Course syllabus

Economics, Economics Research and Communication, Advanced Course, 7.5 credits

Course code: NA304G Credits: 7.5
Main field of study: Economics Progression: G1F
    Last revised: 12/09/2019
Education cycle: First cycle Approved by: Head of school
Established: 01/11/2018 Reading list approved: 12/09/2019
Valid from: Spring semester 2020 Revision: 1

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

  • the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
  • the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
  • the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

  • gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
  • stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
  • communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and understanding

On successful completion of the course, students are expected to demonstrate

  • understanding of how theories in economics can used in the analysis of an economic question
  • understanding of fundamental aspects of what is meant by having a scientific approach in empirical investigations
  • broad knowledge of and the ability to interpret regression models in the use of different types of data as well as understanding central problems in empirical investigations, such as endogeneity, selection and causality.

Competence and skills

On successful completion of the course, students are expected to demonstrate

  • ability to analyse and critically discuss economic questions based on relevant theoretical and empirical models
  • ability to communicate in writing
  • ability to summarise, present and discuss own and other students’ reports.

Judgment and approach

On successful completion of the course, students are expected to

  • be able to assess the societal relevance and usefulness of own work and previous research in economics
  • demonstrate an understanding of the merits and drawbacks of theory and methods in economics
  • demonstrate ability to assess the reliability of different sources of knowledge.

Main content of the course

  • Scientific approach
  • Regression models for cross-section data
  • Regression models for panel data
  • Regression models for time-series data

Teaching methods

The course is taught using lectures, labs, mandatory seminars and supervised own work.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Economics Research and Communication, Computer Lab Sessions (Code: A001)
The first two computer lab session.

Economics Research and Communication, Individual Task, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Individually written report.

Economics Research and Communication, Written Examination, 5 credits (Code: A003)
Individually written examination.


For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

A prerequisite to participate in the examination Individual Report is participation in the first two computer lab sessions. These sessions contains learning components necessary to complete the individual report. A student who for special reasons couldn't attend the first two sessions are offered a new opportunity at any of the other computer lab sessions during the course. A student who couldn't attend two of the sessions is referred to the next time the course is given.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2019-01-15, ORU 2019/00107), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Economics Research and Communication, Computer Lab Sessions
Grades used are Participated (DT).

Economics Research and Communication, Individual Task
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Economics Research and Communication, Written Examination
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

Grades used on the course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).
To obtain the final grade Pass (G), the student must receive a passing grade on all examination components. In addition, the student must have attended all sessions where compulsory attendance is required. To obtain the final grade Pass with Distinction (VG), the student must in addition receive the grade Pass with Distinction on Written examination, 5 Credits.

The final grade will be translated into the ECTS grading scale.

Specific entry requirements

Economics, Basic Course, 30 Credits and successful completion of at least 22 credits from Economics, Intermediate Course, 30 Credits. Successful completion of 22 credits statistics basic level.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

The art of being scientific
KTH, Stockholm, Manual/compendium, about 100 pages - will be available on the course homepage

Wooldridge, Jeffrey M. (most recent edition)
Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach
Michigan State University

Additions and Comments
Articles and other materials.