Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Moderator
Dr Michael Dobbie
Contact via michael.dobbie@mq.edu.au
Unit Convenor
Dr Marjan Nazifi
Contact via fatemeh.nazifi@mq.edu.au
Available on iLearn
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Credit points |
Credit points
3
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit aims to provide an introduction to the main ideas and concepts involved in modern economics; and attempts to provide students with an understanding of how the economy works, what type of problems economists attempt to solve, and how they set about trying to solve them. The unit is primarily concerned with the analysis of individual decision-making units, and the behaviour of firms and industries in the economy, ie with microeconomics. Topics include: consumer choice and demand analysis; the firm and its production and costs; market structures from perfect competition to monopoly; factor markets; income distribution, poverty and discrimination; welfare economics; and market failure and microeconomic reform.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Due |
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Tutorial Participation | 10% | Weekly |
Online Quizzes | 20% | Week 4, 6, 8, 10 |
Class Test | 10% | September |
Final Examination | 60% | University Examination Period |
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%
In the first tutorial in week 1, students will be organised into groups of 4-5 students. You are required to work through the tutorial exercises, before the tutorial, with your group throughout the session.
A separate document with detailed instructions about the tutorial format and tutorial assessment is made available on the unit web page.
Your tutor will also outline tutorial requirements to you in your first tutorial.
Your consistent participation in group work and in asking and answering questions in class is essential for you to achieve learning outcomes 3, 4 and 5, in particular (see above for Learning Outcomes).
Your participation in the tutorials will allow you to practise how to apply economic theory to solve problems, to communicate your ideas to others and thereby to improve the confidence with which you undertake future economics studies.
The tutorial participation mark is awarded for both the preparation of tutorial answers as well as active contribution during tutorials.
Due: Week 4, 6, 8, 10
Weighting: 20%
There will be a total of 4 online quizzes conducted throughout the session on iLearn. This assessment task is intended to give you ongoing feedback on your progress in the unit. Online quizzes will consist of multiple choice questions only.
The dates of each quiz are given below:
Within the designated week for each quiz, quizzes will open at 8:00 a.m. on Monday and close at 11:00 pm on Saturday.
The topics for each quiz will be announced via iLearn.
Quiz 1 (Weight: 5%) - Week 4
Quiz 2 (Weight: 5%) - Week 6
Quiz 3 (Weight: 5%) - Week 8
Quiz 4 (Weight: 5%) - Week 10
Together the online quizzes will contribute 20% to your final mark in this unit.
Please note that no extensions will be granted. Failure to complete any quiz will result in a zero mark for that quiz. The penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved. However, missed assessments will be replaced with another assessment task. This may involve an oral assessment task.
If students choose to undertake a quiz off-campus, it is their responsibility to ensure the compatibility of the software they use with that of the university. Technical failures that occur when the quizzes are done off-campus cannot be verified by the university and would usually result in the student receiving zero for that quiz.
Due: September
Weighting: 10%
The class test is intended as practice for the final examination. If the class test is missed due to unavoidable disruption you may apply for special consideration. If that special consideration is approved you will be expected to undertake an alternative assessment task, this might involve an oral assessment task.
A separate document with detailed instructions about the class test will be made available on the ECON111 iLearn page.
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 60%
End of unit three hour written examination, to be taken during the end of year examination period.
The examination will cover material drawn from all parts of the unit’s subject matter.
The exam will consist of multiple choice questions and written-answer questions.
The final exam will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of basic economic concepts, the economic way of thinking and to use this knowledge to solve economic problems.
All students who apply for special consideration in relation to the final exam will have to sit a supplementary exam, if that special consideration is approved. The supplementary exam will not necessarily be the same structure as the standard final exam.
There is 3 hours face-to-face teaching per week consisting of one two-hour lecture and a one-hour tutorial. A separate document detailing the tutorial program is available on the unit web page .
The textbook in ECON111 for 2014:
McTaggart, D., Findlay, C. and Parkin, M., Microeconomics, Pearson Australia, 7th Edition. |
The Co-op bookstore has this book and it is recommended that students purchase a copy. A copy of this book has been placed in the reserve section of the library. The publisher provides a range of support material for the textbook, including a website. Information on accessing this material is provided in the introduction to the text. The website material includes trial questions and quizzes. You may find it useful to devote some limited time to these questions and quizzes. They will give you some feedback on how your understanding is progressing. Note however that the bulk of your study time, outside of the classroom, should be devoted to studying
Your recommended textbook will be more than adequate for this unit. Listed below are a series of other texts on microeconomics that you should feel free to consult if you wish. These books cover most of the material covered in your textbook, but each one does so in its own unique way. You may choose to consult these books if you feel that a slightly different presentation of the material might aid your understanding. These books have been placed in the reserve section of the library.
Hubbard, G., Garnett, A., Lewis, P. and O’Brien, T., Microeconomics, Pearson Education, Australia.
Swann, M. and McEachern, W.A., Microeconomics: A Contemporary Introduction, Thomson, Australia.
Unit Web Page
The unit uses the learning management system (iLearn) that can be accessed via iLearn.mq.edu.au. The lecture slides for each week’s lecture will be posted on the unit web page, before the lecture. You will find it useful to download the slides prior to the lecture, and bring them to the lecture. The web page is also used to post important notices from time to time. You should check this web page regularly.
The unit web page has the facility to allow peer to peer discussion. If you have any problems accessing this web page you should go the Online Teaching Facility support web page at http://online.mq.edu.au/docs/tecinf.html
This unit is taught as a mix of tutorials and lectures. The lectures are designed to provide the tools which can then be applied in tutorials.
Lectures – large group learning (2 hours each teaching week)
Independent learning
Tutorials – small group learning (1 hour each teaching week)
After the tutorials – the learning continues
LECTURES, READINGS & UNIT DIARY
Week | Lecture (Topics) | Textbook Reading | Pages | Special Dates |
1 |
Introduction What is Economics? The Economic Problem |
Chapter 1 Appendix Chapter 2 |
1-25
30-37 |
Classes Begin |
2 |
Demand and Supply
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Chapter 3 (incl. Mathematic al Note)
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51-74 |
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3 | Elasticity |
Chapter 4
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76-96 | |
4 |
Efficiency Government Actions in Markets - I |
Chapter 5
Chapter 6 |
104-111 123-137 |
Online Quiz 1 available this week |
5 |
Government Actions in Markets - II The Environment |
Chapter 6
Chapter 9 |
123-137 193-202 |
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6 | Consumer Choices and Constraints |
Chapter 12
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261-276 |
Online Quiz 2 available this week |
7 |
Producer Choices and Constraints |
Chapter 13
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281-300 |
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8 | Perfect Competition |
Chapter 14
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305-326 | Online Quiz 3 available this week |
9 | Monopoly |
McTaggart, et. al. (5th Ed) NB: Chapter will be provided on the unit web page
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10 |
Monopolistic Competition
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Chapter 15
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331-343 |
Online Quiz 4 available this week |
11 |
Oligopoly
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Chapter 16
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349-368 | |
12 |
Trade
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Chapter 2
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38-44 | Class Test this week |
13 |
Revision
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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.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
The nature of scholarly endeavour, dependent as it is on the work of others, binds all members of the University community to abide by the principles of academic honesty. Its fundamental principle is that all staff and students act with integrity in the creation, development, application and use of ideas and information. This means that:
Further information on the academic honesty can be found in the Macquarie University Academic Honesty Policy at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Grades
Macquarie University uses the following grades in coursework units of study:
· HD - High Distinction
· D - Distinction
· CR - Credit
· P - Pass
· F – Fail
Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie
University Grading Policy which is available at:
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
For further information, please refer to the following link:
http://universitycouncil.mq.edu.au/legislation.html
Grade Appeals and Final Examination Script Viewing City Campus
If, at the conclusion of the unit, you have performed below expectations, and are considering lodging an appeal of grade and/or viewing your final exam script please refer to the following website which provides information about these processes and the cut off dates in the first instance. Please read the instructions provided concerning what constitutes a valid grounds for appeal before appealing your grade.
http://www.city.mq.edu.au/reviews-appeals.html
Attendance at Macquarie City Campus
All Students are required to attend at least 80% of the scheduled course contact hours each Session. Additionally Macquarie City Campus monitors the course progress of international students to ensure that the student complies with the conditions of their visa relating to attendance.
This minimum level of attendance includes all lectures and tutorials. Tutorial attendance will be recorded weekly. If any scheduled class falls on a public holiday this will be rescheduled as advised by your Lecturer. Attendance at any mid-Session or in-class test is compulsory unless otherwise stated.
Unavoidable non-attendance due to illness or circumstances beyond your control must be supported by appropriate documentation to be considered for a supplementary test. Other non-attendance will obtain zero for the test. You should refer to the Disruptions Policy for more details about this.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Support at Macquarie City Campus
Students who require assistance are encouraged to contact the Student Services Manager at Macquarie City Campus. Please see reception to book an appointment.
Macquarie University provides a range of Academic Student Support Services. Details of these services can be accessed at http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
At any time students (or groups of students) can book our Student Advising rooms on Level 6 by emailing info@city.mq.edu.au with a day and time and nominated contact person. There are additional student study spaces available on Level 1.
Macquarie University Campus Wellbeing also has a presence on the City Campus each week. If you would like to make an appointment, please email info@city.mq.edu.au or visit their website at: http://www.campuslife.mq.edu.au/campuswellbeing
StudyWISE provides:
· Online learning resources and academic skills workshops http://www.mq.edu.au/learning_skills
· Personal assistance with your learning & study related questions
· ALPS - http://www.students.mq.edu.au/support/learning_skills/postgraduate/alps/
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
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.
IT Help at Macquarie City Campus
If you wish to receive IT help, we would be glad to assist you at http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/ or call 02 9850-4357.
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 and it outlines what can be done.
Students must use their Macquarie University email addresses to communicate with staff as it is University policy that the University issued email account is used for official University communication.
Students are expected to act responsibly when utilising Macquarie City Campus IT facilities. The following regulations apply to the use of computing facilities and online services:
· Accessing inappropriate web sites or downloading inappropriate material is not permitted.
· Material that is not related to coursework for approved unit is deemed inappropriate.
· Downloading copyright material without permission from the copyright owner is illegal, and strictly prohibited. Students detected undertaking such activities will face disciplinary action, which may result in criminal proceedings.
Non-compliance with these conditions may result in disciplinary action without further notice.
If you would like to borrow headphones for use in the Macquarie City Campus computer labs (210, 307, 311, 608) at any point, please ask at Level 2 Reception. You will be required to provide your MQC Student ID card. This will be held as a deposit while using the equipment.
For assistance in the computer labs, please see a Lab Demonstrator (usually they can be found in Lab 311, otherwise ask at Level 2 Reception).
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