EFN508 Econometric Methods
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | EFN508 |
|---|---|
| Antirequisite(s): | BSN506 |
| Other requisite(s): | Unit Coordinator Approval and undergraduate degree with a major in Economics or Finance required to enrol |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,174 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,703 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,596 |
| International unit fee | $6,180 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EFN508 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Other Requisite: | Unit Coordinator Approval and undergraduate degree with a major in Economics or Finance required to enrol |
| Anti-requisite: | BSN506 |
| Coordinator: | Stephen Thiele | sr.thiele@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The purpose of the unit is to provide Honours and Higher Degree Research Students with the quantitative research skills necessary to complete the applied econometric work in their dissertation or thesis. The course will focus on fairly practical considerations, such as:
- how to develop testable implications from theoretical models; and
- how to identify causal effects in statistical models; and
- a practical understanding of regression analysis and other more advanced econometric methods; and
- how to use econometric software to conduct empirical research.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the theory and practice of econometricsRelates to: UG Business Capabilities: KS (1.1)
- Critically analyse and evaluate econometric methods, highlighting their assumptions and limitations in theory and practice
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the econometric software package, StataRelates to: UG Business Capabilities: KS (1.2)
- Select appropriate econometric tools and apply these to address problems using economic and financial data
Content
The focus of the course is on the estimation of causal effects in statistical models and subsequent inference. This goal is at the heart of much applied econometric research in economics and finance and is essential to conduct high quality analysis that is suitable to guide decision making /policy. Topics covered include regression based methods using ordinary least squares, as well as more sophisticated methods that can provide causal inference such as instrumental variables and identification through panel data.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
In order to understand how econometric techniques are used in research, it is necessary to have both a sound knowledge of econometric methods and the practical skills to implement a variety of techniques. This course aims to combine formal lectures developing a sound understanding of methodology with applied work involving real data and empirical problems using the econometric software package, Stata.
This unit is delivered in an intensive mode over six weeks with multiple lectures and tutorials each week. You should refer to the BS63 course structure to ensure that you enrol in the correct unit in the correct teaching period.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the unit learning outcomes and course assurance of learning goals. The assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Assignment
The assignment will comprise a piece of independent research on a topical issue related to economics or finance. It will involve application of the techniques learnt during the formal sessions of the unit. The greater the capacity to demonstrate high quality research skills, theoretical understanding of the methods and critical enquiry, the higher will be the grade.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2)
Assessment: Take Home Examination
The exam will comprise questions from the material covered in the theoretical sessions during the first five weeks of the course.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
No additional requirements
Costs
No additional costs
Resources
The resources in this unit include recommended texts and additional resources provided on the unit's Canvas Site.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
James Stock and Mark Watson Introduction to Econometrics (Pearson, Third Edition)
Jeffery Wooldridge Introductory Econometrics (Cengage, Fifth Edition)
R.Ramanathan, Introductory Econometrics (Introductory)
J.Johnson and L. Dinardo, Econometric Methods (Intermediate)
W. Enders, Applied Econometric Time Series (Advanced)
W. Greene, Econometric Methods (Advanced)
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Research Assignment, Take Home Examination
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO4, Research Assignment, Take Home Examination
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Research Assignment, Take Home Examination
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Research Assignment, Take Home Examination
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS63 Bachelor of Business (Honours)
- Apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of research principles, methods, and ethical considerations; and how knowledge is created and evolves within the field
Relates to: ULO1, Research Assignment, Take Home Examination - Use technological and technical skills to design and apply research and research methods
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Research Assignment, Take Home Examination - Identify, investigate and evaluate ethical issues and problems in research and practice, and synthesise complex thinking to identify research gaps and conceptualise an approach to a research study
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Research Assignment, Take Home Examination - Exercise intellectual independence and critical thinking to systematically plan, design and execute research and formulate conclusions and recommendations that challenge and contribute to current knowledge in a discipline
Relates to: ULO4, Research Assignment, Take Home Examination