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Computational Economics (ECON90055)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
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
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Assignment
| Week 3 | 10% |
Assignment
| Week 5 | 10% |
Assignment
| Week 7 | 10% |
Assignment
| Week 9 | 10% |
Group presentation (normally in groups of 2 students)
| From Week 10 to Week 11 | 10% |
Final project, due by the end of Week 12
| Week 12 | 40% |
Lecture participation | Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Yong Song Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 hours of lectures and seminars per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours per semester
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.
- 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.
- 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: 3 November 2022