CQUniversity Unit Profile
ECON11026 Principles of Economics
Principles of Economics
All details in this unit profile for ECON11026 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit introduces basic principles of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and the methods of economic analysis . You will examine the demand-supply model, market equilibrium, elasticity, and how the prices of goods and services, and the cost and revenue curves are determined. You will compare the key market structures: perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and oligopoly and examine why government intervention is necessary in order to correct market failure and achieve allocative and productive efficiency. You will be introduced to the key macroeconomic indicators and their role in managing the economy. You will be given the opportunity to explore the dynamics of macroeconomic policies, and their effectiveness in achieving national economic objectives and dynamic efficiency to achieve long term economic growth.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2022

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from In Class

Feedback

Spend more time on explaining graphs during lecture and review the understanding during tutorial.

Recommendation

Students find graphs difficult to interpret. Therefore considerable amount of time in relevant parts of the lectures and tutorials will be spent on graphical interpretations.

Feedback from Student Evaluation Survey

Feedback

Assessment and resources have been well structured and greatly benefit a student's ability to comprehend what is asked of each task.

Recommendation

Structured Moodle resources and assessment with clear assignment criteria will be provided.

Feedback from Student Evaluation Survey

Feedback

The zoom tutorials were engaging and informative and greatly assisted in my learning and development in this unit.

Recommendation

To discuss real-world examples applying the theory, engaging zoom tutorials and breakout sessions for students interactions in zoom teams were provided.

Feedback from Self Reflection

Feedback

This unit has large number of AF & WF which is of concern to the Unit Coordinator.

Recommendation

This unit underwent a 'Full Review' in the 2nd Term 2021 by the HOC, due to high AF & WF rates. Suggestions were taken on board by the UC to revise the weekly content coverage and assessment task weighting for 2022. Following the unit review process, unit change proposal has been submitted in December 2021.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe and illustrate basic economic principles as they relate to consumer and business decisions.
  2. Describe the firm's production decisions in a range of market structures.
  3. Demonstrate how government intervention may be beneficial in cases of market failure in order to achieve more desirable outcomes for the economy and the society.
  4. Explain macroeconomic goals and assess various macroeconomic policies to stabilise the economy.

This Core Unit  meets the  Bachelor of Business (Accounting) professional  outcomes and standards as required by the external  accrediting bodies. 

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Online Test - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Essentials of Economics

5th Edition (2022)
Authors: Hubbard, G.R., Garnett, A. M., Lewis, P., & O’Brien, A.
Pearson Education, Australia
Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: ISBN ISBN 9780655702870
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

e-Book of the prescribed textbook (not-interactive)  is also available for half the price of paperback from the CQU - Bookshop or Pearson Direct : https://www.pearson.com.au/9781488620225

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Anita Medhekar Unit Coordinator
a.medhekar@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 11 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Economics: Foundations, Models and Trade-Offs 

Chapter

Hubbard et al. (2022) Chaperts 1 & 2 


Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Market Demand, Supply and Elasticity

Chapter

Hubbard et al. (2022) Chapters 3 & 4 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Technology, Production and Costs

Chapter

Hubbard et al. (2022) Chapter 6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 01 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Market Structures and Competition

Chapter

Hubbard et al. (2022) Chapter 7 

Selected sections of Chapters 8 & 9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 08 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Market Failure and The Role of Government

Chapter

Hubbard et al. (2022) Chapter 11 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Quizzes Due: Week 5 Friday (12 Aug 2022) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 15 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Mid -Term  Break

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Mid -Term Break Aug 13 to Aug 21

Week 6 Begin Date: 22 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Introduction to Macroeconomics and GDP

Chapter

Hubbard et al. (2022) Chapter 13

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 29 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Unemployment and Inflation

Chapter

Hubbard et al. (2022) Chapters 14 and 15

Selected sections of Ch. 15 Aggregate Demand and Agreegate Supply

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 05 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Monetary Policy

Chapter

Hubbard et al. (2022) Chapters 16 and 17 

Selected sectons of Ch.16. Money, Bank & RBA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Short-Answer Response Due: Week 8 Monday (5 Sept 2022) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 12 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Fiscal Policy

Chapter

Hubbard et al. (2022) Chapter 18 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 19 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

International Trade and Globalisation

Chapter

Hubbard et al. (2022) Chapter 19

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 26 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

International Finance and Exchange Rates

Chapter

Hubbard et al. (2022) Chapter 20 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Revision  for Invigilated Online Test

Check Online Test  Timetable for Day and Time

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Exam Week


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Exam  Week

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quizzes

Task Description

Total Marks = 20

Number of Quizzes = 4 Quiz Tests (5 marks each = 20 marks)

Students must attempt all four (4) quizzes online (Moodle). These quizzes cover the topics from the first three weeks of study (Chapters 1 - 4 & 6 of the prescribed text).

