Students
ECON6032 – Intermediate Microeconomics
2020 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Wylie Bradford
Contact via iLearn
4ER 425
N/A
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MAppEcon
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will provide the postgraduate student with an analytical and critical understanding of how economic agents (firms, consumers, corporations, governments, families) behave, and how these agents operate in our economy. The unit introduces students to the analysis of the ways in which individuals, businesses and governments behave in contemporary economic settings. Examples of topics covered are consumer behaviour, the behaviour of the firm, its production and cost structure, competition and market structures, monopoly, labour and capital markets, strategic interaction, social outcomes and welfare analysis. These analytical tools are meant to allow students to better understand contemporary global issues. The theory is taught in an applied context. Any basic economic models and accompanying mathematical and other skills required by the unit's material are taught as part of the unit curriculum. |
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:
- ULO1: Explain how microeconomic concepts can be applied to a variety of economic problems and issues faced by society.
- ULO2: Critically evaluate the applicability of microeconomic theory to the real world, in order to appreciate the challenges faced by economists.
- ULO3: Select, justify and utilise appropriate microeconomic knowledge to provide solutions to complex economic problems.
- ULO4: Utilise appropriate practices involved in today's essential and contemporary management communication challenges.
General Assessment Information
All submissions in ECON6032 will be electronic, via iLearn.
Please note that no extensions will be granted for the applications or problem set except as indicated below. Late submissions will be accepted only up to 96 hours after the submission deadline. Non-acceptance of a submission entails a mark of zero. Marks for late submissions will decay exponentially at a rate of 1.7% per hour after the submission deadline.
All students who apply for Special Consideration will be given an extension if the application is approved. Please consult the Special Considerations Policy.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | 40% | No | Weeks 4,8,12 |
| Online mid-session test | 30% | No | Weeks 7,13 |
| Assignment | 30% | No | Weeks 5,9,13 |
Application
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Weeks 4,8,12
Weighting: 40%
On three occasions throughout the unit, students will be required to produce a written analysis of a real-world issue/phenomenon of their choice in which the techniques covered in specified areas of the content are to be applied.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain how microeconomic concepts can be applied to a variety of economic problems and issues faced by society.
- Critically evaluate the applicability of microeconomic theory to the real world, in order to appreciate the challenges faced by economists.
- Select, justify and utilise appropriate microeconomic knowledge to provide solutions to complex economic problems.
- Utilise appropriate practices involved in today's essential and contemporary management communication challenges.
Online mid-session test
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Weeks 7,13
Weighting: 30%
Two class tests that assesses student knowledge of microeconomic concepts and their application for defined areas of the unit content will be held during the session.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain how microeconomic concepts can be applied to a variety of economic problems and issues faced by society.
- Critically evaluate the applicability of microeconomic theory to the real world, in order to appreciate the challenges faced by economists.
- Select, justify and utilise appropriate microeconomic knowledge to provide solutions to complex economic problems.
Assignment
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Weeks 5,9,13
Weighting: 30%
There will be a series of complex problems requiring appropriate solutions that rely on the knowledge and application of theories and concepts.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the applicability of microeconomic theory to the real world, in order to appreciate the challenges faced by economists.
- Select, justify and utilise appropriate microeconomic knowledge to provide solutions to complex economic problems.
- Utilise appropriate practices involved in today's essential and contemporary management communication challenges.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Online Classes
Recorded lecture material will be provided each week and will be supplemented by an interactive weekly Zoom session devoted to working collaboratively through applications of the content. These sessions will be held at a mutually agreed time.
It is recommended that students follow the unit iLearn weekly. Online participation will be monitored.
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials
Text
Perloff, J (2018), Microeconomics, 8th edition, Global edition, Pearson Education Limited.
Technology Used and Required
Unit Web Page
Material for the unit as well as up to date information concerning any aspect of the unit, including any changes to the schedule, will be available to students by logging on to the unit web page at http://ilearn.mq.edu.au.
You are advised to regularly visit the website weekly and use it as a resource centre to assist with your learning.
Teaching and Learning Strategy
This unit is designed to provide the tools which can then be applied to real world issues. There should be the opportunity to explore issues raised in the weekly material and to ask questions. As such online participation in discussions relating to the application of microeconomic concepts is essential to successfully completing this unit.
Unit Schedule
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.