Using Big Data for Economic and Social Problems

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
ECON 1006
Course ID icon
Course ID
200313
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
1
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course will show how 'big data' can be used to understand and solve some of the most important social and economic problems of our time. It introduces students to important economic concepts and frontier research in applied economics and social science related to policy making. Topics typically include equality of opportunity, discrimination, education, health care, and climate change besides others. The course also provides an introduction to data visualisation, data management, and basic statistical methods and data analysis techniques relevant for big data approaches in economics, which may include regression analysis, causal inference, and quasi-experimental methods.

  • Using Big Data
  • Field Data
  • New Approaches

Course learning outcomes

  • Explain how economists use large data sets to address major economic and social challenges in Australia and overseas
  • Explain the relevance of causality for economic analysis and policy
  • Describe key methods economists use to address causality in empirical analysis
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the outcomes and implications of relevant statistical techniques.
  • Utilize appropriate software to analyse, visualise, and communicate economic and social data.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A