EC331     
Quantitative Thesis

This information is for the 2018/19 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Matthew Levy 32L3.21

Availability

This course is compulsory on the BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics. This course is not available as an outside option nor to General Course students.

Pre-requisites

Students must have completed Principles of Econometrics (EC221) or exceptionally Introduction to Econometrics (EC220).

Course content

This course provides an opportunity to learn how to do independent quantitative economic research at an advanced level. Students are expected to pursue research on a question of their own choice under the supervision of a member of staff. They are expected to formulate an initial proposal near the start of MT in order to be matched with a supervisor, refining their choice into a manageable research question during that term. Following independent work during MT, a seminar in week 9 will review student progress. In the LT seminars, each student will present a preliminary outline of the results for comments by fellow students and teachers, and later a follow-up presentation on further, more final results and a draft thesis. Seminars in LT are formally timetabled as classes.

Teaching

4 hours of seminars in the MT. 20 hours of seminars in the LT.

In week 11 of the MT and the LT students will work independently (with supervisory advice).

Formative coursework

Students are required to prepare material for their presentations in the seminar, but this is not formally graded.  Students are additionally expected to participate in discussion on the presentations of other students’ as this is part of the training of a research economist, but this is also not formally assessed.

Indicative reading

As each student chooses an individual research question, there is no common reading list for this course.

Assessment

Other (100%) in May.

A completed thesis (up to 10,000 words, not including abstract, footnotes, bibliography and tables) on an approved subject will be required to be submitted by 01 May 2019. There is no written examination. The thesis is weighted at 100% of the final assessment.

Key facts

Department: Economics

Total students 2017/18: 10

Average class size 2017/18: 10

Capped 2017/18: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

PDAM skills

  • Self-management
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication