Goals

The course proposes an up-to-date presentation of methods to analyse cross section and panel data. It also gives a short introduction to time-series models. 
 
This is a course in "Applied" econometrics. This does not imply that it does not cover the theoretical aspects of the different methods. However, the theoretical part focuses on developing a sound understanding of the assumptions that are likely to be important in applied analyses. The objective of the course is to prepare the student to perform useful analyses by choosing the appropriate methods, correctly interpreting the results and critically examining the limitations of these methods. It is also "applied" in the sense that both the tutorials and lectures rely heavily on concrete examples of econometric analyses in research papers.
 
The topics that are covered are a combination of topics typically covered in introductory and more advanced courses in econometrics. While some background in econometrics is helpful, the course is also open to students without prior knowledge of econometrics.
 

 

Content

 
Specifically, the course covers the following topics:
 
1) A revision of linear regression (OLS)
 
2) Instrumental variables (IV)
 
3) Panel data methods
 
4) Experimental and quasi-experimental methods (RCT, diff-in-diff, regression discontinuity design)
 
5) Introduction to time-series econometrics
 
If students show an interest, we can also briefly cover some commonly used estimation methods (bootstrap and maximum likelihood)
 

 

Assessment method

The evaluation consists of the homework (30%) and a written exam (70%).

Sources, references and any support material

The course is based on the book "Introduction to Econometrics" by Stock and Watson, 3rd or 4th edition. We will briefly review the introductory chapters and then focus mostly on the more "intermediate" topics in the book.
 

Language of instruction

Français