The quizzes comprise multiple-choice questions and students are expected to complete these graded quizzes weekly in a progressive manner and not in one go.


Number of Quizzes

4


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Friday (12 Aug 2022) 11:45 pm AEST

All 4 Quiz Tests Due on Friday of Week 5


Return Date to Students

Feedback is provided after the completion of the quiz.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

No Assessment Criteria


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe and illustrate basic economic principles as they relate to consumer and business decisions.
  • Describe the firm's production decisions in a range of market structures.

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Short-Answer Response

Task Description

Assessment Type: Written Short Answer Response

Assessment 2 takes a short-answer format and requires responding to four questions focusing on the topics covered in Weeks 4-6 (Chapters 7, 8, 9 & 11 of the prescribed text).

The task involves theoretical questions, graphs, calculations, real-life applications of market structures, externalities, and the role of government.

It is recommended that students work on the questions progressively rather than attempt to complete them in one go.

It is important that you familiarise yourself with the University Plagiarism Policy https://www.cqu.edu.au/student-life/services-and-facilities/referencing/what-is-plagiarism

Penalties apply for plagiarism including own plagiarism.

Penalties (5% of the Assessment marks per day) also apply for late submissions without an approved extension. Re-attempt option

This assessment allows for a resubmitted attempt in certain circumstances.

If you have achieved between 40–49% of the total marks for this assessment item, you may request the Unit Coordinator for this unit to allow you to make a resubmission.

You must make this request in writing via email within three calendar days of receiving your marks and feedback for this assessment.

The Unit Coordinator has the sole discretion for allowing a re-submission attempt. If the Unit Coordinator allows a resubmission attempt, the decision will be conveyed to you in writing via email to your student email address.

The notice will include instructions for you on:

· What has to be done by you?

· When and how you must resubmit? (no more than seven calendar days from the decision being emailed to you will be allowed).

Your resubmission will result in no more than 50% of the allowed marks for this assessment item being awarded in total. That is, if you are allowed a resubmission, you can achieve no more than 50% for this assessment item, regardless of how well you perform in your resubmission.

Please Note: No extensions will be allowed for your resubmission.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (5 Sept 2022) 11:45 pm AEST

Week 8 Monday 5-September-2022


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Monday (19 Sept 2022)

Monday of Week 10


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria include:

  • Clarity of explanations
  • Clarity of presentation
  • Application of economic theory (definitions, assumptions, and relevant graphs)
  • Analysis of the real-life scenario or policy
  • Evidence of research and referencing

More details of Assignment 2 task and questions will be available on the Unit Moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe and illustrate basic economic principles as they relate to consumer and business decisions.
  • Describe the firm's production decisions in a range of market structures.
  • Demonstrate how government intervention may be beneficial in cases of market failure in order to achieve more desirable outcomes for the economy and the society.

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Online Test

Task Description

Final Assessment: OnlineTest  

Assessment three is an invigilated OnlineTest, which will cover the macroeconomic section of the unit.

It requires you to demonstrate both theoretical and applied knowledge relating to the macroeconomy.

It is important that you familiarise yourself with the University Plagiarism Policy. https://www.cqu.edu.au/student-life/services-and-facilities/referencing/what-is-plagiarism

Penalties apply for plagiarism including own plagiarism.

Please check Online-Test Timetable, as the Online-Test will be held during the exam week.


Assessment Due Date

Check Online Test Timetable


Return Date to Students

Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
Minimum mark or grade 15/50 (30% of the total marks)

Assessment Criteria



Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Invigilated Online Test (face-to-face invigilation or online invigilation)

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe and illustrate basic economic principles as they relate to consumer and business decisions.
  • Explain macroeconomic goals and assess various macroeconomic policies to stabilise the economy.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?