Course Outline

BUS305 Econometrics

Course Coordinator:Robert Alexander (ralexand@usc.edu.au) School:School of Business and Creative Industries

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

You will learn how to use econometric software to carry out empirical analysis of your own using multiple regression and will develop your understanding of various practical aspects of regression models, including the consequences of violation of the classical regression assumptions, dummy variables, different functional forms, and an introduction to time-series and panel models.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled face to face workshops. 2hrs Week 1 10 times
Online
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled online workshops (Recorded). 2hrs Week 1 10 times

Course Topics

Introduction to the linear regression model and using a statistical package

Functional forms of regression models

Qualitative vs quantitative explanatory variables

Multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and specification errors

The logit and probit models

Panel regression models

Stationarity and cointegration

 

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Competencies from multiple Professional Bodies (see below) *
1 Frame problems in terms of core economic concepts using the fundamentals tools of econometrics and their application to testing economic theories. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
PC1.1, PC1.3, PC3.1, PC6.2
2 Implement basic empirical techniques and interpret the results using a standard statistical package to analyse various types of economic problems. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
PC1.1, PC1.3, PC3.1, PC6.2
3 Use appropriate economic data and statistical methods to conduct independent econometric analysis, as well as present a clear and coherent exposition and appraise the outcome of that analysis. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
PC1.1, PC3, 5.3.4, 5.3.5, PC6

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
PC1.1 Written Communication
PC1.3 Digital Literacy
PC3 Creative and Critical Thinking
PC3.1 Problem Solving
PC6 Career-ready
PC6.2 Discipline Knowledge
Education for Sustainable Development Goals
5.3.4 The learner is able to observe and identify gender discrimination.
5.3.5 The learner is able to plan, implement, support and evaluate strategies for gender equality.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

BUS201 or BUS202

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Hands-on exercises in using statistical software will start in Week 1 with feedback provided orally in class and in written form by means of model programs and results supplied on Canvas.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Report Individual 25%
300 words (excluding graphs, tables and references
Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Written Piece Individual 35%
1000 words (excluding graphs, tables and references)
Week 11 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Report Individual 40%
1500 words (excluding graphs, tables and references)
Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Descriptive statistics project
Goal:
To summarise and analyse key descriptive and basic inferential statistical information of a data set using a statistical software package.
Product: Report
Format:
The report will consist of a number of tables and/or graphs produced using a statistical software package along with a concise summary in words. 
Further details are provided in the assessment area in Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Application of appropriate statistical methods
1
2
Appropriate tabular and/or graphical analysis of results
1
3
Insightful written analysis of results
1
All - Assessment Task 2:Problem set
Goal:
To conduct, interpret and analyse the findings from a range of econometric models.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
Work must be completed individually; written answers should be presented in a manner comprehensible by an experienced marker. Questions will be similar to those on exercises already covered in the course.
Further details are provided in the assessment area in Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Accuracy of formulation of problem
2
2
Clarity of communication of method used and interpretation of results
2
3
Correctness of answers
2
All - Assessment Task 3:Applied project
Goal:
To present a clear and coherent exposition of ideas and empirical evidence by completing an applied project using an econometrics software package.
Product: Report
Format:
The report will include a justification of the methods chosen, interpretation and analysis of the empirical results and discussion of limitations.
Focus will be on methods from later parts of the course. Further details are provided in the assessment area in Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Knowledge of appropriate methods and models to analyse a problem in an economic context.
3
2
Demonstrate critical thinking in the estimation and interpretation of appropriate econometric models.
3
3
Demonstrate reflective thinking relating to limitations and potential improvements to analysing the given problem.
3

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Damodar Gujarati 2017 Econometrics by Example 2nd Bloomsbury Publishing

Specific requirements

Access to a computer.
Student version of EViews software (available for free download from eviews.com)

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
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