This course teaches data and computing skills with applications in economics.
On the economics side, the course will explore a sample of economic problems using data and basic quantative techniques, such as visualization and descriptive statistics.  Possible topics include changes in the distribution of wealth, income inequality, the size of cities, patterns of trade, demographics, asset returns, credit and default risk and so on.  On the technical side the course will teach basic programming within a problem solving framework applicable to the economic and business modelling.  There will be an emphasis on designing and writing correct code.  Modern program language design concepts will also be taught.
 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

• Design and write small computer programs
• Learn how to work with data
• Build familiarity with data visualizations and descriptive statistics
• Build quantitative modelling skills useful for economics and business 
• High level introduction to a variety of economic topics
  

Research-Led Teaching

This course is a research-led course, where students will engage directly with cutting-edge research, and produce a novel piece of work. Work is done under the close guidance of the lecturer.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Answers to on-line quizzes will be provided in workshop/tutorials
• Brief written comments may be given on in-tutorial quizzes
• Feedback on mid-semester exam will be given to the whole of class during workshop
• Help Desk/Consultation/Office Hours times are available every week for students to seek feedback on their work

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Each week tutorial questions for the following weeks tutorials will be uploaded onto wattle. It is expected that you prepare the answers to these questions. These questions will be DISCUSSED in the tutorial. To gain the most out of the tutorial, and to be able to participate in the discussion you will need to prepare. As answers are based on discussion, answers to all questions will NOT be posted on wattle.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Investigation of the literatureBuilding SkillsStarting Major Project	Progress Report
2	Investigation of the literatureBuilding SkillsStarting Major Project	Progress Report
3	Investigation of the literatureBuilding SkillsStarting Major Project	Progress Report
4	Investigation of the literatureBuilding SkillsStarting Major Project	Progress Report
5	Investigation of the literatureBuilding SkillsStarting Major Project	Progress Report
6	Investigation of the literatureBuilding SkillsStarting Major Project	Progress Report
7	Completion of Major Project	Major Project
8	Completion of Major Project	Major Project
9	Completion of Major Project	Major Project
10	Completion of Major Project	Major Project
11	Completion of Major Project	Major Project
12	Completion of Major Project	Major Project

Tutorial Registration

There are no tutorials for this class.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Project Plan	20 %	26/08/2024	30/08/2024	1,2,3,4,5
Major Project	80 %	25/10/2024	*	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Delivery of this course will be on campus. This course involves working directly with the lecturer, so the expectation on participation is much greater than other economics courses.

Examination(s)

None.

Assessment Task 1

Project Plan

Complete a project plan including a 'project question', literature review of work done on this problem previously, and a roadmap for the tools needed to complete the major project.

Further details to be provided by the end of Week 4.

Assessment Task 2

Major Project

Complete a written Major Project. The scope of the project to be discussed between the lecturer and students. Expected work limit is approximately 5000-6000 words; word limit strictly enforced with reports over the final word limit not accepted.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Feedback on the Assessment plan will be provided within one week.

Feedback on the Major Project will be provided after the release of results.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No assessment items will allow resubmission.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students