NA0193, Methods in Economics, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Jon Petter Gustafsson, 2022-12-09
Valid from : Autumn semester 2023 (2023-08-28)

Level

First cycle (G1F)

Main field of study

Economics

Grading Scale

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.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

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

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

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

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Economics

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Politices kandidat - hållbar utveckling
• Agricultural Business and Economics
• Business and Economics - Sustainable Development (BSc)
• Agricultural Science with a Specialisation in Economics and Business Administration

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Theory and applications	12.0	0001
Project	3.0	0002

The Course Replaces

NA0179