Practical and professional, this text bridges the gap between how undergraduate econometrics has traditionally been taught and how empirical researchers actually think about and apply econometric methods. The text's unique approach reflects how econometric instruction has evolved from simply describing a set of abstract recipes to showing how econometrics can be used to empirically study questions across a variety of disciplines. The systematic approach, where assumptions are introduced only as they are needed to obtain a certain result, makes the material easier for students, and leads to better econometric practice. It is organised around the type of data being analysed - an approach that simplifies the exposition and allows a more careful discussion of assumptions. Packed with relevant applications and a wealth of interesting data sets, the text emphasises examples that have implications for policy or provide evidence for or against economic theories.