UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

ETC3400 Principles of econometrics

Faculty of Business and Economics

ETC3400 Principles of econometrics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Business and Economics, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs ETC2410, ETC3440, ETF2100, ETW2510, ETC2520 or MTH2232 and unlocks 7 units.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 60%
and 1 other task
Workload
144 hours
per semester

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

Reviews

No reviews yet

No reviews yet. Be the first to review ETC3400.

Requisites

Enrolment rules

To be successful in this unit, background knowledge and application of maths is required at the equivalent of VCE Year 12 Higher level.  You may have satisfied this by completing relevant prerequisite unit/s, or you have covered relevant topics in your final years of secondary study.  You should self-assess your maths competency prior to enrolling in this unit.

Equivalent units

The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.

Overview

This unit provides a formal treatment of the core principles underlying econometric and statistical analysis, with particular focus given to likelihood-based inference. Topics covered include the likelihood principle and maximum likelihood estimation; minimum variance unbiased estimation; maximum likelihood asymptotic distribution theory; likelihood-based hypothesis testing. The theoretical developments are supplemented by numerical results produced using computer simulation. Consideration is also given to the numerical optimisation techniques used to implement likelihood-based procedures in practice.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Written
    40%
  • Examination
    60%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    consolidate the core principles underlying econometric and statistical analysis

  2. 2

    understand and implement the technique of maximum likelihood estimation and develop an appreciation of the associated asymptotic distribution theory

  3. 3

    understand and implement likelihood-based hypothesis testing  

  4. 4

    develop the skills needed to demonstrate and explore theoretical sampling properties using computer simulation.

Workload and teaching

  • Workshops36 hours
  • Tutorials12 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning

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. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.

This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.

Learning resources

Technology resources

There may be an additional cost associated with purchasing a physical and/or virtual calculator. Specific details will be provided in the Learning Management System by commencement of Orientation week.

Where it fits

ETC3400 is part of 7 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Dr Rami Tabri

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for ETC3400?

You need ETC2410, ETC3440, ETF2100, ETW2510, ETC2520 or MTH2232 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.

What can I take after ETC3400?

ETC3400 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 7 units, including ETC4400, ETC4420, ETC4541, ETC5410, ETC5420 and ETX4410.

When is ETC3400 offered?

In 2026, ETC3400 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

How much work is ETC3400?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does ETC3400 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.

Which majors and minors include ETC3400?

ETC3400 is part of Econometrics; Economics; Financial and insurance mathematics; Mathematical economics and econometrics; and Mathematical foundations of econometrics, and 1 other area of study.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Economics
Organisational unit
Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 4
Study abroad
Available