Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - ECON 333 D100

Statistical Analysis of Economic Data (4)

Class Number: 2743

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 11, 2023
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of A-; ECON 105 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 115 with a minimum grade of A-; ECON 233 or BUS (or BUEC) 232 or STAT 270, MATH 157, all with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Students with a minimum grade of A- in ECON 233, BUS (or BUEC) 232 or STAT 270 can take ECON 333 after 30 units. Students seeking permission to enroll based on their ECON 233, BUS (or BUEC) 232 or STAT 270 grade must contact the undergraduate advisor in economics.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the use and interpretation of statistical analysis in the context of data typical of economic applications. Students with credit for BUEC 333 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is meant to teach the use of statistical procedures on data to answer Economic questions.

The course will be structured as follows:
Part 1: Review of probabilities, random variables, distributions
Part 2: Main estimation-related theorems and review of hypothesis testing
Part 3: Introduction to linear models, the OLS estimator, and its properties
Part 4: Inference in linear models: single hypothesis testing, joint hypothesis testing
Part 5: Linear models extensions: Endogeneity, heterogeneity
Part 6: Miscellaneous topics: Nonlinear models, causal inference, model selection, machine learning, ...

Topics: Estimation, inference, linear models, probabilities

Grading

  • Assignments (both theory and using R) 25%
  • Midterm exam 30%
  • Final exam 45%

NOTES:

The assessment schedule is subject to changes announced during the first week of classes.

Grading Guidelines
Standard letter grades will be given the following interpretation:

  • A+, A, A-: Excellent. Student has demonstrated knowledge of all or almost all course content and can apply this knowledge in unfamiliar or complex se ttings. Students regularly earning grades in this range are well-suited for honours and/or graduate study in economics. Students regularly earning a grade of A+ merit consideration for major undergraduate awards.
  • B+, B, B-: Good. Student has demonstrated knowledge of most course content and can apply this knowledge in familiar se ttings. Students regularly earning grades in this range are well-suited for the economics major or minor.
  • C+, C: Satisfactory. Student has demonstrated knowledge of basic course content. Students earning a grade in this range are qualified to take any economics course for which this course is a prerequisite.
  • C-: Marginally satisfactory. Student has demonstrated knowledge of most of the basic course content. Students earning this grade are marginally qualified to take any economics course for which this course is a prerequisite.
  • D: Marginally unsatisfactory. Student has demonstrated knowledge of some basic course content. Students earning this grade are not qualified to take economics courses for which this course is a prerequisite.
  • F: Unsatisfactory. Student has not demonstrated adequate knowledge of basic course content.

REQUIREMENTS:

Lectures and tutorials will be delivered in person. Attendance will not be required for any lecture nor tutorial, but it will be required for examinations.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Introduction to Econometrics, by James Stock and Mark Watson (any edition)

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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.

Final exam schedules will be released during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period 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 website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.