Econometrics (PHD401)

The aim of this course is to develop a knowledge on the econometric methods that are useful to analyze individual level data (microdata).


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

PHD401

Version

2

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Spring, Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring, Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Content

The course will cover the following specific aspects:

  • Defining parameters and arguing their (policy) relevance
  • Randomized controlled trials
  • Controlling for observables
  • Instrumental variables 1: Local average treatment effects (and its extensions)
  • Instrumental variables 2: Weak instruments
  • Approaches to analyze repeated cross-sections and panel data: Difference in Differences, Event studies, Synthethic control

Learning outcome

Upon completion of this course, students will:

Knowledge:

  • Have solid knowledge of key microeconometric methods
  • Have solid knowledge about the formal basis for the methods
  • Have solid knowledge of central issues related to practical use of the methods
  • Have the necessary knowledge to understand, design, conduct and interpret empirical analyses of real world data

Skills:

  • Be able to understand causal modeling
  • Understand underlying assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses of different empirical approaches
  • Understand key issues in design and implementation of empirical analyses
  • Be able to design empirical analyses and analyze data

General competence​:

  • Be conversant in the world of empirical microeconomics
  • Be able to produce empirical economic research
  • Be able to consume empirical economic research
  • Be able to develop scientifically valid analyses
  • Have proficiency in software designed for data analysis and estimation

Required prerequisite knowledge

Participants must be enrolled in a PhD program.

Recommended prerequisites

Master's degree in economics or similar.

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Individual paper 1/1 Passed / Not Passed

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Torfinn Harding

Method of work

Lectures, problem sets, written asignment.

The course will last one week, with physical attendance.

Open for

Single Course Admission to PhD-Courses Admission to single doctoral courses Single Course Admission to PhD-Courses Single Course Admission to PhD-courses Health and Medicine - PhD Programme PhD programme in Social Sciences Technology and Natural Science - PhD programme Educational Sciences and Humanities - PhD

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto