Students

BUSL250 – Business Law

2014 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor and Lecturer
Dr Andrew Dahdal
andrew.dahdal@mq.edu.au
Contact via email
E4A317
Thursday 2-4pm or by appoinment
Lecturer
Dr Verity Greenwood
verity.greenwood@mq.edu.au
Contact via email
E4A310
Monday 3-4pm or by appoinment
Teaching Assistant
Cissy Chan
BUSL250@mq.edu.au
Contact via 98504832
E4A350A
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
12cp
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to the Australian legal system and to essential legal principles and concepts that inform the way in which commercial activities are regulated. The unit prepares students for more advanced units such as BUSL301 and BUSL315. Studying this unit may also be of interest to students from varied disciplines as it provides them with a broad knowledge and understanding of how the laws apply to ordinary commercial transactions. A range of assessment tasks are used in the unit to monitor the progress of students and to develop important analytical and generic professional skills. Topics include: contract law, tort law (with a focus on negligence), property law (including intellectual property), consumer protection law, and the law of agency.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understanding of how laws are made and enforced.
  • Understanding of the legal principles that apply to business law in Australia
  • Ability to analyse the legal aspects of problems relevant to business
  • Ability to critically assess and make judgements on the merits of legal arguments
  • Ability to research business law related topics through using hard copy materials and electronic/online information systems
  • Ability to work in a team to solve legal problems likely to arise in a business setting

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Online Quizzes 30% Weeks 4, 8 and 12
Class Participation 10% weeks 2-13
In Class Test 15% week 7
Final Exam 45% Final Exam Period

Online Quizzes

Due: Weeks 4, 8 and 12
Weighting: 30%

Quiz 1: week 4 (28-30 August);

Chapters 1-4 (Legal, Political and Judicial Systems) and Chapters 10-13 and 15 (Contract Law) 

Quiz 2: week 8 (9-11 October);

Chapters 6-8 (Torts and Negligence),14 and 16-19 (remaining contracts topics) 

Quiz 3: Week 12 (6-8 November).

Chapter 9 (Business Related Torts), Chapter 22 (Agency) and Chapters 20-21 (Consumer Protection)

All quizzes open on the relevant Thursday morning 12.01am and close on Satuday night at 11.59pm

Submission via BUSL250 unit iLearn portal. 

Each quiz contains 10 questions.

The time limit for each quiz is 40 minutes (4 minutes per question).

Once the quiz is open the timer cannot be stopped - even if you log out. 

At the conclusion of the quiz period, general feedback will be given based on the results.

Weight of each quiz: 10% of final assessment mark (30% total).

Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 subject to the 'Disruption to Studies' policy (see below).

The quiz will not be re-opened. 

This assessment task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding of how laws are made and enforced
  • Understanding of the legal principles that apply to business law in Australia
  • Ability to analyse the legal aspects of problems relevant to business
  • Ability to critically assess and make judgements on the merits of legal arguments
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understanding of how laws are made and enforced.
  • Understanding of the legal principles that apply to business law in Australia
  • Ability to analyse the legal aspects of problems relevant to business
  • Ability to critically assess and make judgements on the merits of legal arguments
  • Ability to research business law related topics through using hard copy materials and electronic/online information systems

Class Participation

Due: weeks 2-13
Weighting: 10%

Class presentation (5%):

  • Student class presentations are held in Tutorials 3-13

  • Presentation topic list and marking criteria are at the back of this unit guide. 

Class participation (5%)

  • The mark will be awarded based on the following criteria:
    • Class participation assessed throughout session 
    • The extent to which each student has prepared for each class. 
    • The ability of students to complete set tasks during classes.    
    • The ability of students to actively participate in group discussions.    
    • The willingness of students to co-operate with and assist other students in their learning.   
    • The willingness of students to express their ideas in class.     
    • The ability of students to articulate their thoughts.     
    • The performance of students on tasks completed during class.

Information concerning each student’s final participation mark will be made available on the subject website prior to the date of the final examination.

No extensions will be granted. Students who fail to complete a presentation will not be given a second chance to do the presentation subject to the 'Disruption to Studies' policy. 

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding of the legal principles that apply to business law in Australia.
  • Ability to analyse the legal aspects of particular case studies relevant to business law.
  • Ability to critically assess and make judgements on the merits of legal arguments.
  • Ability to research business law related topics through using hard copy materials and electronic/online information retrieval systems.
  • Ability to work in a team to solve legal problems likely to arise in a business setting.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understanding of how laws are made and enforced.
  • Understanding of the legal principles that apply to business law in Australia
  • Ability to critically assess and make judgements on the merits of legal arguments
  • Ability to research business law related topics through using hard copy materials and electronic/online information systems
  • Ability to work in a team to solve legal problems likely to arise in a business setting

In Class Test

Due: week 7
Weighting: 15%

In-class contract law written test. Based on Lectures 2 (Part 2)- Lecture 5 and Tutorials 3 - 6. 

One (1) A4 back-to-back handwritten 'cheat sheet' (written in English) is allowed in this assessment.

Students who miss this assessment will be awarded a mark of 0 subject to the 'Disruption of Studies' policy (see below). 

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding of how laws are made and enforced.
  • Understanding of the legal principles that apply to business law in Australia.
  • Ability to analyse the legal aspects of particular case studies relevant to business law.
  • Ability to critically assess and make judgements on the merits of legal arguments.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understanding of the legal principles that apply to business law in Australia
  • Ability to analyse the legal aspects of problems relevant to business
  • Ability to critically assess and make judgements on the merits of legal arguments

Final Exam

Due: Final Exam Period
Weighting: 45%

Formal written exam based on Weeks 6 - Week 12. 

Exam length:Three hours plus ten minutes reading time. Two double sided A4 handwritten 'cheat sheets' allowed (written in English). No typed or photocopied sheets allowed. 

Supplementary Examination:  If a supplementary examination is granted as a result of a 'Disruption to Studies' process, the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period as per the Supplementary examination timetable of the Faculty.  Please note the supplementary examination will be in a similiar format as the final examination. 

There is a requirement to in order to at pass this course you must also pass the final exam. 

This assessment task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding of how laws are made and enforced
  • Understanding of the legal principles that apply to business law in Australia
  • Ability to analyse the legal aspects of a problem relevant to business
  • Ability to critically assess and make judgements on the merits of legal arguments
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understanding of the legal principles that apply to business law in Australia
  • Ability to analyse the legal aspects of problems relevant to business
  • Ability to critically assess and make judgements on the merits of legal arguments

Delivery and Resources

Required textbook:

Business Law BUSL250 compiled by Dr Verity Greenwood and Julian Dight (ISBN: 9781486016211). 

The book can be purchased from the Macquarie University Co-Op Bookshop. This is a custom book compiled from Andy Gibson and Douglas Fraser, Business Law (7th ed, 2013). The pack includes a 'MyLawLab' access card providing access to a variety of online resources.  

Recommended texts:

Business Law

  • Latimer, P. Australian Business Law (33rd ed., 2014) CCH, Australia.
  • James, N. Business Law (3rd ed., 2014) Wiley Publishers, Queensland.
  • Davenport, S. and Parker, D. Business and Law in Australia (2012) Lawbook Co., Sydney.
  • Barron, M. L. Fundamentals of Business Law (7th ed., 2012) McGraw-Hill, Australia.

Studying Law

  • Krever, R., Mastering Law Studies and Law Exam Techniques (8th ed., 2013) LexisNexis Butterworths. 
  • Crosling, G. M., and Murphy, H. M., How to Study Business Law (4th ed., 2009) LexisNexis Butterworths.

Unit Structure and Requirements

  • The course will consist of 13 x 2 hour lectures beginning in week one (1); and
  • 12 x 1 hour tutorials beginning in week two (2). (The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/).
    • Students can only change their lecture or tutorials in the first three (3) weeks through the eStudent system and only when there is space in the other tutorial or lecture.
    • If a student changes tutorials in the first 3 weeks it is their responsibility to inform both their old tutor and their new tutor.
    • Failure to inform tutors about changing tutorials may result in a student missing out on eligible participation marks. 
    • It is strongly advised that students attend all lectures and tutorials. Tutorials are not compulsory but failure to attend tutorials will mean that students will not be awarded any tutorial participation marks. 
    • Medical certificates must be provided justifying tutorial absence and in order to avoid the deduction of tutorial participation marks. 
    • If you have a recurring problem that makes you late, or forces you to leave early, please discuss this with your lecturer/tutor.
  • Mobile phone should not be used in lectures or tutorials.
  • Laptops can be used in tutorials only if prior arrangements have been made with the tutor.
  • Students who disturb or disrupt in lectures and tutorial class will be asked to leave.

