Fundamentals in Accounting (ACCT90041)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Richard Comerford: rctcome@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2
Richard Comerford: rctcome@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject focuses on the nature of accounting from the perspective of the users of financial reports. In this subject, students will learn how to analyse and interpret financial information prepared by diverse businesses, both profit and not-for-profit. A key theme in the subject is to understand the relevance of accounting information for the decisions typically made by diverse stakeholders including financial analysts, bankers and shareholders as well as the strategic and operational decisions made by managers within the different businesses. This subject is designed to meet the needs of students from all disciplines, who seek to become more informed users of accounting information but who do not intend to pursue further studies in accounting.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Describe the nature and purpose of financial statements
- Understand the conventions and concepts underlying major accounting reports that influence how they should be used
- Analyse and interpret the information contained in financial statements prepared by different types of businesses
- Analyse the relevance of accounting information for key stakeholders outside the business including financial analysts, creditors (such as bankers), and shareholders as well as managers within the different businesses
Generic skills
On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:
In respect of issues related to accounting, to:
- Think critically about financial accounting reports, tools and techniques
- Evaluate, analyse and interpret relevant accounting information
- Apply financial statement analysis theory and practice
- Utilise problem solving skills
- Articulate responses, either orally or in written form
In addition, students will have enhanced their ability to:
- Listen to others dispassionately and tolerantly
- Engage in discussion and, where appropriate defend a position
- Offer constructive criticism
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Master of Management (Accounting)
Master of Management (Accounting and Finance)
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT90004 | Accounting for Decision Making |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
or equivalent.
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
Semester 1
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Seminar preparation and contribution | Throughout the semester | 10% |
Individual Assignment Part A Two x 400-word assignments (due early in semester and in the middle of semester)
| Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Individual Assignment Part B One 400-word (equivalent) peer review on responses to the second submission of Part A.
| Throughout the teaching period | 5% |
Group assignment (normally in groups of 3-4 students), 4000 words including appendices
| Second half of the teaching period | 25% |
End-of-semester examination
| During the examination period | 50% |
Semester 2
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Seminar preparation and contribution | Throughout the semester | 10% |
Individual assignment
| Week 5 | 15% |
Group assignment (normally in groups of 3-4 students)
| Week 10 | 25% |
End-of-semester examination
| During the examination period | 50% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Richard Comerford Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x 2 hour seminar per week. Students are also expected to view a 60 minute pre-recorded lecture each week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Richard Comerford: rctcome@unimelb.edu.au
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Richard Comerford Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x 2 hour seminar per week. Students are also expected to view a 60 minute pre-recorded lecture each week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Richard Comerford: rctcome@unimelb.edu.au
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Management (Marketing) Course Master of Management Course Master of Management (Human Resources) - 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025