Students

ECON3081 – PACE: Current Issues in Economics

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
Natalia Ponomareva
natalia.ponomareva@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above including ((ECON203 or ECON2003) and (ECON204 or ECON2004))
Corequisites Corequisites
10cp from ECON units at 3000 level
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

To summarise the knowledge, tools and capabilities learnt during their economics training, students in this capstone unit complete a major research project covering a current economic issue, under the supervision of an academic research adviser. Real-world research problems are provided by an industry partner. The unit provides an opportunity for students to gain a sound understanding of how to conduct a fully-fledged research project and to contextualise their graduate capabilities. By engaging in this real-world research experience, students learn how to navigate and address complex economic challenges, while developing critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills that are highly valued in today's job market. This capstone unit empowers students to showcase their expertise, positioning them for success in their chosen career.

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: Create economic knowledge-based solutions that can be applied to problems faced by key economic decision makers.
  • ULO2: Critically analyse economic issues and make policy recommendations based on economic theories and sound statistical or econometric evidence.
  • ULO3: Effectively communicate solutions to economic problems to specialist and non-specialist audiences, in written reports and oral presentations.
  • ULO4: Work in a team to develop a major group economic research report for an Industry Partner.

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 Approach
Skills development: Industry data analysis 30% No 04/05/2026 Individual No Observed
Professional practice: Industry research project 50% No Presentation - 18 May, Report - 5 June Individual and Group No Open AI
Skills development: Research pitch planning 20% No Pitch - 23 March, Presentation - 30 March Individual and Group No Observed

Skills development: Industry data analysis

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 04/05/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

The purpose of this task is for students to develop their ability to apply their reasoning and analytical skills in relation to data. Students will analyse data sets relating to economic issues raised by the industry partner.
 
Skills in focus:
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Work readiness
  • Discipline knowledge
  • Digital skills
Deliverable(s): Written submissions to short answer questions
 
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Create economic knowledge-based solutions that can be applied to problems faced by key economic decision makers.
  • Critically analyse economic issues and make policy recommendations based on economic theories and sound statistical or econometric evidence.

Professional practice: Industry research project

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Presentation - 18 May, Report - 5 June
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open AI

The purpose of this assessment is for students to enhance their employability as an economist.
 
Students will work in teams to produce a team research project consisting of a presentation and a written report. The presentation is designed to provide opportunities for constructive feedback from peers and academic staff. Each team is required to produce a team economic research paper based on the topics presented by the industry partner at the beginning of the session.
 
Skills in focus:
  • Collaboration and communication
  • Discipline knowledge
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Work readiness
  • Digital skills
Deliverable(s): Presentation and written report [approx 1000 words] individual contribution
 
Individual and group assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Create economic knowledge-based solutions that can be applied to problems faced by key economic decision makers.
  • Critically analyse economic issues and make policy recommendations based on economic theories and sound statistical or econometric evidence.
  • Effectively communicate solutions to economic problems to specialist and non-specialist audiences, in written reports and oral presentations.
  • Work in a team to develop a major group economic research report for an Industry Partner.

Skills development: Research pitch planning

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Pitch - 23 March, Presentation - 30 March
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

The purpose of this task is to help students establish a clear sense of direction early in their project and to encourage students to develop both individual and team research goals.
 
The task consists of a submitted written plan to receive feedback, followed by a pitch presentation. The written plan is guided by a set of constructive questions that promote students to think about their project in a systematic way.
 
Skills in focus: 
  • Work readiness
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Discipline knowledge
  • Communication skills
Deliverable(s): A written report [approx 1200 words] and presentation
 
Individual and group assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Create economic knowledge-based solutions that can be applied to problems faced by key economic decision makers.
  • Critically analyse economic issues and make policy recommendations based on economic theories and sound statistical or econometric evidence.
  • Effectively communicate solutions to economic problems to specialist and non-specialist audiences, in written reports and oral presentations.
  • Work in a team to develop a major group economic research report for an Industry Partner.

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
  • Academic Success 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

Lecture time: Mondays 5-8pm

Learning and teaching strategy The learning and teaching strategy in ECON3081 recognises that students learn from contact with academic staff and their peers. It also recognises that students must take responsibility for their learning process, which includes independent study and reflection.

Lectures and consultation seminars The timetabled three-hour lectures for ECON3081 are in a mixed format, comprising of a variety of formal lectures, industry partner presentations, student presentations and consultation seminars. As ECON3081 is a participation and capstone unit, you are strongly encouraged to get engaged each and every lecture in order to gain vital hands-on experience and exposure to the ideas of peers, academic staff and the industry partner.

Required and Recommended Texts There is no set textbook for the course. Recommended reading material will be posted to the unit iLearn during the session.

Unit Schedule

Unit schedule will be  available on iLearn.

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:

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.

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:

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 2026.03 of the Handbook