Unit Schedule

Date Lecture Topic Tutorial 
Week 1

Lecture 1

Introduction to the legal and political system

 Tutorial 1 (No tutorial)
Week 2

Lecture 2

Introduction to the judicial system

 Tutorial 2 
Week 3

Lecture 3

Contract law 

 Tutorial 3 
Week 4

Lecture 4

Contract law

Tutorial 4 

(online quiz 1 open this week)
Week 5

Lecture 5

Contract Law

 Tutorial 5 
Week 6

Lecture 6

Introduction to Torts

 Tutorial 6 
Week 7

Lecture 7

The Tort of Negligence

Tutorial 7 

(in-call test)
Mid-Semester Break 20 September -6 October)
Week 8

Lecture 8

Business Related Torts

Tutorial 8

(online quiz 2 open this week) 
Week 9

Lecture 9

Agency Law

 Tutorial 9 
Week 10

Lecture 10

Consumer Protection

 Tutorial 10 
Week 11

Lecture 11

Consumer Protection

 Tutorial 11
Week 12

Lecture 12

Property

Tutorial 12

(online quiz 3 open this week)
Week 13

Lecture 13

Revision

 Tutorial 13

 

Learning and Teaching Activities

How the Unit is Taught

As noted, this unit is taught through a combination of two (2) -hour lecture style seminars and smaller one (1)-hour tutorial discussion groups. Each week certain topics are covered in the lecture and subsequently discussed in the tutorial that is held in the following week. Tutorial questions form the basis of discussion in each weeks tutorial. A tutorial may include a mixture of group work, open class discussion, tutor facilitated discussion and individual problem solving.Tutorials also provide the context where students are encouraged to openly discuss related issues and ask questions of their tutor and peers. Issues covered in the lecture but not in the tutorial ARE STILL EXAMINABLE.

Suggested learning strategies:

Everyone is different and learns differently. Some general suggestions that may benefit students include i) completing the tutorial questions prior to tutorials. ii) previewing the lecture notes prior to lecture. A small investment of time prior to lectures and tutorials will save a large amount of time later in the session. The readings for this course can be demanding - particularly the language used to discuss legal issues. If there is a word that you do not understand spend a few seconds looking it up immediately (even on your smartphone). The time invested understanding that word now will make your reading easier as the course advances. If you cannot understand a particular word or phrase even after looking it up - ask your lecturer or tutor. As a guide, the readings, study and assessment for this subject will require approximately 6 hours per week above the 3 hours allocated for formal lectures and tutorials.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

In addition, there is a requirement to pass the final examination to be awarded a final grade of a Pass or a higher grade.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding of how laws are made and enforced.
  • Understanding of the legal principles that apply to business law in Australia
  • Ability to research business law related topics through using hard copy materials and electronic/online information systems
  • Ability to work in a team to solve legal problems likely to arise in a business setting

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quizzes
  • Class Participation
  • In Class Test
  • Final Exam

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding of how laws are made and enforced.
  • Ability to analyse the legal aspects of problems relevant to business
  • Ability to critically assess and make judgements on the merits of legal arguments
  • Ability to work in a team to solve legal problems likely to arise in a business setting

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quizzes
  • Class Participation
  • In Class Test
  • Final Exam

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding of the legal principles that apply to business law in Australia
  • Ability to analyse the legal aspects of problems relevant to business
  • Ability to critically assess and make judgements on the merits of legal arguments
  • Ability to research business law related topics through using hard copy materials and electronic/online information systems
  • Ability to work in a team to solve legal problems likely to arise in a business setting

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quizzes
  • Class Participation
  • In Class Test
  • Final Exam

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding of how laws are made and enforced.
  • Understanding of the legal principles that apply to business law in Australia
  • Ability to analyse the legal aspects of problems relevant to business
  • Ability to critically assess and make judgements on the merits of legal arguments

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quizzes
  • Class Participation
  • In Class Test
  • Final Exam

Research and Practice

The following are some selected works of interest that are being worked on or have been published by BUSL250 teaching staff: 

Greenwood, V.A. and Dwyer, L (2014) ‘Creating Confident Tourists: Consumer protection and destination competitiveness’, Journal of Tourism Consumption and Practice. Paper accepted, pending publication. 

 V.A. Greenwood and L. Dwyer ‘Chinese ‘Hot Money’ Junkets and its implications for destination competitiveness in Macau’ (working paper).

 V.A. Greenwood ‘Two Systems-One Country : Response of Macau Casino competitors to the new China Corruption Crackdown’ (working paper)

FOFA Legislation: A Brief Overview, BUTTERWORTHS CORPORATION LAW BULLETIN, 2012. (Co-authored by Andrew Dahdal and Ms Eylem Kammerakas, Vice-President Legal Morgan Stanley Smith Barney)

Dahdal, A. The Survival of Fiduciary Obligations despite the Death of a Commercial Opportunity: The case of Omnilab Media, BUTTERWORTHS CORPORATION LAW BULLETIN, 2012.