70141 - Health Econometrics

Academic Year 2020/2021

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Economics and Economic Policy (cod. 8420)

    Also valid for Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Health Economics and Management (cod. 8880)

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. Instrumental variables and two stages least squares
  4. Limited dependent variable models
  5. Sample selection corrections.

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

Teaching methods

Throughout the course, 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.

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 in the classroom and by individual study to simulated or real data. The written exam aims at testing the comprehension of theoretical concepts and the ability to interpret estimation results in the light of the underlying theory.


During the course Computer Exercises will be assigned to small groups of students and will be due on specific dates. The average mark of the Computer Exercises will account for 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, 12 points
  • Open question (formal answer to theoretical question): 1 or 2 questions, 8 points
  • Interpretation question (answer on STATA log file with estimation output): 2 or 3 questions, 10 points
An example of exam text will be available on the course webpage at the link reported below (see Link to further information)

Teaching tools

  • Course website with news and updated materials, available at the link reported below (see Link to further information).
  • Lectures slides, made availableon the same webpage
  • Software STATA: available for students of the Department of Economics (CAMPUS license) and at the Computer Lab of the School of Economics, Management and Statistics.

Links to further information

http://sites.google.com/site/chiaramonfardiniwebpage/home/teaching

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Monfardini

SDGs

Good health and well-being

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.