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Module

Research Methods II

Module description

This module builds on BEEM136 Research Methods I and covers further analytical and computational techniques useful in economics research.

Full module specification

Module title:Research Methods II
Module code:BEEM143
Module level:M
Academic year:2023/4
Module lecturers:
  • Professor Max Troshkin - Lecturer
Module credit:15
ECTS value:

7.5

Pre-requisites:

BEEM136. Only available to students on the MRes Economics and MRES Economics (PHD Pathway) programmes.

Co-requisites:

None

Duration of module: Duration (weeks) - term 2:

11

Module aims

The module goal is to equip students with a set of tools that allows them to solve economic models in an appropriate way.

ILO: Module-specific skills

  • 1. understand and apply advanced approaches to solving economics models;
  • 2. manipulate abstract mathematical concepts;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

  • 3. understand and critically analyse economics arguments;
  • 4. develop and use economics models;

ILO: Personal and key skills

  • 5. identify relevant and tractable research problems
  • 6. identify relevant solution and analysis methods
  • 7. work independently and responsibly on complex research questions

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
331170

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity33Lectures (3hr per week)
Guided Independent Study117Background reading, preparation for classes and assessments

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Practice ProblemsVaries1-8Oral/Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Assignment 120Between 20 and 60 minutes1-8Oral/written
Assignment 220Between 20 and 60 minutes1-8Oral/written
Assignment 320Between 20 and 60 minutes1-8Oral/written
Assignment 420Between 20 and 60 minutes1-8Oral/written
Assignment 520Between 20 and 60 minutes1-8Oral/written
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Assignment 1 (20%)Assignment 1 (20%)1-8August Examination Period
Assignment 2 (20%)Assignment 2 (20%)1-8August Examination Period
Assignment 3 (20%)Assignment 3 (20%)1-8August Examination Period
Assignment 4 (20%)Assignment 4 (20%)1-8August Examination Period
Assignment 5 (20%)Assignment 5 (20%)1-8August Examination Period

Syllabus plan

Topics useful in current research, which vary but may include:

- Differential equations 

- Introduction to functional analysis

- Calculus of variations

- Optimal control

- Dynamic optimization

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

  • Kamien, M., Schwartz, N., Dynamic Optimization, 2nd edition, 2000
  • Luenberger, D., Optimization by Vector Space Methods, 1969
  • Judd, K.L. (1998). Numerical methods in economics. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes

Origin date

24/06/2019

Last revision date

26/08/2022