing and analyzing the properties of the models when an agent-based modeling approach is adopted. The properties and predictions of these models will be compared to the standard models. A number of different approaches to modeling learning and adaptation of economic agents will be studied.

Students will learn about the dynamics of  economic environments populated by boundedly rational, heterogeneous agents and how they contribute to our better understanding of the  economic outcomes that that are observed both in the experiments with human subjects as well as in the real world.   Students will conduct computer simulations of the models studied in class.  They will use the software provided by the instructor.  No computer skills are required for the class since students will be trained in a computer lab on how to use the software.

 

 

Grading

  • Weekly writing assignments and quizzes 30%
  • Paper Presentation 20%
  • Paper discussion 15%
  • Participation in class 15%
  • Exam 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

A  set of articles will be made available on Canvas.  The readings will be supplemented by a set of notes that will be posted on Canvas as well. Students will be required to purchase a license for Moblab, software designed to conduct in-class experiments.


Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.

Starting Fall 2020, final exam schedules will be released in October. This will allow students to avoid enrollment conflicts, and will significantly reduce instances of exam hardship. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the final exam period December 9 - 20 until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).