Empirical economics in practice

This is a 7.5-credit intermediate course in economics within the first-cycle level.

The course can be part of the following programmes: 1) European Studies Program (S1EUR), 2) Program in Environmental Social Science (S1SMI), 3) Bachelor's Programme in Business and Economics (S1EKA) and 4) Program in Political Science (S1STV)

Admission to the course requires a minimum of 45 credits in Economics, of which at least 15 credits must have obtained a passing grade. Prior knowledge corresponding to 7,5 credits in statstics, econometrics or equivalent is recommended.

In this course students will learn how to use economic theory and apply empirical methods to analyse different economic problems. The idea is that they should get an insight into how economists work with both models and empirical methods to understand and analyse a complex reality.

The questions are designed to be relevant from an economic perspective and resemble the types of problems that economists work on in real life. The questions are based on theoretical knowledge from introductory courses in economics, and the empirical methods will be explained throughout the course.

At least one question will relate to sustainability.

On successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. use economic theory and econometrics to analyse different economic questions, of which at least one question will relate to sustainability.
2. explain and understand the use of different empirical economic methods.
3. write and orally present scientific reports.
4. identify, illustrate and critically discuss global and local work focusing on accountability, ethics and follow-up related to environmental, social and economic sustainability issues (applies only to students in the Programme in Environmental Social Science and the Programme in Business and Economics, see further information under Assessment).

The course is sustainability-related, which means that at least one of the course's learning outcomes clearly demonstrates that the course content meets at least one of the University of Gothenburg's established criteria for sustainability labeling.

The content of the course is presented through lectures, data exercises, group exercises, and seminars. A large part of the knowledge acquisition for the course is done through students’ own work with assignments.

Language of instruction: English

All the learning outcomes are assessed through written reports. The reports include both group work and an individual part. The individual report shall be written individually and will be judged individually, hence, cooperation in formulating text, tables, figures etc. is not allowed. The group work will be presented at a mandatory seminar. The presentations are examined individually. Valid absence from compulsory elements of the course can be replaced with additional assignments.

If a student who has twice received a failing grade for the same examination component wishes to change examiner ahead of the next examination session, such a request should be made to the department in writing and should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance). If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to internships and professional placements (VFU), although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

If a student has been informed that they meet the requirements to be a student at the National Sports University (RIU student), the examiner has the right to decide on adjustments during examinations, provided this is done in accordance with the Local Regulations for RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E) and Fail (F).

Course evaluation is done digitally and anonymously at the end of the course.

The survey material is compiled and the results from the course evaluation and proposals for possible improvement measures are discussed at the course committee meeting. After the course evaluation is completed, the results will be published on the course homepage.

If changes to the course are made based on the course evaluation, this will be communicated at the course introduction for the upcoming student group.