Students
ECON8012 – Applied Microeconomic Topics
2021 – Session 1, Special circumstances
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online 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
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Jordi McKenzie
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ECON632 or ECON6032 or ECON6049 or ECON6050
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides an introduction to modern applied microeconomics. The unit reviews some of the most important and interesting models of microeconomic theory and considers their application to the real world. This is achieved by careful analysis of a selection of recent scholarly publications using modern techniques employed by applied researchers. The primary objective of the unit is to connect a number of the foundation theories taught in microeconomics with sound empirical approaches. After completion of the unit, students will have the ability to both perform and evaluate applications of economic theory to a range of business, policy and regulatory situations. |
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: Evaluate how a knowledge and understanding of theories and applications of microeconomics are utilised by academic scholars.
- ULO2: Use critical thinking and problem solving ability to apply microeconomic theory to real life economic problems.
- ULO3: Apply analytical skills in the synthesis and interpretation of applied research in microeconomics.
- ULO4: Communicate a knowledge of microeconomic theories and their applications to both academic and non-academic audiences, to a professional standard of written work and presentation skills.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class tests online | 50% | No | Week 5 and Week 10 |
| Class participation | 10% | No | Continuous |
| Online video presentation | 10% | No | Week 12 |
| Final Report | 30% | No | Friday, 4 June |
Class tests online
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Week 5 and Week 10
Weighting: 50%
There will be two 120 minute online class tests, in weeks 5 and 10. The first test will cover the papers studied in weeks 1-4; the second test will cover the papers studied in weeks 6-9. Each class test is worth 25% of the final grade in this unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate how a knowledge and understanding of theories and applications of microeconomics are utilised by academic scholars.
- Use critical thinking and problem solving ability to apply microeconomic theory to real life economic problems.
- Apply analytical skills in the synthesis and interpretation of applied research in microeconomics.
Class participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Continuous
Weighting: 10%
After each paper has been presented by the lecturer, the class will be divided into groups to discuss questions dealing with key aspects of the paper. This is an extremely important part of the learning process in this unit. Students will have opportunities to demonstrate participation in both small and large group discussions. To be eligible to receive full marks for this assessment, students must demonstrate active participation in at least six of the eight weeks. Students will also be expected to participate in the assessment of other students' presentations in weeks 12 and 13.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate how a knowledge and understanding of theories and applications of microeconomics are utilised by academic scholars.
Online video presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 10%
Students will be required to submit a 10 minute video presentation in week 12. Presentations will summarise and critique an applied research paper from an academic journal that has been approved as suitable by the Unit Convenor (this will be the same paper as discussed in the Final Report). Students should have selected and had the paper approved by the end of Week 7.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate how a knowledge and understanding of theories and applications of microeconomics are utilised by academic scholars.
- Use critical thinking and problem solving ability to apply microeconomic theory to real life economic problems.
- Apply analytical skills in the synthesis and interpretation of applied research in microeconomics.
- Communicate a knowledge of microeconomic theories and their applications to both academic and non-academic audiences, to a professional standard of written work and presentation skills.
Final Report
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Friday, 4 June
Weighting: 30%
The report will summarise and critique an applied research paper from an academic journal that has been approved as suitable by the Unit Convenor. The report will be no more than 2,000 words and will be submitted electronically via Turnitin. Students should have selected and had the research paper approved by the end of Week 7.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate how a knowledge and understanding of theories and applications of microeconomics are utilised by academic scholars.
- Use critical thinking and problem solving ability to apply microeconomic theory to real life economic problems.
- Apply analytical skills in the synthesis and interpretation of applied research in microeconomics.
- Communicate a knowledge of microeconomic theories and their applications to both academic and non-academic audiences, to a professional standard of written work and presentation skills.
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
Each week one or two academic papers will be presented and discussed. All papers are available on iLearn via Leganto. You should read the assigned paper(s) before each class. Lecture recordings and presentation slides will be available on iLearn by 5pm each Friday for the following week's class. You should review the lecture material prior to the weekly Zoom meeting that will take place from 6-8pm each Tuesday where the discussion will focus on the set of review questions outlined in the lecture slides..
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). 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
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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.
Unit information based on version 2021.04 of the Handbook