EC 282 - Introduction to Econometrics
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EC 282 - Introduction to Econometrics
Spring 2026 | Mon/Wed 3:30-4:50 PM | Smith Tech Center 100
Instructor & Office Hours
Onur Altindag Office: Rauch Administration Building (RAU) 019F Email: oaltindag@bentley.edu
Course Overview
This course equips you with foundational econometric skills to analyze data critically, make evidence-based decisions, and communicate findings effectively. You’ll learn to work with data using R, build regression models, and understand the crucial distinction between correlation and causation.
Important Dates & Grading
| Component | Date | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Homework (10 assignments) | Throughout semester | 20% |
| Midterm 1 | Monday, Feb 23, 2026 | 20% |
| Midterm 2 | Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026 | 25% |
| Final Exam | Wed, May 6, 3:00-5:00 PM | 30% |
| Participation | - | 5% |
Course Materials
- Syllabus (PDF) - Full course details & policies
- Course Notes (PDF) - My handwritten lecture notes. These are supplementary materials to help you follow along, not a replacement for the textbook. They may contain gaps or errors, so use at your own discretion.
MindTap (Required)
Access the course textbook, homework assignments, and videos through MindTap. You must create an account using your Bentley email to access course materials.
In-Class Handouts
Handouts will be posted here throughout the semester.
Software & Tools
You’ll use R as the primary language. Follow the steps below to get set up.
Step 1: Install R (the language)
- Go to cloud.r-project.org
- Click your operating system:
- Windows: Click “Download R for Windows” → “base” → “Download R-4.x.x for Windows”
- Mac: Click “Download R for macOS” → Choose the
.pkgfile for your Mac (Apple Silicon or Intel)
- Run the installer and accept all defaults
Step 2: Install RStudio (the editor)
- Go to posit.co/download/rstudio-desktop
- Scroll down and click the download button for your operating system
- Run the installer and accept all defaults
- Open RStudio - it will automatically find R
Step 3: Test your installation
Open RStudio and type this in the Console (bottom left):
1 + 1
If you see [1] 2, you’re all set!
Alternative editors (optional)
- VS Code - Versatile editor with R extensions
- Cursor - AI-powered editor for writing and debugging
- AI assistants (Claude, ChatGPT) - For learning and troubleshooting
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Econometrics & R - Getting started with data
- Simple Regression (Ch. 2) - OLS, interpretation, functional forms
- Multiple Regression: Estimation (Ch. 3) - Adding variables, mechanics of OLS
- Multiple Regression: Inference (Ch. 4) - t-tests, F-tests, confidence intervals
- Qualitative Variables (Ch. 7) - Dummy variables, interactions, LPM