Computational Economics and Business (ECON30025)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject covers the application of computer based techniques to solve the problems encountered in economics and business. The techniques covered include the construction and use of hierarchical data sets, the use of multivariate graphics and statistics in the context of data mining applications, the elements of computer simulations, and the application of linear programming for the analysis of productivity in the context of data envelopment analysis. One aspect of this subject is the introduction of students to different software options. Possible software to be considered will be SAS, Stata, GAUSS, SPSS, TSP, EMS, Scientific Word, and Eviews.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

  • Construct data summaries and visualizations from hierarchical data series as found when working with surveys and scanner data.
  • Generate interactive graphic representations of data.
  • Use Input-Output tables to predict economic impacts 
  • Predict population age distribution changes.
  • Use linear programming to solve economic optimization problems
  • Measure the productive efficiency of firms using Data Envelopment Analysis
  • Use simulation of random processes to evaluate an economic model
  • Employ software to solve complex algebraic problems

Generic skills

  • High level of development: problem solving; statistical reasoning; interpretation and analysis; use of computer software; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.

  • Moderate level of development: written communication; application of theory to practice; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

  • Some level of development: oral communication; collaborative learning; team work.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of the following:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECOM20001 Econometrics 1
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ECON20003 Quantitative Methods 2
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Please refer to Prerequisites and Corequisites.

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: 20 March 2025

Assessment

Additional details

  • A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (60%)
  • Empirical exercises equivalent to 4000 words (40%)
  • To pass this subject students must pass the end of semester examination.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorMarc Chan
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 4 March 2019 to 2 June 2019
    Last self-enrol date15 March 2019
    Census date31 March 2019
    Last date to withdraw without fail10 May 2019
    Assessment period ends28 June 2019

    Semester 1 contact information

    marc.chan@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 Hours

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    MajorEconomics
  • Breadth options

    This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:

  • 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.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 20 March 2025