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Case Studies in Microeconomic Policy (ECON90068)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2018
Overview
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This subject will emphasise the application of economic theory and empirical methods to the analysis and development of public policy. The subject will consist of modules, with each module to cover a specific policy application. A module will consist of an introduction to a policy issue, an overview of relevant theory and empirical tools, demonstrate application of those tools to address the policy issue, and options for presenting the findings. The orientation this subject will be to applications of microeconomic theory and methods. This might involve, for example, design of environmental policy using auction theory; evaluating whether there is evidence of collusive behaviour by firms in an industry using game theory and econometric methods; design of welfare and tax policies using micro-simulation modelling and other methods; and using benefit-cost analysis to evaluate the net gain to society from active labour market programs. The exact applications taught will vary over time depending on the staff teaching the subject.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Understand the Australian policy environment;
- Identify types of public policy issues where economic methods can assist with analysis and development of policy;
- Formulate a program of research for analysis and development of a public policy issue;
- Choose and apply relevant theory and empirical methods to address a public policy issue;
- Assess the limitations of available economic methods for undertaking research on public policy issues; and
- Identify alternative methods of presenting findings, and strengths and weaknesses of those methods.
Generic skills
High activity level: Application of theory to practice; Interpretation and analysis; Problem solving; Synthesis of data and other information; Evaluation of data and other information; Critical thinking.
Moderate activity level: Written communication; Oral communication; Collaborative learning; Accessing data and other information from a range of sources; Team work.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of the following subjects or equivalent:
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECON40001 | Advanced Microeconomics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ECON90063 | Advanced Microeconomics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Honours-level training in Economics.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- Project 1 (2000 word written assessment). Due end of Week 4 (33.33%)
- Project 2 (2000 word written assessment). Due end of Week 8 (33.33%)
- Project 3 (2000 word written assessment). Due end of Week 12 (33.33%)
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2018
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours per semester
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Economics - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022