Micro-credential Casual Inference for Policy Evaluation
Program Overview
This online micro-credential in causal inference equips participants with the skills to evaluate the impact of policy interventions. Through hands-on experience and theoretical foundations, students will learn to conduct causal analyses, identify potential bias, and effectively communicate results. The program includes 13 weeks of online lectures, practicals, and self-directed learning, led by Associate Professor Chunbo Ma. It is suitable for policy analysts, consultants, social scientists, and researchers seeking to apply causal inference methods to real-world policy evaluations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This micro-credential focuses on causal inference methods for evaluating the impact of policy interventions across various disciplines. It aims to equip participants with the fundamental concepts, principles, and practical tools to conduct causal inference analyses.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding and proper use of counterfactuals to define causal effects.
- Construct causal diagrams to identify potential bias.
- Understand key assumptions for different causal inference methods.
- Implement various causal inference methods using R.
- Interpret and communicate results of causal analyses effectively.
- Apply causal inference tools to real policy analyses and impact valuations.
Teaching:
- Delivery Mode: Online
- Duration: 13 weeks
- Effort: 150 hours total (1.5 hours lectures, 1 hour guided computer practical, 10 hours self-directed learning and assessments per week)
- Academic Lead: Associate Professor Chunbo Ma
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths: Policy analysts, consultants, social scientists, and researchers.
- Opportunities: The micro-credential provides skills and knowledge relevant to evaluating policy interventions, which is valuable in various fields.
- Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be equipped to apply causal inference methods to real-world policy analyses and impact evaluations.
Other:
- Recommended Prior Knowledge: Introductory econometrics or statistics.
- Future Study: Students can apply for credit towards a Master of Agricultural Economics, Master of Environmental Economics, or other relevant award courses.
The University of Western Australia
Overview:
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.
Services Offered:
UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic support:
Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.Career services:
Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Student wellbeing:
Mental health support, counselling, and health services.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options.Sports and fitness:
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.Clubs and societies:
A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Study abroad and exchange:
Opportunities to study at universities around the world.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:
Social events:
Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.Sporting events:
Supporting the university's sports teams.Volunteer opportunities:
Contributing to the local community.Cultural events:
Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class education:
UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.Excellent employability:
Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.Vibrant campus life:
A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.Beautiful campus:
A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.Strong research focus:
UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.Academic Programs:
UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.Science and Engineering:
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.Business and Economics:
Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.Health Sciences:
Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.Law:
Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.Other:
UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.
