Macroeconomics (ECON30009)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject is an introduction to advanced study of macroeconomics. An integrated theoretical framework – a simple life cycle model – is used to explore the central issues of macroeconomics. Major topics to be covered include: income determination and economic growth, economic fluctuations and business cycle, fiscal and monetary policy, open economy and international trade. The overall objective of this subject is to provide students with an integrated neoclassical approach to address substantive macroeconomic questions so as to improve their critical thinking and analytical skills and enhance their understanding of aggregate economic behaviour.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Understand the development of macroeconomic thought and major macroeconomic theories;
  • Use the life cycle model to explain economic growth and identify important factors that lead to income differences across countries;
  • Analyse and simulate the dynamic responses of economic aggregates following changes in productivity, population, economic policies, and so on;
  • Extend the life cycle model to include fiscal policy and money to analyse the short-run and long-run economic effects of certain fiscal and monetary policy; and
  • Use a two-country life cycle model to analyse important questions related to international trade and open economy.

Generic skills

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • High level of development: problem solving; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking.
  • Moderate level of development: oral communication; written communication; collaborative learning; statistical reasoning; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information; receptiveness to alternative ideas.
  • Some level of development: team work; use of computer software; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

All of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECON20001 Intermediate Macroeconomics
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ECON20002 Intermediate Microeconomics
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Please refer to Prerequisites and Corequisites.

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: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Group assignment 1

  • 600 words (each)
Week 58%

Mid-semester test

  • 45 minutes
Mid semester20%

Group assignment 2

  • 600 words (each)
Week 107%

End-of-semester examination

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: Successful completion of this subject requires a pass (50%) in the final exam. 		During the examination period65%

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorShu Lin Wee
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursThree hours of seminars, lectures and tutorials per week
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    Shu Lin Wee: shulin.wee@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

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: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025