ETC2520 - Probability and statistical inference for economics and business - 2017

An introduction to probability and statistical inference for use in economics and business. Topics covered include random variables, moments and cumulants generating function, discrete and continuous distributions, independence, jointly distributed random variables, conditional random variables, the central limit theorem, sampling distribution, properties of estimators, confidence intervals, tests of hypotheses.

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. understand concepts of probability, statistical inference, generating functions and cumulants
2. derive and use generating functions to evaluate moments and establish the distribution of linear combinations of independent random variables
3. understand and apply the main methods of estimation and the main properties of estimators
4. construct confidence intervals for unknown parameters and test hypotheses
5. develop written, presentational and group work skills through a series of assessed essays, assignments and tutorial work.

Within semester assessment: 40% + Examination: 60%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Professor Donald Poskitt

ETC1000 or equivalent