An introductory course in Econometrics. Knowledge of the Econometric software gretl is recommended.

This course aims at providing you with basic/intermediate econometric skills used in empirical microeconomic research. The goal is to help you develop not only the ability to do empirical research in economics, but also the ability to understand estimators properties and critically read published research. This goal will be accomplished through classroom lectures, classroom practical sessions, and problem sets. Specifically, by the end of the course you should be able to: - Apply basic/intermediate econometric methods in problems of micreconomic choices. - Use microeconomics to understand empirical analysis. - Use appropriate software to implement quantitative microeconomics research. Specific skills you will be able to gain during the course are: - Understanding data limitations and their consequences in empirical analysis. - Choosing appropriate empirical strategies for each research question. - Interpreting results in terms of policy implications. General skills you will be able to develop during the course are: - Understanding the usefulness of alternative quantitative methods. - Programming skills in quantitative research. - Ability to use flexibly your knowledge of quantitative methods in different research scenarios. Last, the course should help you in gaining - Critical thinking in economic research. - A more open and constructive approach to research based on available information.

K1: Understand democratic principles and values, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals, with special emphasis on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, gender equality, non-discrimination, universal accessibility principles, and the fight against climate change. K3: Acquire knowledge of the theories and techniques specific to Economics, employing appropriate terminology and the scientific method. K5: Know quantitative and qualitative research techniques, and be able to discern which are the most appropriate to apply in the field of economics. K6: Comprehend the economic and social impact of various public policies on different agents and in diverse socioeconomic contexts. K7: Understand the economic variables that regulate the economy and govern the behaviour of agents. S1: To plan and organize team work making the right decisions based on available information and gathering data in digital environments. S2: Exploit information by interpreting relevant data, avoiding plagiarism, and adhering to academic and professional conventions within the field of study, with the ability to evaluate the reliability and quality of the information. S3: Apply the knowledge acquired in the degree program to rigorously, accurately, and scientifically identify socioeconomic processes and propose potential solutions. S4: Manage and develop autonomous learning within the field of Economics. S5: Formulate, debate, and defend critical and ethical arguments related to Economics. S6: Identify, collect, interpret and manage relevant information on economic issues, using the appropriate concepts and methodologies of analysis. S7: Design economic and social programs to address the needs of economic agents. S8: Formally representing economic decision-making processes S9: Derive relevant economic information from the data, and be able to process it to answer the questions of interest S10: Prepare advisory reports for economic agents relevant to decision-making. S11: Describe and analyze economic problems within a specific social context. S12: Model and quantitatively interpret specific economic issues C2: Communicate effectively to different audiences knowledge, methodologies, ideas and solutions in the field of study. C3: Independently develop and defend a problem within the disciplinary scope of the degree, proposing well-founded solutions through the application of the knowledge, skills, tools, and strategies acquired or developed throughout the degree program. C4: Solve economic models of interest from both theoretical and numerical perspectives. C5: Use appropriate statistical and econometric tools to address and solve economic problems. C6: Integrate democratic principles and values, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals, into the professional sphere.

This course presents a wide range of quantitative methods for the empirical analysis of microeconomic decisions. The characteristics of the data, either by their nature or by the limitations of the available databases, introduce problems that require the use of specific econometric techniques. To delve into the study of these problems, practical applications are made to develop and analyze the practical properties of the techniques. Finally, Monte Carlo techniques useful for studying the properties in finite samples of the studied estimators will be presented. Throughout the course, a reference microeconomic problem (the decision to work) will be explicitly analyzed, highlighting at all times the applicability of the analysis to other contexts. The fundamental contents of the course are: - The Maximum Likelihood estimator. - Qualitative binary decisions: binary choice models. - Other qualitative dependent variable models: ordered, multinovariant and counting models. - Decisions with corner solutions: censored models. - Monte Carlo simulation. A more detailed program will be available at Aula Global.

The methodology will prioritize the intuitive presentation of problems and methodological solutions, as well as the management of microeconomic databases, in order for the student to learn to use econometric techniques and software competently. Particular emphasis will be placed on how the techniques presented are motivated by the nature of the economic problem and the limitations of the data. Likewise, the final objective of drawing relevant conclusions will prevail. The subject will be taught through theoretical lessons, computer practices and worksheets. To facilitate the follow-up of the theoretical lessons, students will have basic reference texts and slides with the outline of their contents. The worksheets will be corrected in the small classes. Likewise, students will have manuals for learning the computer programs that will be used in the subject. There will be four midterms and there will be four worksheets. Each teacher, at the beginning of each semester, will indicate the day of the week, the time and the place where the tutorials will take place.