Print Syllabus

Syllabus

NA0193 Methods in Economics, 15.0 Credits

Nationalekonomiska metoder

Subjects

Economics

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Theory and applications	12.0	0001
Project	3.0	0002

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to

30 credits economics

10 credits statistics

English 6

Exemption granted from the general entry requirement of Swedish

Objectives

The aim of the course is to introduce the students to commonly used research methods in economics as well as to philosophy of science and ethics within the discipline. The course deals with fundamental methodological aspects such as the importance of theory for hypothesis formulation and how data quality affects the strength and reliability of the results and researchers' opportunities to make policy recommendations based on the results. Furthermore, the students receive practical training in applying econometric methods and linear programming. They also get an introduction to experiments as a methodological approach in economics.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• account for the role of theory in formulating problems and in developing research hypotheses
• account for common empirical data sources in the field of agricultural and environmental economics
• critically discuss the limitations of data used for empirical analysis in terms of validity and reliability as well as the results
• perform and evaluate cross-sectional, panel data and time series analysis
• explain and understand the intuition behind the most commonly used econometric methods in order to isolate the causal effects
• perform and evaluate decision problems in economics using linear programming
• account for the basics of experimental economics
• identify strengths and weaknesses in commonly used empirical methods.

Content

Subject content:

The course includes a review of basic scientific and philosophical considerations in economics. Following this, the students are introduced to common data sources within economic analysis and research with a focus on agriculture, food and the environment. Students are then introduced to econometric methods, linear programming and economic experiments. Finally, advantages and disadvantages of common empirical methods in economics are discussed.

Course implementation:

The course uses different teaching methods to promote students' learning and discussions through:
Lectures, exercises, seminars and project work.

The course focuses on the following general competences:
Scientific methods, critical thinking, problem solving

The following components are compulsory:
Exercises and seminars

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed examination.
Approved written assignments.
Approved project work.
Approved participation in compulsory components.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Economics