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Eric Van Dusen

This second course in the Data Science and Economics series is based on a Connector Course taught at UC Berkeley as a Connector between the field of Economics and the popular Introduction to Data Science Course.

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This second course in the Data Science and Economics series is based on a Connector Course taught at UC Berkeley as a Connector between the field of Economics and the popular Introduction to Data Science Course.

In this course we cover national productivity and cross-country historical comparisons, international development, income inequality, and constrained optimization.

This course is of interest to the growing number of students interested in the overlap between Economics and Data Science. The course has some more advanced programming challenges, including the cobb-douglas formulation for production and consumption.

Each of the applications follows a unique applied dataset to illustrate the concepts that are learned in intermediate economics courses. Concepts of utility and production functions are modeled within python mathematical formulations.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Applied programming approaches
  • Cobb-douglas production and consumption
  • Constrained optimization
  • Recovering a demand curve from a utility function
  • National production accounts
  • Randomized controlled trials
  • Lorenz curve and gini coefficient
  • Income and wealth inequality
  • Inequality trends across time and across countries

Syllabus

Part 1 - Production and Cobb -Douglas
Part 2 - Utility Maximization
Part 3 - Inequality
Part 4 - International Development
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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Builds a solid foundation for individuals interested in the conjunction of economics and data science
Emphasizes the application of data science techniques to real-world economic problems
Develops programming skills in Python, making it relevant for data scientists and economists alike
Provides a comprehensive analysis of economic concepts through a data-driven lens
Taught by instructors from UC Berkeley, ensuring a high level of academic rigor
Requires proficiency in basic economics and programming, making it suitable for intermediate-level learners

