University of Sydney Handbooks - 2014 Archive

Download full 2014 archive Page archived at: Fri, 04 Apr 2014 13:43:56 +1100

Undergraduate unit of study descriptions

Students should refer to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website sydney.edu.au/arts or to the University of Sydney's unit of study handbook (ssa.usyd.edu.au/ssa/handbook/uossearch.jsp) for the latest information regarding unit of study descriptions, assessment or other requirements. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website contains the timetabling information for units offered in 2014 (sydney.edu.au/arts/current_students/undergraduate/timetables.shtml).

ECMT - Econometrics

The School of Economics in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences administers these units.
ECMT1010 Business and Economic Statistics A

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/week, 1x2-hr workshop/week Assessment: homework (15%), quizzes (30%), assignment (15%) and 1x2hr final exam (40%)
This unit provides an introduction to basic statistics and its applications in economics and business disciplines. Topics include: methods for data management; analysis and interpretation of data; probability; the normal distribution; an introduction to sampling theory and hypothesis testing; and the concepts of regression analysis. A key component is the provision of instruction and experience in the use of computers and statistical software as an aid in the analysis of data. Students are expected to use data resources on the world wide web, retrieve data and analyse this data using Excel.
ECMT1020 Business and Economic Statistics B

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week, 1x2-hr workshop/week Assessment: 3x quizzes (25%), workshop questions/homework (10%), assignment (15%) and 1x2hr final exam (50%)
Note: Other than in exceptional circumstances, it is strongly recommended that students do not undertake Business and Economic Statistics B before attempting Business and Economic Statistics A.
This focus of this unit is to develop a student's understanding of regression analysis. The unit covers how linear regression models can be used to estimate relationships, to forecast, and to test hypotheses that arise in economics and business. Guidelines for using econometric techniques effectively are discussed and students are introduced to the process of model building. To develop a student's understanding of regression, economic applications are emphasised. This unit also makes extensive use of econometric software.
ECMT2130 Financial Econometrics

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week Assessment: 2x assignments (2x20%) and 1x 2hr final exam (60%)
Over the last decade econometric modelling of financial data has become an important part of the operations of merchant banks and major trading houses and a vibrant area of employment for econometricians. This unit provides an introduction to some of the widely used econometric models for financial data and the procedures used to estimate them. Special emphasis is placed upon empirical work and applied analysis of real market data. Topics covered may include the statistical characteristics of financial data, the specification, estimation and testing of asset pricing models, the analysis of high frequency financial data, and the modelling of volatility in financial returns.
ECMT3120 Applied Econometrics

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week Assessment: group project (25%), mid-semester test (25%), 2hr final exam (50%)
Econometric theory provides techniques to quantify the strength and form of relationships between variables. Applied Econometrics is concerned with the appropriate use of these techniques in practical applications in economics and business. General principles for undertaking applied work are discussed and necessary research skills developed. In particular, the links between econometric models and the underlying substantive knowledge or theory for the application are stressed. Topics will include error correction models, unit roots and cointegration and models for cross section data, including limited dependent variables. Research papers involving empirical research are studied and the unit features all students participating in a group project involving econometric modelling.
ECMT3130 Forecasting for Economics and Business

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week, 1x1-hr lab/week Assessment: assignment (20%), group assignment (25%), mid-semester test (20%) and 2.5hr final exam (35%)
The need to forecast or predict future values of economic time series arises frequently in many branches of applied economic and commercial work. It is, moreover, a topic which lends itself naturally to econometric and statistical treatment. The specific feature which distinguishes time series from other data is that the order in which the sample is recorded is of relevance. As a result of this, a substantial body of statistical methodology has developed. This unit provides an introduction to methods of time series analysis and forecasting. The material covered is primarily time domain methods designed for a single series and includes the building of linear time series models, the theory and practice of univariate forecasting and the use of regression methods for forecasting. Throughout the unit a balance between theory and practical application is maintained.
ECMT3150 The Econometrics of Financial Markets

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/week, 1x1-hr lab/week Assessment: assignment (20%), group assignment (30%), mid-semester test (15%) and 2.5hr final exam (35%)
This unit studies and develops the econometric models and methods employed for the analysis of data arising in financial markets. It extends and complements the material covered in ECMT2130. The unit will cover econometric models that have proven useful for the analysis of both synchronous and non-synchronous financial time series data over the last two decades. Modern Statistical methodology will be introduced for the estimation of such models. The econometric models and associated methods of estimation will be applied to the analysis of a number of financial datasets. Students will be encouraged to undertake hands-on analysis using an appropriate computing package. Topics covered include: Discrete time financial time series models for asset returns; modelling and forecasting conditional volatility; Value at Risk and modern market risk measurement and management; modelling of high frequency and/or non-synchronous financial data and the econometrics of market microstructure issues. The focus of the unit will be in the econometric models and methods that have been developed recently in the area of financial econometrics and their application to modelling and forecasting market risk measures.
ECMT4101 Econometrics Honours A

Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6-hrs/week Assessment: 1x thesis (33.3%) and 4x coursework options comprised of assignments, presentations and final exams (66.7%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Requirements for the pass degree must be completed before entry to level 4000 honours units of study
The Honours program in Econometrics consists of: (1) a thesis not exceeding 65 A4 pages of typescript written under the supervision of one, or more, members of academic staff, and (2) four semester-length coursework options that each meet once a week for three hours. Students take two coursework options in their first semester, and two in their second semester. Assessment details vary per coursework option, however all contain a final examination worth up to 50% with the remaining balance comprised of written work and oral presentations, and (3) a (non assessed) weekly meeting with the thesis supervisor in both semesters.
ECMT4102 Econometrics Honours B

Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6-hrs/week Assessment: See ECMT4101
See ECMT4101
ECMT4103 Econometrics Honours C

Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6-hrs/week Assessment: See ECMT4101
See ECMT4101
ECMT4104 Econometrics Honours D

Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6-hrs/week Assessment: See ECMT4101
See ECMT4101