Students
ECON7012 – Applied Topics in Microeconomics
2023 – Session 1, Online-scheduled-weekday
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Jordi McKenzie
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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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 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.
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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 an academic standard of written work.
General Assessment Information
Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written assessments)
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55 pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.
For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class tests | 45% | No | Weeks 4, 8, 12 |
| Final Report | 20% | No | Week 13 |
| Class participation | 10% | No | Continuous |
| Final assessment | 15% | No | Week 13 |
| Presentation | 10% | No | Week 13 |
Class tests
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Weeks 4, 8, 12
Weighting: 45%
There will be three 60-minute class tests, in weeks 4, 8 and 12. The first test will cover the papers studied in weeks 1-3; the second test will cover the papers studied in weeks 5-7; and the third test will cover papers studied in weeks 9-11. Each class test is worth 15% 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.
Final Report
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 20%
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 2,500 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 an academic standard of written work.
Class participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Continuous
Weighting: 10%
Each week during the live lecture, the class will be divided into groups to discuss questions dealing with key aspects of the paper(s) presented that week. 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 class participation, students must demonstrate active participation in at least seven of the nine weeks where live lectures are held. Students will also be expected to participate in the assessment of other students' presentations in week 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.
Final assessment
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 13 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 15%
The assignment will require students to take a wholistic view of applied micro with respect to all the papers covered in the unit. The assignment will be no more than 1,500 words and will be submitted electronically via Turnitin. It is due at the end of week 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.
- 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 an academic standard of written work.
Presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 10%
Students will be required to submit a 10-minute presentation in week 13. 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 an academic standard of written work.
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
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution 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
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.
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 2023.03 of the Handbook