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Advanced Concepts in Economics with these activities:
Organize Course Resources
Ensure you have easy access to important course materials by organizing them effectively.
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  • Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
  • Download and save all syllabus, lecture notes, assignments, and other relevant documents.
  • Label and organize the materials logically for easy retrieval.
Read 'Economic Growth and Development' by Dwight H. Perkins
Supplement your understanding of economic growth and development with insights from an expert in the field.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book from the library or purchase it online.
  • Read the book carefully, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
  • Reflect on the book's content and how it relates to the course material.
Practice Python Functions
Prepare for this course by practicing rudimentary Python functions.
Browse courses on Python Programming
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  • Review basic Python syntax and data types.
  • Practice writing simple functions that perform basic operations on numbers and strings.
  • Try to solve some easy Python coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
Five other activities
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Solve Cobb-Douglas Production Function Problems
Deepen your understanding of the Cobb-Douglas production function by solving practice problems.
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  • Start with basic problems that involve finding the optimal input levels for a given production function.
  • Gradually move on to more complex problems that involve constraints or multiple inputs.
  • Use online resources or textbooks for help and guidance.
Discuss National Productivity and Economic Growth
Engage with peers to exchange ideas and perspectives on national productivity and economic growth.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates or join an online discussion forum.
  • Prepare talking points and questions based on the course material.
  • Participate actively in discussions, sharing insights and asking for clarification.
Attend a Workshop on Econometrics
Enhance your understanding of econometrics by attending a specialized workshop.
Browse courses on Econometrics
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  • Research and identify upcoming econometrics workshops in your area or online.
  • Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and exercises.
Develop a Data Visualization for Income Inequality
Create a data visualization to demonstrate your understanding of income inequality and its trends.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
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  • Gather data on income distribution from reliable sources.
  • Choose an appropriate data visualization technique, such as a Lorenz curve or Gini coefficient.
  • Create the visualization using a tool like Tableau or Google Data Studio.
  • Analyze the visualization and draw conclusions about income inequality trends.
Develop a Model for International Economic Development
Apply your knowledge to a real-world scenario by developing an economic model for international development.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific country or region to focus on.
  • Research and gather data on economic indicators, social factors, and political institutions.
  • Build an economic model that incorporates relevant variables and theories.
  • Test the model using historical data and evaluate its accuracy.
  • Use the model to make predictions and recommendations for economic development strategies.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Concepts in Economics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Economist
An Economist gathers and analyzes data to uncover trends and make predictions about the economy. This course will give you a strong foundation in intermediate economics concepts, including utility and production functions, national production accounts, and income inequality. It can provide you with a competitive advantage in understanding economic models and making data-driven predictions.
Statistician
A Statistician collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data to inform decision-making. This course will give you a strong foundation in the statistical techniques used by statisticians, with a focus on constrained optimization, recovering a demand curve from a utility function, and analyzing inequality trends across time and across countries.
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst studies market conditions and consumer behavior to help companies make informed decisions about their products and services. This course will help you build the analytical skills needed for this role, with a focus on recovering demand curves from utility functions, understanding income and wealth inequality, and analyzing inequality trends over time and across countries.
Quantitative Analyst
A Quantitative Analyst develops and implements mathematical and statistical models to assess risk and make investment decisions. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the programming and optimization techniques used by Quantitative Analysts, as well as a deep understanding of utility and production functions and income inequality.
Teacher
Economics teachers facilitate learning and critical thinking among high school or college students. This course can expand your content knowledge to include concepts from intermediate economics, such as utility and production functions, national production accounts, and income inequality. It can also provide you with teaching resources and pedagogical strategies.
Social Scientist
A Social Scientist studies human behavior and society, often using data analysis and research methods to inform their work. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the quantitative and analytical skills needed for this role, including utility maximization, constrained optimization, and Lorenz Curve and Gini Coefficient analysis.
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and evaluates public policies to inform decision-making. This course can provide a strong foundation for this role, as it covers topics like randomized controlled trials, income and wealth inequality, and national production accounts. The course's emphasis on applied programming approaches and constrained optimization will also be valuable for this role.
Operations Research Analyst
An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and analytical techniques to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization's operations. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the programming and optimization techniques used by Operations Research Analysts, as well as an understanding of utility and production functions and income inequality.
Risk Manager
A Risk Manager identifies, assesses, and manages risks to an organization. This course will provide you with a foundation in the quantitative and analytical skills needed for this role, including constrained optimization, randomized controlled trials, and Lorenz Curve and Gini Coefficient analysis.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst studies data to find patterns or relationships, and communicates their findings to stakeholders. By taking this course, you can build a foundation for the statistical analysis and programming skills required by Data Analysts. The course's focus on concepts like constrained optimization and national production accounts will give you a leg up on both quantitative and qualitative techniques.
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist conducts scientific research to advance knowledge and develop new technologies. Many research scientists apply advanced mathematical and statistical techniques like constrained optimization, which is covered in this course. Additionally, the course's focus on concepts like utility and production functions and national production accounts can provide valuable context for research in fields like economics, social science, and public policy.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst evaluates investments and makes recommendations to clients. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the programming and optimization techniques used by Financial Analysts, as well as a deep understanding of utility and production functions and income inequality.
Data Engineer
A Data Engineer designs, builds, and maintains the infrastructure needed to store and process data. This course will provide you with a foundation in the programming and optimization techniques used by Data Engineers, as well as an understanding of utility and production functions and income inequality.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and makes recommendations for improvement. This course will help you build the analytical skills needed for this role, with a focus on constrained optimization, recovering demand curves from utility functions, and understanding income and wealth inequality.
Consultant
A Consultant provides advice and recommendations to organizations on a variety of business issues. This course will help you build the analytical and problem-solving skills needed for this role, with a focus on constrained optimization, recovering demand curves from utility functions, and understanding income and wealth inequality.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Advanced Concepts in Economics.
Provides a solid foundation in econometric methods for cross-sectional and panel data. While covering applied topics such as binary choice and time series econometrics, it also assumes that the reader has a solid background in probability and statistics.
Comprehensive text in microeconomic theory, covering topics ranging from consumer behavior, producer theory, game theory, and general equilibrium theory. It employs an axiomatic approach that emphasizes the logical structure of theory and its scope and limitations.
Offers a modern treatment of macroeconomic theory and policy. It covers a wide range of topics, from economic growth and inflation to unemployment and international finance. The book provides theoretical foundations and empirical evidence, equipping readers with tools for understanding and analyzing macroeconomic dynamics.
Comprehensive reference that provides foundational knowledge in the mathematical techniques widely used in economics. It covers linear algebra, vector analysis, differential equations, scalar and vector optimization, and probability theory.
Combines theoretical foundations with empirical applications in econometrics. It presents statistical methods for analyzing economic data, focusing on estimation and inference in various econometric models. It also covers topics such as instrumental variables, time series econometrics, and panel data models.
Provides a comprehensive overview of international economics, covering topics such as international trade, exchange rates, international finance, and economic growth. It offers a theoretical and empirical approach to understanding the global economy.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to statistical methods in financial engineering. It covers topics such as descriptive statistics, probability theory, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. The book offers practical examples and applications in financial risk management, portfolio optimization, and financial modeling.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and consequences of economic inequality. It offers a theoretical and empirical approach to understanding the distribution of income and wealth, and the impact of inequality on economic growth and social welfare.
Provides a detailed analysis of the impact of globalization on inequality. It examines the effects of trade, finance, and technological change on income distribution and economic growth. The book offers insights into the causes and consequences of rising inequality in the era of globalization.
This journal publishes high-quality research on international development and the role of the World Bank in promoting economic progress. It covers topics such as poverty reduction, economic growth, education, and health. The journal offers cutting-edge research and analysis for policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners.
This journal publishes high-quality research on economic development in developing countries. It covers a wide range of topics, including poverty, inequality, economic growth, and the role of institutions in development. The journal offers cutting-edge research and analysis for researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners.
This journal publishes original research in economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics. It offers cutting-edge research from leading economists worldwide. The journal is highly regarded for its rigorous and innovative research, and it is considered one of the top journals in the field of economics.
Econometrica leading journal in economics that publishes original research in economic theory, econometrics, and mathematical economics. The journal is highly respected for its rigorous and innovative research, and it is considered one of the top journals in the field. It covers a wide range of topics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and development economics.

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