MACHINE LEARNING IN APPLIED ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

ECON 725

Introduction to the use of Machine Learning (ML) in economic analysis. Covers basic techniques of ML, much attention will be devoted to evaluating the use of these tools in economics. Learn how economists are integrating the tools of ML with econometric techniques in current empirical research. Gain hands on experience in using these techniques to answer traditional questions of interest to economists. Topics include (i) an in-depth discussion of the differences and similarities in goals, empirical settings and tools between ML and econometrics, (ii) supervised learning methods for regression and classification, unsupervised learning methods, large data analysis and data mining, (iii) recent methods at the intersection of ML and econometrics, designed for causal inference, optimal policy estimation, estimation of counterfactual effects. The methods are taught with an emphasis on practical application.

AAE 701

Application of data science methods to economic analyses. Integration of data acquisition, cleaning, analysis, and interpretation in managerial contexts. Emphasis on applications in the agri-food supply chain.

AAE 637

Focus on extending the standard regression model. Topics include nonlinear regression models, maximum likelihood estimation, panel data, simultaneous equations, linear and nonlinear systems, analysis of discrete choice, limited dependent variables, empirical economic applications and policy analysis.

AAE 737

Prepares students for their own empirical work by examining contemporary econometric techniques as they are used in development, environment and natural resources, and agricultural economics. Guides students through a selection of applied models using past and current research as examples. By hearing lectures and working through papers, problem sets, replication exercises, and/or research projects, students will develop a deeper understanding of the many facets of empirical research in economics.

ECON 726

Techniques of Machine Learning (ML) and the use of these tools in economics. Exploration of how economists are integrating ML tools with econometric techniques in current empirical research. Hands on experience in using these techniques to answer traditional questions of interest to economists. Topics include (i) an in-depth discussion of the differences and similarities in goals, empirical settings and tools between ML and econometrics, (ii) supervised learning methods for regression and classification, unsupervised learning methods, large data analysis and data mining, (iii) recent methods at the intersection of ML and econometrics, designed for causal inference, optimal policy estimation, estimation of counterfactual effects. The methods are taught with an emphasis on practical application.