Quantitative Techniques for Economics and Finance II

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 5
• Convenor: Dr Pedro Gomes
• Assessment: a two-hour examination (50%) and coursework (50%)

In this module we cover the quantitative techniques that will be used throughout your degree, combining mathematical and statistical methods.

In economics, mathematics is used to build theoretical models and analyse their properties, while statisitical techniques are used to test and validate theories; lectures will be designed to demonstrate that both components are essential to becoming a good applied economist.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• demonstrate the properties of key mathematical functions, and the role they play in economics
• use the tools of calculus to analyse key economic decisions
• use basic matrix algebra in economic and financial modelling
• use descriptive statistics and graphical representations of data
• use key concepts of probability and understand how to relate them to economics and financial problems involving uncertainty
• understand the basic principles of estimation and hypothesis testing
• understand and apply the tools of correlation, and both bivariate and multivariate linear regression models
• use software packages such as Excel and Eviews to carry out statistical and econometric investigations.