This course provides students with an introduction to the theory and practice of Econometrics, and experience in estimating econometric models with actual data. The course mainly focuses on techniques for estimating regression models, on problems commonly encountered in estimating such models, and on interpreting the estimates from such models. It covers the basic econometric concepts, simple and multiple regression analysis, basic econometric problems, simultaneous-equation models, panel data regression models, and time series econometrics. The course will be taught through lectures, practical sessions and tutorials. Software packages will be used in practical sessions.
- Lecturer: Ms. Udeshika Chandrarathne
- Lecturer: Dr. Janaka Fernando
- Lecturer: Ms. Amanda Perera
- Lecturer: Dr. Ananda Rathnayaka
This course introduces a complete set of techniques and concepts in conducting a scientific enquiry. This subject is inclusive of the planning of social surveys, coverage of surveys, basic ideas of sampling, type of sample design, experiments and investigations, methods of collecting information, questionnaires, scaling methods, response errors, processing of the data, analysis, interpretation and presentation as major areas.
- Lecturer: Prof. Janak Kumarasinghe
- Lecturer: Mr. Dilan Rajapakshe
The aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of the principles and applications of International Economics, so that students will be prepared to face the future complexities of the world economy. The unit is divided into two parts International Trade and International Finance. Part one examines reasons for and consequences of international trade. This will cover the law of comparative advantage, the gains from trade, the Ricardian Model, the Heckscher-Ohlin Theory, the standard and new trade theories, tariff and non-tariff barriers and economic integration. Part two, International Finance, focuses on foreign exchange market, fixed and flexible exchange rates, balance of payments and adjustment policies, international capital mobility and international macroeconomic policy coordination.
- Lecturer: Ms. Udeshika Chandrarathne
- Lecturer: Prof. Sumudu Perera
Environmental Economics will consider market failure (particularly externalities and common property resources), and the economic valuation of environmental amenities such as clean air, wilderness and ecological systems. This course aims at equipping students with economic methods and tools to analyze basic environmental issues. This course combines theoretical analysis with discussions on specific environmental policies as applied to water, air pollution, energy, climate change and human health issues. In addition, the concepts of sustainability, microeconomic analysis of environmental regulation, the problem of social cost, policy instrument choice, and estimating costs and benefits of environmental improvements will be delivered.
- Lecturer: Ms. Harini Amarasinghe
- Lecturer: Ms. Thilini Navaratne
The objective of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of Development Economics that is useful in policy making and strategic business decisions. It encompasses, inter alia, areas of economic development, characteristics of developing nations, theories of economic development and growth, poverty, and income distribution. The major focus is on the Sri Lankan economy.
- Lecturer: Prof. Janak Kumarasinghe
SPECIAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMME (SELP) (Non-Credit)
This is a Special English Language Programme introduced by the Department for the improvement of English language competence of the students, in addition to the credit courses in the degree programme. The programme has specially been designed for the students who require further English language competence at an advanced level for communicative, academic, reference and research purposes parallel to the objectives of the Department. This is a six-semester programme which offers the course units; BEC 2001 English for Business Economics Part I, BEC 2002 English for Business Economics Part II, BEC 3001 English for Business Economics Part III, BEC 3002 English for Business Economics Part IV and BEC 4001 Academic Writing for Business Economics.
BEC 4001: Academic Writing
The course unit aims to give the students a concise knowledge of writing dissertations at the Bachelor's degree level. The course focuses on providing them the necessary writing skills, as well as referencing and note taking skills required for the successful compilation of dissertation paper writing. The course structure focuses on exploring accurate referencing methodology, evaluating text, elements of writing with the intention of helping them maximize their academic writing and research competency.
- Coordinator: Ms. Amanda Perera