Analytical Techniques for Economics

Code:

LEC102

Acronym:

TAE

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Economics

Instance: 2005/2006 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	http://www.fep.up.pt/disciplinas/LEC102/
Responsible unit:	Grupo de Economia
Course/CS Responsible:	ECONOMICS

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
ECO	331	Official Curricular Structure since 2004	1	2		-

Objectives

The course aims to introduce students to several methods of data analysis used in economics, putting a special emphasis on critical reasoning and economic interpretation.
The course covers topics such as: nature of data and measuring units; analysis of variation in cross-section and time series; definition and use of index numbers; deflation; present and future values; interest rates; annuities and amortization.
Examples and exercises are aimed to stimulate the adoption of rigorous and adjusted analytical procedures to the study of economic and social processes.

Program

1. BASIC CONCEPTS OF DATA ANALYSIS
1.1 Population and sampling. Classification of data
1.2 Absolute and relative variations
1.3 Relations between absolute and relative variations. Elasticity

2. INDEX NUMBERS AND DEFLATION
2.1. Simple index numbers: concept, classification, and change of base
2.2. Aggregate index numbers
2.3. Deflation and deflators

3. BASIC CONCEPTS OF FINANCIAL CALCULUS
3.1. Capitalization regimes, interest and interest rates
3.2. Present and future values
3.3. Annuities and amortization

Main Bibliography

- Instrumentos Estatísticos de Apoio à Economia: Conceitos Básicos, Cristina Chaves et al., McGraw-Hill, 1999.
- Course booklet (exercises and former exams)

Complementary Bibliography

- Guia dos números: A interpretação dos números na economia e nos negócios, The Economist, Editorial Caminho, 1994;
- Guia dos indicadores económicos: Para entender a economia, The Economist, Editorial Caminho, 1994;
- Cálculo Financeiro: Teoria e Prática, Rogério Matias, Escolar Editora, 2004

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures and case/exercise presentaions

Evaluation Type

Eligibility for exams

Does not apply to this case

Calculation formula of final grade

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

It follows the general rules

Classification improvement

It follows the general rules