This course provides an introduction to Economic Statistics and Econometrics, which are subjects that deal with analyzing data on economic activity in ways that conform with economic thinking. Although there is some overlap with topics covered in Statistics or Business Statistics courses, there is also much that is different.

The goals of the course are to enable students (1) to read and understand reports of economic research, and (2) to undertake empirical research projects.

The prerequisites for this course are: A Eco 110M and 111M; and A Eco 210 (formerly A Eco 180) or A Mat 106 or 111 or 112 or 118. The Economics Department intends to deregister students whose Albany course records do not show that the required courses were completed with passing grades. This may occur as late as the end of the semester, and students will be assigned a W grade by the Registrar. Individual exceptions to the prerequisite requirements require written permission of the instructor and approval by the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Economics during the drop/add period.

This course is required for the major in Economics. The methods studied here are used in other Economics courses at the 300 and 400 levels.

Students will gain some experience with data analysis using Excel or another program. The structure and grading of the computing assignments are such that everyone is expected to do quite well.

Most assignments and other course materials will be placed on the course website. Paper distribution in class will be limited.

Requirements

 
The following required text will be available in the bookstore:

Economic Statistics and Econometrics, Third Edition,
(Prentice Hall, 1995, paperback or hardcover), by T. Mirer

Other readings will be distributed in class, on the web, at Copies Plus, or placed on reserve.

Other Requirements and Policies:

1. Attendance at every class is expected. Students are responsible for all announcements and material covered in class.
   
   
2. Students are required to have and know how to use a calculator whose functions include natural logarithms, exponentials, and square roots. An inexpensive "math/scientific" or "slide rule" type of calculator is adequate.
   
   
3. Students should work through the chapter problems in the text as part of studying the course material. Some specific problems may be assigned in class.
   
   
4. There will be two exams during the term plus a short final exam. The first two exams are worth 100 points each, and the final exam is worth 70 points. Make-ups will be given in accordance with University policy, only for documented cases of medical emergency, death, religious observance, and conflict with an authorized University event.
   
   
5. There will be computer assignments and other homework, totaling between 50 and 120 points.
   
   
6. Course grades will be based on total grading points.
   
   
7. Occurrences of academic dishonesty may result in the severest possible penalties being applied.

Schedule (subject to change)

    Dates:        Chapter:     Note:

      January 22     1         First Class: Thursday, January 22
         27 & 29     2
  February 3 & 5     2, 3
         10 & 12     3, 4
              19     9         No Class: Tuesday, February 17
         24 & 26     9, 10
     March 2 & 4     10        EXAM 1: Thursday, March 4

          9 & 11     5
         16 & 18     5, 6
         23 & 25     6, 7
    30 & April 1     7
     April 6 & 8     --        No Classes: Spring Recess
         13 & 15     11        EXAM 2: Thursday, April 15

         20 & 22     11
         27 & 29     12
           May 4     12        Last Class: Tuesday, May 4


  FINAL EXAM:  Monday, May 10, 10:30 am  (Note: as Revised by Registrar)

Index of Course Materials for Eco 320   |   Directory of Economics Courses

Last modified: 5 January 2004