ECM609NU-Introduction to Econometric Software

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof James Reade
Email: j.j.reade@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to a number of econometric packages.

Aims:

This module introduces students to four software packages: Stata, LaTeX, MATLAB, and R. Each software package is introduced in a computer lab session, with students taken practically through the process of using the software.

Assessable learning outcomes:

After completing this module, students should be able to:

• Import data from a variety of sources, suitably transform and adjust it and subsequently plot high quality graphs.


• Run simple OLS estimations and diagnostic checks.
  
  Use estimated equations to make forecasts.


• Design basic programs for repetitive tasks.


• Use a range of different MATLAB toolboxes and functions for various tasks.


• Us e a range of different R packages for various tasks.

Present all of the above in a format suitable for publication.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

This course will take a practical ‘hands on’ approach to introducing students to three main econometrics software programs along with a text processing software.

In particular, the course will consider Stata in Part 1, LaTeX in Part 2, Matlab in Part 3, and finally R in Part 4.

1. Stata is menu-driven and relatively user-friendly, allowing the user to carry out demanding econometric techniques at the click of a button. Stata allows merging of data and sorting of data. It also has powerful program- ming elements, which we will briefly explore. Purchase Stata at: https://www.stata.com/


2. LATEX is a high-quality typesetting system. It includes features designed for the production of professional documents (.pdf), including academic pa- pers, presentation slices, and posters. Download free via: http://www.texstudio.org/


3. MATLAB is a proprietary program ming language developed by Math- Works. MATLAB allows plotting of functions and data, and implementa- tion of algorithms.


4. R is a free software environment for statistical computing and graphics. It becomes increasingly popular because of its open-source feature and rich community. Download free via: https://www.r-project.org/

All four software programs are freque ntly used by academics and hence are importan t foundations for postgraduate research students, whether they are part of their initial research agenda or otherwise. The importance of making code files available for replication, especially in economics, cannot be understated.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered through a series of practical classes.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Practicals classes and workshops	12
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	26
Wider reading (directed)	26
Preparation for tutorials	8
Preparation of practical report	20
Reflection	8
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will be required to submit a project report, where the data analysis is done in Stata, R or MATLAB. The assessment is to be written up in the LaTeX document preparation system. Submissions are to be no longer than 2,000 words, and will account for 100% of the assessment.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmissionPGflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A minimum overall mark of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment for all modules takes place in August/September of the same year.



Re-assessment for this module will be by resubmission of similarly assigned coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: There may be optional costs associated with photocopying or printing sources listed on the reading list relating to this module. 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 7 September 2021