Research Methods II
| Module title | Research Methods II |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEEM143 |
| Academic year | 2022/3 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Max Troshkin () |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Module description
This module builds on BEEM136 Research Methods I and covers further analytical and computational techniques useful in economics research.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module goal is to equip students with a set of tools that allows them to solve economic models in an appropriate way.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. understand and apply advanced approaches to solving economics models;
- 2. manipulate abstract mathematical concepts;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. understand and critically analyse economics arguments;
- 4. develop and use economics models;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. identify relevant and tractable research problems
- 6. identify relevant solution and analysis methods
- 7. work independently and responsibly on complex research questions
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
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 117 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 33 | Lectures (3hr per week) |
| Guided Independent Study | 117 | Background reading, preparation for classes and assessments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice Problems | Varies | 1-8 | Oral/Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | 20 | Between 20 and 60 minutes | 1-8 | Oral/written |
| Assignment 2 | 20 | Between 20 and 60 minutes | 1-8 | Oral/written |
| Assignment 3 | 20 | Between 20 and 60 minutes | 1-8 | Oral/written |
| Assignment 4 | 20 | Between 20 and 60 minutes | 1-8 | Oral/written |
| Assignment 5 | 20 | Between 20 and 60 minutes | 1-8 | Oral/written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 (20%) | Assignment 1 (20%) | 1-8 | August Examination Period |
| Assignment 2 (20%) | Assignment 2 (20%) | 1-8 | August Examination Period |
| Assignment 3 (20%) | Assignment 3 (20%) | 1-8 | August Examination Period |
| Assignment 4 (20%) | Assignment 4 (20%) | 1-8 | August Examination Period |
| Assignment 5 (20%) | Assignment 5 (20%) | 1-8 | August Examination Period |
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.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | BEEM136. Only available to students on the MRes Economics and MRES Economics (PHD Pathway) programmes. |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 24/06/2019 |
| Last revision date | 26/08/2022 |
