Introductory description

This module provides an introduction to a set of applied economics topics, which are not systematically covered in other core or optional modules. It allows students to gain insight into how the abstract principles of economic theory and econometric analysis can be applied to various specific contexts. The topics covered reflect the varying interests of teaching staff and may change each year.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The syllabus each year will cover up to three topics selected from within the broad area of ‘Applied Economics’. The selection will be drawn from all sub-fields within the discipline, including labour, industrial, development, trade, behavioural, experimental, financial, public, health, education, history, environmental, ethics, philosophy, happiness, and auctions. This list will expand as reflecting staff interests. In years in which other first year 15 CATS optional modules do not run, one possibility will be to compress them into topics within this module. In selecting topics, the main criteria will include:
(i) scope for the topic to provide a context in which, through application, students can begin to develop their understanding of key concepts in economics and applied economics,
(ii) importance of the topic within the general field of Economics,
(iii) policy relevance of the topic,
(iv) complementing topics covered elsewhere within the degree programmes.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Subject Knowledge and Understanding:…demonstrate a familiarity with knowledge and basic understanding of economic principles; core concepts and methods in micro and macroeconomics. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures and guided reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination.
• Subject Knowledge and Understanding:…demonstrate a familiarity with knowledge and basic understanding of economic principles; core concepts and methods in micro and macroeconomics. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures and guided reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination.
• Subject Knowledge and Understanding:…demonstrate a familiarity with knowledge and basic understanding of: Economic information: specific economic trends and patterns; understanding of particular problems and solutions in economic measurement. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures and guided reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination.
• Subject-specific and Professional Key General Skills:…demonstrate a basic understanding of research skills such as: Data skills: Use of library and internet as information sources; knowledge of how to locate relevant data, extract appropriate data, analyse and present material. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures and guided reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination.
• Subject-specific and Professional Key General Skills:…demonstrate a basic understanding of research skills such as: Mathematical/Statistical skills: use/application of mathematics and diagrams in economic analysis; understanding of statistical analysis of data. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures and guided reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination.
• Subject-specific and Professional Key General Skills:…demonstrate a basic understanding of research skills such as: Written communication skills. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures and guided reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination
• Cognitive Skills:…demonstrate capacity of policy evaluation and the analysis of institutions. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures and guided reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination.
• Subject Knowledge and Understanding:…demonstrate a familiarity with knowledge and basic understanding of research issues; familiarity with contemporary empirical debates and latest research in some specialized areas of economics; understanding of how to approach an economic problem from the perspective of a contemporary researcher in economics. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures and guided reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination.
• Cognitive Skills:…demonstrate capacity of analytical thinking, reasoning and application. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures and guided reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination.
• Cognitive Skills:…demonstrate capacity of abstraction and problem solving. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures and guided reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination.

Indicative reading list

Please see Talis Aspire link for most up to date list.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in:
Analytical thinking and communication
Analytical reasoning
Critical thinking
Strategic thinking
Problem-solving
Abstraction
Policy evaluation
Analysis of institutions
Analysis of incentives

Transferable skills

Students will have the opportunity to develop:
Research skills
Numeracy and quantitative skills
Written communication skills
Oral communication skills
Mathematical, statistical and data-based research skills