Module: Quantitative Methods in Economics (4901-470)

Persons:

• Prof. Dr. Manfred Zeller (verantwortlich)
• Dr. Ling Yee Khor (begleitend)
• Orkhan Sariyev (begleitend)

Degree Program:

• Earth System Science (Master, since 01.10.2013)
  3. Semester, elective
• Agricultural Sciences - Agricultural Economics (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  3. Semester, semi-elective
• Organic Agriculture and Food Systems (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  3. Semester, elective
• Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics and Subtropics (until WS 2018/19) (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  3. Semester, elective
• Earth and Climate System Science (Master, since 01.10.2017)
  3. Semester, elective
• Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics and Subtropics (from WS 2019/20 on) (Master, since 01.10.2019)
  3. Semester, elective
• Bioeconomy (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  3. Semester, elective
• Bioeconomy (starting WS 16/17) (Master, since 01.04.2017)
  3. Semester, elective

Relation to other Modules:

This module is considered as basic for all other modules offered to students in the Major of "Rural Development Economics" in the M.Sc. Agritropics.

Prerequisites for Attendance:

Successfully completed courses in statistics at undergraduate level are assumed.

Sprache:

English

ECTS:

6 credits

Frequency:

every winter semester

Length of the Module:

2. half of semester

Final examination:

Written exam (100 %)

Length of the examination:

120 minutes

Workload:

56 h presence + 104 h preparation at home + exam = 160 h workload

Professional competences:

After completing this module, students:
- Know the steps of preparing a field research project
- Comprehend the different methods of sampling commonly used in rural areas of developing countries
- Are able to utilize about best practices in questionnaire design
- Are proficient in various statistical tools to address research questions and to test research hypotheses
- Can apply these tools using Stata, a comprehensive statistics software package

Key competences:

During preparation for the exam, while preparing and following up on lectures and during the exercises, students practice self-reliance and time management. They learn and practice critical and analytical thinking when challenged with statistical analysis. In the exercises, students further practice team work by working in small groups. Skills in professional statistical software such as STATA are indispensable for further scientific work. The skills and competences gained in the course facilitate students to successfully conduct fieldwork activities in rural areas with the highest scientific standard.

Comments:

This module targets students from all master programs with a strong interest in empirical quantitative social science research. It is highly recommended to students in their 3rd semester who plan to conduct such research for their master thesis.
A certain degree of overlap with module 4902-810 "Applied Econometrics" (compulsory for AgEcon students in their 1st semester) regarding linear regression is unavoidable because the module also targets students from other master programs who may not have chosen "Applied Econometrics" in their 1st semester. However, due to its much broader range of topics, "Quantitative Methods in Economics" is a highly recommended module also and especially for AgEcon students.
Please register online via ILIAS. We only accept a maximum of 25 students.

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