Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ECON 333 D100

Statistical Analysis of Economic Data (4)

Class Number: 1801

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of B-; ECON 233, BUS (or BUEC) 232, STAT 270, or STAT 271, with a minimum grade of C-; MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, or MATH 157, with a minimum grade of C-; 45 units. Students with a minimum grade of A- in ECON 233, BUS (or BUEC) 232, STAT 270, or STAT 271 can take ECON 333 after 30 units. Students seeking permission to enroll based on their ECON 233, BUS (or BUEC) 232, STAT 270, or STAT 271 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.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will introduce you to the statistical analysis of economic data: econometrics.  We will focus on linear regression, which is by far the most common method for analyzing the relationship between two or more variables.  The main things you will learn in this class are how to apply regression methods to economic data and how to interpret the results of econometric analysis.  You will also get some experience using statistical software and establish a foundation for further econometric study.

There will be regular graded assignments consisting of both exam-type questions and computer exercises.  You are expected to work independently on the assignments.  Cheating of any kind will result in at least a failing grade in the course.

The computer exercises will get you to do some real econometric analysis using the R software package.  R is installed on the lab computers; details on lab hours and procedures will be announced in the first week of class. R is open source, so you can freely download a copy for your own use here: https://www.r-project.org. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with R before the start of the semester. You’ll find a good introduction here:

https://www.r-econometrics.com/rbasicsintro/

There will be a course website on Canvas. It is your responsibility to check it regularly.  This is where assignments, readings, etc. will be posted.

I encourage you to prepare for ECON 333 by reviewing material from your introductory statistics course.  Concentrate your review on probability distributions (especially sampling distributions) and hypothesis testing.  Appendices B and C of Wooldridge are a good summary of this material, and I strongly encourage you to read them before the semester begins.

Topics: Review of Probability and Statistics, Simple Regression Model, Multiple Regression Analysis (Estimation, Inference, Asymptotics), Heteroskedasticity

Grading

NOTES:

Your grade will be based on class participation (10%), the assignments (15%), one midterm (30%), and a cumulative final exam (45%).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Jeffrey M. Wooldridge, “Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach” (7th edition), Cengage Learning, 2019.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.