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Unit information: Probability, Statistics and Econometrics in 2022/23

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Probability, Statistics and Econometrics
Unit code EFIM10024
Credit points 20
Level of study C/4
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Proud
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

EFIM10023 Mathematics for Economics

Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)

None

Units you may not take alongside this one

None

School/department School of Economics
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Unit Information

Why is this unit important?

Economics, as a social science, relies on analysis of observed data to test and improve theoretical models, with econometrics providing the tool to build causal relationships between economic variables. This unit builds upon the foundation of basic probability learnt pre-University, and develops the foundational tools in probability and statistical tools that students will need in further years of study. In this unit, students will see topics including:

  • An introduction to probability using discrete and continuous data
  • Bayes' rule
  • Properties of estimators, including consistency and unbiasedness
  • Hypothesis testing relating to samples of observed data
  • An introduction to econometrics using OLS
  • Hypothesis testing in single and multiple regression
  • Problems of estimation, including omitted variables bias.

How does this unit fit into your programme of study?

This unit provides the statistical foundations that you will build upon in both econometrics units, and applied economics units throughout your undergraduate study. In the unit, you will begin to develop an appreciation of the meaning of statistical analysis used to test economic theory, and the potential problems that may exist when trying to make conclusions about causal relationships.

Your learning on this unit

Students will be able:

  1. To manipulate mathematical formulae to solve problems involving probability and statistical functions
  2. To apply probabilistic methods to economic problems and to interpret the results of probabilistic models
  3. To understand statistical concepts and to apply these to estimation and hypothesis testing
  4. To use appropriate statistical software (such as Excel) to carry out simple statistical analysis.

How you will learn

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of large and small group classes, supported by online resources

How you will be assessed

Tasks which count towards your unit mark

  • Portfolio of assignments. Best 3 out of 5 (40%) (Assesses all learning outcomes)
  • 1.5 hour exam (60%) (Assesses Learning Outcomes [1]-[3])

When assessment does not go to plan

Reassessment will be through a single 1.5 hour examination.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EFIM10024).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

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