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Applied Econometrics in Environmental and Energy Economics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:31:16
Abstract
The course introduces to the most common empirical methods for the analysis of issues in environmental, energy, and resource economics. The course includes computer laboratory sessions, and covers the following broad topics: demand models, discrete choice models, empirical methods in policy evaluation, field- and quasi-experiments.
Objective
At the end of the course, the students will be able to: understand the most common empirical methodologies used in environmental, energy, and resource economics; understand the problems the methodologies learnt in class aim to address; appreciate the importance of causal inference in empirical economics; read and understand the research papers in the literature; apply the empirical methods learnt in class using the software R.
Content
The course introduces students to empirical statistical methods that have wide application in environmental, energy, and resource economics and it is divided in four blocks. The first block is a quick review of the basic econometric methodology and concepts (OLS, standard errors, logit/probit models); the second block introduces demand models like the Almost Ideal Demand System, discrete choice models, and their evolutions; the third block explores causal inference in empirical economics and the main reduced-form econometric techniques used in policy evaluation, such as difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity and synthetic control; the fourth block introduces field experiments and instrumental variables, and their characteristics. At the end of each block there will be a computer laboratory class in which the student will learn to apply the methodologies learnt in class using the statistical open-source software R. Throughout the course, students will have the chance to work on actual data used for analysis in economics papers. The lectures will make use of current research papers in the literature to illustrate practical examples in which the methodologies learnt in class have been used. Students will be expected to read in advance the paper that will be explained during the lecture. The evaluation policy has the aim to allow students to get practical experience on the econometric methodologies learnt in class. Thus, beyond a final open-book computer exercise exam {60% of the grade), the course includes short takehome computer exercises {40% of the grade). As the course will be centered on econometric methods, it is recommended that students have taken 363-0570-00L Principles of Econometrics first, or have otherwise a solid knowledge of basic econometric methodologies as detailed in Part 1 of Wooldridge, Jeffrey M. (2018) lntroductory Econometrics : A Modern Approach. Seventh ed. ISBN: 978-1-337-55886-0. Knowledge of statistical software R is helpful, but not required and will be taught in the computer laboratory sessions.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
- Digital
- The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 40
- Signup End
- 30.09.2024
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Applied Econometrics in Environmental and Energy Economics
Does not take place this semester.
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Management, Technology and Economics Master (Welcome and Introduction to MSc ETH MTEC 16 September 2024, 14.00 - 16.45, Room HG E 1.1)
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Electives (These courses are particularly recommended, other ETH-courses from the field of Energy Science and Technology at large may be chosen in accordance with your tutor.)
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