Unit information: Applied Economics: Current Economic Problems in 2021/22

Unit name	Applied Economics: Current Economic Problems
Unit code	ECON30065
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Proud
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	EFIM20033 Intermediate Microeconomics AND EFIM20034 Intermediate Macroeconomics AND EFIM20011 Econometrics 1 OR EFIM20038 Microeconomic Analysis AND EFIM20037 Macroeconomic Analysis AND EFIM20010 Applied Quantitative Research Methods
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Economics
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit considers various economic topics of contemporary interest, with an emphasis on the UK economy and UK economic policy. There would typically be about six topics and about two of these would change every year: there will be a mix of macroeconomic and microeconomic topics. You will be expected to study all six topics in the unit but will not have to study each one in the same level of detail: instead you should concentrate on three topics to study in depth.

The unit requires you to use economic theoretical concepts learned in the first two years of the degree to analyse current questions from the perspective of an economist. In all cases you will need to use the econometrics skills learned in the second year to analye and evaluate empirical studies. Questions are usually multi-faceted so you will also need to compare and evaluate a range of different opinions using different sources.

Unit aims:

• To get students to bring together the multi-faceted skills expected of an economist (quantitative, qualitative, rhetorical, etc.) to address a contemporary question.

• To provide students with practice in analysis and synthesis of economic methods.

• To allow students to study select topics in depth and detail.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Apply economic theoretical techniques to concrete economic questions.
2. Describe and summarise material from a range of sources.
3. Evaluate differing and possibly contradictory theories and sources of information.
4. Combine (1), (2) and (3) in a holistic way.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions such as online teaching for large and small group, face-to-face small group classes (where possible) and interactive learning activities

Assessment Information

2 x 2,000 word written pieces of work (Each piece contributes 50%)

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. ECON30065).

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.