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. The course will give students an introduction to important relevant economic concepts and frontier research in applied economics and social science related to policy making. Topics may include equality of opportunity, discrimination, education, health care, and climate change besides others. The course will also provide an introduction to data visualisation, data management, and basic statistical methods and data analysis techniques relevant for big data approaches, which may include regression analysis, causal inference, and quasi-experimental methods.
Course learning outcomes
- Recognize suitable economic models and concepts to address major contemporary economic and social issues.
- Explain the relevance of causality in addressing policy questions.
- Identify suitable and appropriate empirical and statistical analysis approaches.
- Interpret and explain the application and outcomes of big data statistical techniques.
- Analyze, visualize, and communicate economic and social data individually and in group settings.