Course:FRE529
| FRE 529: Estimating Econometric Models | |
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| FRE 529 | |
| Section: | |
| Instructor: | Dr. Michael Johnson |
| Email: | mjohnson@mail.ubc.ca |
| Office: | |
| Office Hours: | TBA |
| Class Schedule: | Jan 5, 2026 to Feb 13, 2026
Thursdays |
| Classroom: | |
| Important Course Pages | |
| Syllabus | |
| Lecture Notes | |
| Assignments | |
| Course Discussion | |
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to introduce advanced econometric methods and related econometric theories useful for economists working in the food and resource sectors.
The course introduces students to the techniques of causal inference, which are illustrated and assessed through extensive exploration of the environmental economics literature. Topics include instrument variables (IV) estimation, experiments and quasi-experiments (difference-in-difference estimation) and panel data methods (basic models and dynamic panel models).
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- To learn various advanced econometric methods, estimation methods and related econometric theories. To apply advanced econometric modeling techniques using R to estimate models using real- world data and replicate results from published econometrics research.
- To critically evaluate published econometric research that uses advanced econometrics methods.
- To be able to formulate your own research question based on a given journal paper and data availability. To develop a small original research study that is an extension of a current research paper in the area of food and resource economics.
ASSESSMENT REPORT
Student teams will conduct a final research replication project using advanced econometric methods taught in the course using a published paper and provided data set related to climate change, the environment, policy analysis or another issue related to food and resource economics.
REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS IN CLIMATE, FOOD & ENVIRONMENT
- When are randomized experiments, natural experiments, or quasi-experimental methods most appropriate for answering policy and environmental economics questions?
- How do instrumental variables, difference-in-difference, and panel data methods help us uncover the true effects of policies, market shifts, or environmental changes?
- How do we translate a research question into an empirical strategy including selecting the right data, model, and identification approach to produce meaningful evidence?
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Your grade shall be determined as follows:
| Evaluation | Date | Percent of grade |
|---|---|---|
| Midterm Exam | TBA | 30 percent |
| Assignments | Two Assignments | 30 percent |
| Team Final Project | Due at the end of the course | 30 percent |
| Class Participation | Contributions to class discussions. | 10 percent |