Students
ECON3036 – Economic Development
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lisa Magnani
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
120cp at 1000 level or above including (ECON1020 or ECON2003 or MQBS1030 or SOCI1000 or SOCI2030 or SOCI2040)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides an understanding of the theory and practice of development economics, and takes an in-depth analysis of the different explanations and ways to foster economic development. The unit focuses on understanding economic developments, labour markets in low and middle-income countries, the global mode of production and understanding the role of institutions in a country’s development path. The unit builds students’ skills in evaluating the effectiveness of these and other existing policy measures. |
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: Identify and describe theories of economic development.
- ULO2: Analyse and explain individually and as a group how economic agents, including the poor, make economic decisions and the consequences of those decisions.
- ULO3: Critically evaluate theory and evidence-based policy designed to improve the well-being of the poor.
General Assessment Information
Late Submission Penalties
If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days. Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.
Example 1 (out of 100):
If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.
Example 2 (out of 30):
If you score 27/30 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
Extensions
Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.
Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration. Need help? Review the Special Consideration page for further details.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI assisted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formal examination: Test | 40% | No | University Exam Period | Individual | No | Observed |
| Professional practice : Development strategy review | 30% | No | Week 6, Tuesday March 31st, during class time | Individual | No | Observed |
| Skills development: Policy evaluation | 30% | No | Presentations in W7-W11, submissions on 24/05/2026, 11.55pm. | Individual and Group | No | Open AI |
Formal examination: Test
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: University Exam Period
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Observed
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate the expertise you have gained in Economic Development. Using your knowledge, critical thinking, analytical tools and understanding of economic development issues you will have opportunities to demonstrate your ability to build arguments concerning complex economic and social problems related to economic development.
Skills in focus:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Communication skills
- Discipline knowledge
Deliverable(s): Written report to be written within a 2-hour time frame
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse and explain individually and as a group how economic agents, including the poor, make economic decisions and the consequences of those decisions.
- Critically evaluate theory and evidence-based policy designed to improve the well-being of the poor.
Professional practice : Development strategy review
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 6, Tuesday March 31st, during class time
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Observed
The purpose of this task is for you to critically reflect and respond in real time on how a country’s development strategy supports the achievement of specific UN SDGs.
Students will be given a government report on a country’s development strategies and its achievements with respect to UN-SDGs prior to this task. Students will be asked specific questions and will have the opportunity to reflect and report on their discovery in real-time.
Skill in focus:
- Work readiness
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Communication skills
- Global, ethical and environmental citizenship
- Discipline knowledge
Deliverable(s): Real-time strategy response
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and describe theories of economic development.
- Analyse and explain individually and as a group how economic agents, including the poor, make economic decisions and the consequences of those decisions.
Skills development: Policy evaluation
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Presentations in W7-W11, submissions on 24/05/2026, 11.55pm.
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is to refine your ability to reflect and critically assess policy initiatives applied to economic development issues. This group work will result in the submission of a report comprising PowerPoint slides. To apply and finesse communication skills and receive feedback before the submission of their group reports, Students will participate in group presentations.
This assessment task allows you to work in groups to deepen your understanding of theoretical concepts, apply them to concrete scenarios and evaluate policy options using evidence-based arguments.
Skill in focus:
- Work readiness
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Collaboration and communication
Deliverable(s): Presentation and Powerpoint slides (max 14 slides, 16-point font size)
Individual and group assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse and explain individually and as a group how economic agents, including the poor, make economic decisions and the consequences of those decisions.
- Critically evaluate theory and evidence-based policy designed to improve the well-being of the poor.
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.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
This unit is delivered through 2-hour lectures (1 hour recorded lecture and 1 hour in person) and 1 hour tutorials. We will meet every week for two hours (1 hour in person lecture and 1 hour tutorial).
Students will benefit from engaging with the 1 hour recorded lectures before coming to class. so they can participate in the in person weekly meetings. The face-to-face meetings will provide opportunities to interact with other students, discuss key weekly topics and review the weekly materials.
Apart from reviewing the key concepts, theories and issues discussed the recorded lecture and slides, in class we will have opportunities to learn together through group work and class discussion. Because of the centrality of in-class discussion and participation, attendance of at least 80% of all meetings (lectures and tutorials) is highly recommended.
Resources Students will use in this unit comprise journal articles and book chapters about the weekly topics. The unit does not require a textbook, but references to useful textbooks for specific topics will be provided to assist Students' learning.
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 connect.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/
Academic Success
Academic Success 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 the Service Connect Portal, 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 2026.04 of the Handbook