70141 - Health Econometrics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the students have knowledge of a number of econometric models designed to study the behavior of economic agents using cross sectional and longitudinal data. They are able to critically evaluate the applications of the methods in the health economics field and to perform their own analysis in the context of new case studies.

Course contents

1. Pooling cross sections across time
2. Linear panel data methods
3. Limited dependent variable models
4. Sample selection corrections.
5. Laboratory sessions devoted to the application to real data of different methods using the software STATA

Readings/Bibliography

• Jeffrey M. Wooldridge (2013). Introductory Econometrics: a Modern Approach, 5th edition, Thompson South-Western.
• Stock, J.H., Watson (2012), M.W. Introduction to Econometrics, 3rd edition , Pearson Education.
• Chris Baum, An Introduction to Modern Econometrics Using Stata, Stata Press

On the VIRTUALE platform students can access to:

• Lectures slides
• An Example of exam text
• Files for the STATA lab sessions

Teaching methods

During the lectures, the presentation of theoretical issues will be complemented by critical discussion of some applications from recent health econometrics research.

Students will receive data to practice at the computer and learn how to apply the various models using the software STATA, which is available to them through the CAMPUS license.

Students will receive take home problem sets, to be solved in small groups and handed in with specific deadlines. These homework require data analysis work and writing short essays.

Assessment methods

There are two components of the course assessment: take home assignments and written exam.

Take home exercises are computer based, and they test the ability to apply the methods learnt to simulated or real data, using STATA.

The written exam aims at testing the acquired knowledge of the theoretical concepts and the ability to interpret estimation results in the light of the underlying theory.

The average mark of the homeworks will account for the 40% of the final mark.

The written exam is closed book. It is divided in three parts:

• True or False (answer with concise motivation): 3 questions, 15 points
• Interpretation question (answer on STATA log file with estimation output): 2 or 3 questions, 15 points

In case online exams will be envisaged by the University of Bologna, the structure of the written exam is the same. The exam will be run through Zoom and Exams Online (EOL). Detailed instructions on how to manage and hand in the online exam are available on the course page on the VIRTUALE platform.

The maximum possible score is 30 cum laude, in case all anwers are correct, complete and formally rigorous.

The grade is graduated as follows:

<18 failed
18-23 sufficient
24-27 good
28-30 very good
30 e lode excellent

Teaching tools

Dedicated page on the VIRTUALE platform containing:

• News and updated information
• Lectures slides
• STATA lab material

Software STATA: can be installed on students' personal computers (CAMPUS license) and is available at the Computer Lab of the School of Economics and Management.

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Monfardini