1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Urban Economic Analysis

Urban Economic Analysis (PLAN90001)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2026 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks

Overview

Availability
Semester 2 - On Campus
FeesLook up fees

This subject provides an introduction to quantitative data analysis for the social sciences, focusing on the data and techniques commonly used in economic analysis of cities. It develops understanding and skill in the use of the collection, interpretation, analysis, and representation of information.  Students learn about common economic data available from secondary sources.  Students learn the fundamentals of data analysis, including how to define units of analysis, develop appropriate quasi-experimental designs, and construct reliable and valid indicators.  Students also learn techniques for analysing and interpreting economic data, as well as population forecasting techniques.  Using the above data, students are introduced to basic statistical analysis of small-sample and large-sample data.  Topics include descriptive statistics, confidence intervals and power, hypothesis testing, measures of association, and an introduction to regression techniques.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in the use of economic data and indicators .
  • Create effective maps, tables, and figures that visualize and summarise data .
  • Communicate about data.
  • Critique indicators from planning reports and professional publications.
  • Project the population of a place .
  • Formulate hypotheses and perform statistical hypothesis tests to analyze these hypotheses, choosing the appropriate method from a set of available methods.
  • Describe the theory underlying statistical tests.

Generic skills

This subject aims to develop the following general skills:

  • A working knowledge of some of the secondary data available for planning and social science analysis
  • Basic tools of demographic and economic analysis using secondary data
  • A foundation in understanding statistical techniques, and their application to social science problems
  • Ability to write about and present findings of these analyses
  • Written, verbal and graphic communication of data and findings
  • Identification of key social and spatial issues

Last updated: 19 November 2025