Department of Economics & International Development, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
EC10004 Core skills for economists: computing and data analysis |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Certificate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW 40%, OT 60% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take EC10003 |
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Aims: This is a practical based unit which is taught from a problem-solving perspective. Students will learn how information technology can be used as a research resource (including the use of bibliographical software and on-line databases), develop computing skills using a range of software and learn about the practical side of statistical analysis. Students will also be introduced to basic programming and symbolic algebra software.
Learning Outcomes: * Make effective use of the University computing and library resources for purposes of research collection and analysis (e.g. literature searches and data sources). * Build spreadsheet models for analysing economic and financial relationships. * Understand modelling techniques in relation to univariate, bivariate and multivariate data using standard and specialist software. Skills: Problem-solving, information technology (standard and technical packages), ability to work and communicate effectively in a team. Content: Using the Internet and the World wide web for literature searches and data retrieval. Financial analysis using a spreadsheet. Working with dynamic economic models using a spreadsheet. Statistical functions for analysing and summarising economic data. Regression analysis using specialist econometric software. Key text: G. Judge (2000) Computing Skills for Economists (Wiley) |