Unit information: MRes Research Methods in Economics in 2021/22

Unit name	MRes Research Methods in Economics
Unit code	EFIMM0024
Credit points	15
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Costa-Dias
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Economics
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit introduces a students to a broad set of principles, methods, and tools that are common to research in economics.

The course is covers three substantive topics:

(1) Identification and Estimation in Economics,

(2) Methods for Policy Evaluation, and

(3) Dynamic Modelling and Recursive Methods.

Throughout the course, students will learn to express key economic and policy questions rigorously through the use of models; to apply analytical, numerical, and statistical methods together with data to address these questions; and to effectively communicate their findings through oral and written presentation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge and understanding of some standard principles for research design in economics, and the ability to discuss the scope and limitations of these principles.
2. Knowledge and understanding of some of the most widely used methods in economic research and ability to evaluate critically the advantages and disadvantages of different research methods depending on the question at hand and available data.
   
3. Knowledge of how to use these methods in practice.

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

Coursework 1: Paper Replication (25%)

Coursework 2: Referee Report (25%)

Coursework 3: Research Proposal (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. EFIMM0024).

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.