Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Principles of Econometrics (Face-to-Face)

ECON 3150-02

Course: ECON 3150-02
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Economics
CRN: 30086

Course Description

This course offers an introduction to econometrics, a powerful suite of analytical tools that can help us to analyze data and uncover causal relationships in economics. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with statistical programming, you will learn to construct and interpret econometric models. Economists and other practitioners use these models for testing economic hypotheses, modeling complex relationships, and making informed forecasts. In this course, we will focus on regression analysis, learning how and when regressions can be used to identify possible relationships in data. By the end of the course, you will apply these skills to develop a research paper on a topic, demonstrating your ability to translate data into meaningful insights.

Required Texts

The textbook for this course is Real Econometrics, 2nd edition, by Michael Bailey. For this course, I will be using the “Inclusive Access Course Materials” so that you have access to the materials from day one. You should have received an email from the bookstore regarding detailed instructions on how to access the materials on Canvas.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ECON 3150, students will be able to:

  • CLO 1 - Identify situations in which econometrics can provide insights, explaining its use and limitations.
  • CLO 2 - Evaluate which econometric approach should be taken to analyze a real-world problem and provide justification.
  • CLO 3 - Implement key econometric analyses independently using Stata and interpret the results.
  • CLO 4 - Execute a simple research project including collecting and/or cleaning data, conducting an analysis, and sharing findings with diverse audiences.

Course Requirements

Grades are determined by demonstrated achievement of the Course Learning Outcomes above.

Grading scale:

A = 92 to 100A- = 90 to <92B+ = 87 to <90B = 82 to <87
B- = 80 to <82C+ = 77 to <80C = 72 to <77C- = 70 to <72
D+ = 67 to <70D = 62 to <67D- = 55 to <62F < 55

Evaluation:

Exams: There will be 3 exams, the first two will be worth 25% each and the third one will be 30% of your grade. The exams will consist of a combination of theory and practical application questions. The first two exams will be administered at the Testing Center while the third one will be taken home.

Assignments: A problem set will be given for each module we cover. These are primarily designed to help you better understand the theory behind and application of each topic that we discuss in class.

Assignment / AssessmentWeightCLO Alignment
Assignments20%CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3
Exam 125%CLO 1, CLO 2
Exam 225%CLO 1, CLO 2
Exam 3 (Research Paper)30%CLO 3, CLO 4

Course Outline

Tentative Schedule:

Textbook chapters that we will cover in class:

  • Appendix: Math and probability background
  • Chapter 1: The quest for causality
  • Chapter 2: Stats in the Wild: Good Data Practices
  • Chapter 3: Bivariate OLS: The Foundation of Econometric Analysis
  • Chapter 4: Hypothesis Testing and Interval Estimation: Answering Research Questions
  • Chapter 5: Multivariate OLS: Where the Action Is
  • Chapter 6: Dummy Variables: Smarter than You Think
  • Chapter 7: Specifying Models

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late assignments on exams are not accepted. Homework assignments submitted after the deadline lose 10% per day up to three days, after which they will not be accepted without prior arrangement. Since I give a one-week window for exams, I do not offer any make-up exams unless there is valid documentation for an excused absence.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and class participation are highly encouraged and directly support the learning experience.

Additional Course Information and Policies

Course Information

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisites / Co-requisites: ECON 2010 (Principles of Microeconomics) and ECON 2020 (Principles of Macroeconomics) and MATH 1040 (Statistical Inference) - Prerequisite Minimum Grade: D-

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Generative AI tools may be used on homework assignments, since they are meant to prepare you for exams, but they may not be used on exams, which are individual assessments of your own understanding.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.