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Computational Economics (ECON90055)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: chris.skeels@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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This course is an advanced introduction to computational methods for economists, methods that increasingly play an essential role in applied economic research. Students will learn to formulate and to solve structural economic models and to apply these methods to substantive issues in econometrics, industrial organisation, labour economics, and macroeconomics. The course emphasises both theoretical knowledge of computational methods and practical skills. Programming will be done in MATLAB.
Intended learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students will have received a detailed introduction to:
- MATLAB and its Toolboxes;
- Algorithmic evaluation;
- Computational linear algebra;
- Numerical techniques for unconstrained optimisation;
- Numerical techniques for solving systems of nonlinear equations;
- Approximation methods;
- Numerical integration (quadrature and Monte Carlo simulation methods);
- Numerical techniques for constrained optimisation; and
- Numerical dynamic programming.
Generic skills
- High level of development: problem solving; collaborative learning; team work; application of theory to practice; use of computer software; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking.
- Moderate level of development: written communication; evaluation of data and other information; statistical reasoning; receptiveness to alternative ideas.
- Some level of development: oral communication; synthesis of data and other information; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Approval of Department of Economics Graduate Programs Director.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Undergraduate preparation in calculus and linear algebra.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- Four 800 word assignments, due in Weeks 3, 5, 7, and 9 (10% each);
- 30 minute group presentation (normally in groups of 2 students), with presentations spread across Weeks 11 and 12 (10%);
- Final project of 2,500 words, due by the end of Week 12 (50%)
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Christopher Skeels Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 hours of lectures and seminars per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Email: chris.skeels@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours per semester
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Judd, K. Numerical Methods in Economics, MIT Press.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Doctor of Philosophy - Business and Economics Course Doctor of Philosophy - Business and Economics - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022