Computational Economics

Subject ECON90055 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 hours of lectures and seminars per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Approval of Department of Economics Graduate Programs Director.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Undergraduate preparation in calculus and linear algebra.
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr May Li

Contact

Graduate School of Business and Economics
Level 4, 198 Berkeley Street
Telephone: +61 3 8344 1670
Online Enquiries
Web: www.gsbe.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This course is an advanced introduction to computational methods for economists, methods that increasingly play an essential role in applied economic research. Students will learn to formulate and to solve structural economic models and to apply these methods to substantive issues in econometrics, industrial organisation, labour economics, and macroeconomics. The course emphasises both theoretical knowledge of computational methods and practical skills. Programming will be done in MATLAB.
Objectives:

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

By the end of this course, students will have received a detailed introduction to:

  • MATLAB and its Toolboxes
  • Algorithmic evaluation
  • Computational linear algebra
  • Numerical techniques for unconstrained optimisation
  • Numerical techniques for solving systems of nonlinear equations
  • Approximation methods
  • Numerical integration (quadrature and Monte Carlo simulation methods)
  • Numerical techniques for constrained optimisation
  • Numerical dynamic programming
Assessment: Problem sets and computer exercises totalling 3,000 words (30%) and final project (70%).
Prescribed Texts: Judd, K. Numerical Methods in Economics, MIT Press.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • High level of development: problem solving; collaborative learning; team work; application of theory to practice; use of computer software; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking.
  • Moderate level of development: written communication; evaluation of data and other information; statistical reasoning; receptiveness to alternative ideas.
  • Some level of development: oral communication; synthesis of data and other information; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.
Related Course(s): Doctor of Philosophy - Business and Economics

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