Students
ECON8012 – Applied Topics in Microeconomics
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
Rohan Best
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(Admission to GradCertResMQBS or GradDipResMQBS or MAppEc (1 year)) or ECON6032 or ECON6049 or ECON8091
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit refers to the subdisciplines of economics that employ theoretical and/or empirical techniques to understand inherently microeconomic phenomena. The unit examines how applied researchers use their tools to investigate a variety of contemporary economic questions. It focuses primarily on: the development and understanding of the research question(s); the relationship between economic theory and the design of empirical frameworks, and the interpretation of results and the implications for theory and/or policy outcomes, as opposed to technical aspects of the econometric methods involved. The unit is nonetheless suitable for students with limited (or no) prior econometric knowledge. |
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 abilities 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.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills development: Applied critical thinking | 40% | No | Week 6 and Week 12 | Individual | No | Observed |
| Skills development: Research paper critique | 20% | No | 01/06/2026 | Individual | No | Observed |
| Professional practice: Applied microeconomic analysis | 40% | No | 05/06/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open AI |
Skills development: Applied critical thinking
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Week 6 and Week 12
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Observed
The purpose of this assessment is for you to enhance your critical and analytical thinking skills through reviewing a series of applied microeconomics research papers. You will work independently in two quizzes spaced evenly throughout the Session.
Skills in focus:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Discipline knowledge
Deliverable(s): Two quizzes
Individual assessment
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 abilities to apply microeconomic theory to real-life economic problems.
- Apply analytical skills in the synthesis and interpretation of applied research in microeconomics.
Skills development: Research paper critique
Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: 01/06/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Observed
The purpose of this assessment is for you to develop analytical skills in reviewing and critiquing academic papers and in communicating your ideas. You will need to deliver a presentation summarising and critiquing an applied research paper chosen or approved by the unit convenor.
Skills in focus:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Communication skills
- Discipline knowledge
- Global, ethical and environmental citizenship
Deliverable(s): Presentation (max 10 min)
Individual assessment
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 abilities 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.
Professional practice: Applied microeconomic analysis
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 28 hours
Due: 05/06/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI assisted?: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to develop critical thinking skills in reviewing and critiquing academic papers and in communicating your ideas. You will write a report reflecting on the body of papers you have studied in the unit and applied microeconomics more generally.
Skills in focus:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Communication skills
- Discipline knowledge
- Global, ethical and environmental citizenship
Deliverable(s): Written report [max 2000 words]
Individual assessment
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 abilities 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.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
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 Thursday for the following week's class. You should review the lecture material prior to the weekly meeting that will take place from 11am-1pm each Monday during semester weeks 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 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 2026.05 of the Handbook