MAE256 - Analytical Methods in Economics and Finance
Unit details
| 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 |
| Unit chair | Trimester 1: Omar Bashar Trimester 2: Aydogan Ulker |
| Prerequisite | MIS171 |
| Corequisite | Nil |
| Incompatible with | MAE356, MAF356 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment | 1 x 2 hour on-campus lecture (recordings provided) each week and 1 x 1 hour on-campus seminar (recordings provided) each week. |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment | 1 x 2 hour recorded lecture and 1 x 1 hour online seminar each week. |
| Typical study commitment | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
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.
Learning outcomes
Each unit in your course is a building block towards Deakin's Graduate Learning Outcomes - not all units develop and assess every Graduate Learning Outcome (GLO).
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Apply and interpret statistical methods to relevant economic and finance data. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Use software to analyse data within the realm of economics and finance and to interpret statistical data analysis. | GLO3: Digital literacy |
| ULO3 | Critically appraise the accuracy, sources and relevance of statistical data and models. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO4 | Solve complex problems using quantitative methods. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO5: Problem solving |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| (Individual) Problem based written assignment | 1000 words | 25% | Week 6 |
| Assessment 2: (Individual) Problem-based written assignment | 1000 words | 25% | Week 10 |
| End-of-unit assessment task: Written | 2 hours | 50% | End-of-unit assessment period |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
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.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for MAE256 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
To fully engage with Deakin's learning experiences, students must be able to access and use internet-connected devices as outlined in computing requirements at Deakin.
To support student success at Deakin, we have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) learning environment that acknowledges that students and educators bring with them the digital tools they regularly use to complete academic tasks. These tools stay with you beyond the classroom, helping you to keep learning, explore ideas more deeply, and connect with knowledge in ways that matter to you.
Students requiring a loan device should visit our Loan Laptop webpage or students requiring longer-term assistance should visit our Student Financial Assistance webpage.
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.