MAE256 - Analytical Methods in Economics and Finance
| Year: | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Online Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| Previously coded as: | MAE356, MAF356 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Prerequisite: | MIS171 |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | MAE356, MAF356 |
| Study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
| Scheduled learning activities - campus: | 1 x 2 hour on-campus lecture (recordings provided) each week and 1 x 1 hour on-campus seminar (recordings provided) each week. |
| Scheduled learning activities - online: | 1 x 2 hour recorded lecture and 1 x 1 hour online seminar each week. |
Content
MAE256 introduces students to core quantitative methods essential for analysing and interpreting data in economics, finance, and business. The unit covers key topics such as descriptive statistics, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, regression analysis (simple and multiple), time series modelling, and forecasting. Students learn to apply these techniques using Excel to investigate real-world questions such as the impact of inflation on household spending, mental health effects of social media use, the impact of remote work on employee productivity, and how macroeconomic factors like industrial production and retail sales exhibit seasonality and structural change. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing correlation from causation, understanding the assumptions behind statistical models, and interpreting results in applied contexts. By the end of the unit, students will have the analytical skills to evaluate empirical evidence and make data-driven decisions in professional economic and financial settings.
Unit fee information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.
Hurdle requirements
Hurdle requirement: Achieve at least 40% of the marks available on the end-of-unit assessment task to evidence a minimum proficiency in the aligned discipline learning outcomes included in this unit.