Computational Economics and Business (ECOM90020)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2025 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks

Overview

Availability
Semester 1
FeesLook up fees

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: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECOM90001 Basic Econometrics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECON30025 Computational Economics and Business
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

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: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Assignment 1 (computer exercises, problem sets, individual projects). Due end of week 6

  • 1,500 words (equivalent)
Week 625%

Assignment 2 (computer exercises, problem sets, individual projects). Due end of week 11

  • 1,500 words (equivalent)
Week 1125%

End-of-semester exam.

  • 2 hours
During the examination period50%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorJoe Hirschberg
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours2 hours recorded lectures, 1 hour live online tutorial.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    j.hirschberg@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours per semester

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster of Applied Econometrics
  • 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: 4 March 2025