Methods in Health Economics and Policy

This course equips students with econometric tools to evaluate health programs and policies. Focusing on causal inference methods—such as randomized experiments, differences-in-differences, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, and synthetic controls—students learn to assess and design rigorous studies that inform public health decisions. Emphasis is placed on applying basic economic theory in real-world contexts and interpreting evidence for impact evaluation. Students will carry out a hands-on research project using statistical software to test a theory-driven hypothesis. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to contribute to evidence-based public health practice and policy evaluation. This course assumes prior exposure to basic regression and microeconomic concepts.