Colloquia of the Institute of Economic Policy

In the colloquium, students learn how to process and analyze data using the programming language R. The first part of the course covers the basic functionality and use of R. In the second part, students apply and deepen their knowledge working on a practical example of a data analysis task. The colloquium covers the central steps of the process of answering questions empirically, from the selection and preparation of data to their graphical and statistical exploration to more in-depth statistical analyses.

The colloquium is assigned to the Bachelor's program in Economics and Management in the elective module (competence area Economics) and cannot be taken if credit points have already been acquired via the course "Seminar in Economic Policy: Data Processing and Analysis" (272073). It is planned that the colloquium will be held in English. Prior knowledge of programming and empirical data analysis is not required.

The colloquium takes place weekly in the summer semester 2025 in the computer pool. The number of participants is limited to 10. If the number of interested students exceeds the number of available places, the decision will be made by lottery.

To participate, please send an informal expression of interest by email to Felix Wolf (wolf@wipol.uni-hannover.de) by April 1, 2026. This should include a brief assessment of your current level of knowledge (programming experience, empirical work). You will be notified by email on April 2, 2026, whether you can participate.

The examination consists of a term paper and a presentation. The term paper is written on a topic announced in the colloquium. It is to be completed at the end of the lecture period and at the beginning of the lecture-free period.

All further information will be provided in the first session.

Examiner of the course is Prof. Dr. Stephan Thomsen. Contact persons and lecturers are Daniel Bruns and Felix Wolf.