Review for EC2303: Foundation for Econometrics

Course Number and Name: EC2303 Foundation for Econometrics
Prof/Lecturer: Dr Yuan Ye
TA: Jeremy Lim
Sem taken: Y1S1 AY17/18
Modular Credits: 4

On the 8th August 2017 I tot is:
From what I have read about this module, it seems to be the application of mathematical formulas and statistics into data and graphs. Most reviews I have read mentions that some of the modules covered have been taught in JC Mathematics, and I heard that graphic calculators are not allowed for this. Another need to buy a scientific calculator then…

What it really is arh:
This module is split into the following components:
1. Tutorial Participation
2. 2 Homework Assignments
3. Mid-term test
4. Final exam

Lectures for this module are once a week, with webcast available. Tutorials are 1 hour sessions held once every week.

Percentages are split as shown:
1. (10%)
2. (20%)
3. (30%)
4. (40%)

This module touches a lot on the foundations of statistical concepts. From Probability, to statistical inference and regression. This module goes in-depth into covering discrete and continuous random variables, sample distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Last but not least, the ‘hardest’ topic of uni-variate regression. There are a lot of mathematics and referencing of formulas, with a need to be able to understanding what the questions are asking for. This module is a very hands-on topic, with consistent practices and application a core requirement to ace. It is not difficult to attain full marks for most of the components of this module, making the bell curve very competitive. Do not take this module lightly.

Easiest marks to get. Just simply showing up to tutorials with your work prepared and ready for presentation can secure you this 10%. The TAs will briefly go through what is covered in the lectures before diving straight into the tutorial questions, getting the students to do the presentations for the questions. This is also the best time to clear misconceptions as there will be sufficient spare time to consult the TA before the next class begins.

Assignments are basically ‘take home’ test papers. The lecturer will announce when the Homework is released on the IVLE. Students are required to print the work and submit to the office before the cut off date. Each Homework tests students on what has been taught in the previous few lectures, functioning as a litmus test and a mock exam for your understanding. The time allocated for each assignments is about 2 weeks, which is more than sufficient to finish the work. You can challenge yourself by trying to do this within 2 hours without referring to the notes. However in this case, I strongly recommend working together with someone else to discuss the working and answers (always good to secure your 20%). The Homework should be released by the 5th Lecture and the 10th Lecture, but it is always good to check the folders constantly, just in case.

Mid-terms and Finals have similar formats to the Assignments. Both papers are 2 hours long, with formula sheets and distribution tables provided. Only difference is the additional amount of questions and difficulties, some of which can be very tricky if you do not interpret the questions properly. One good way to practice for these papers is to keep doing tutorial questions and look for other papers to try. Practice papers was only be provided for Mid-terms, meaning there are only tutorial questions left. Redo these questions without referring to your notes to check your application.

Can handle mah: 7/10 (1 = mai la mai la hard sia, 10 =  super easy, can do one)

“How hard can Maths be?” It can be the easiest thing, and also the hardest thing. Without a good grip of the formulas and understanding the basic foundations, you will struggle a little in this module. With new and complex statistical formulas, it is very easy to be lost and confused. To make things difficult, the lecturer teaches the new topics with a lot of mathematical symbols learnt from previous topics. Do not be surprised if you do not understand some of the workings immediately as the Department ‘jump steps’,  meaning you have to work out how to prove the workings. On the flip side, there is not a lot of big words you need to remember, no readings or projects, and notes needed for this module. Practice and understanding are all that you will ever need, along with your trusty calculator. Tutorial questions are ample and very useful, with the Department actually putting more questions close to the end of the Semester under heavy request.

Sadly I struggled and gave up midway, partially because I underestimated this module’s difficulty and left it on my back burner (A big nono). It turned out to be a huge problem as I ended up being unable to keep up with the tutorials and lectures, often wasting a lot of time flipping through all my notes to understand the symbols and formulas. (It’s a trap!) To be exact, I felt very pressured by the steep bell curve than anything else, as most people were scoring high marks, pushing up the median percentile.

Fun or not: 2/10 (1 = soul crushing, 10 = dammm fun must try)

It is very dry. Many things that are taught in this module follows the “one way to solve” methods. With constant redoing a must have to survive, and punching of calculators, there is not many things that is notable and fun to commit memory. Additionally there aren’t many things related to Economics in this module. Don’t be surprised if the lecture group shrinks over the weeks.

How applicable: 5/10 (1 = I feel like I wasted my time, 10 = ENLIGHTENMENT)

As mundane as it actually sounds, this module is very useful if you encounter statistical modules (such as GER1000). A lot of in-depth knowledge taught here can help reduce the workload and smooth out the learning curve.

TL;DR:

Very generalised statistical module, useful to be done with GER1000. Not a lot of work required, but practice is needed to survive the strong bell-curve game. Be mentally prepared to S/U if you cannot keep up.

Cheers XD
Fica