Development Economics (ECON90023)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2025

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Overview

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The subject will cover development economics. The topics covered may include: economic growth theory, including models in which growth is endogenous; measurement of poverty and inequality; tests of the efficiency of labour and credit markets; consumption smoothing; micro-credit schemes; and demographic issues.

This subject studies microeconomic conditions in developing countries. It aims to go beyond a mere description of economic conditions in these parts of the world. The emphasis is on rigorous theoretical economic modelling of phenomena observed in developing countries. Substantial attention will also be paid to the testing of the theories using real world data. Students are thus expected to have some econometric knowledge.

Intended learning outcomes

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



  • Evaluate the ways in which developing countries differ from developed countries;
  • Identify how these differences affect the economic environment in which people live and the economic decisions made by households;
  • Analyse the relevance of particular theories to different environments;
  • Evaluate the results of empirical tests of the economic theories;
  • Synthesise the theoretical and empirical literature and describe the current state of knowledge in the field of development economics; and
  • Critically evaluate policy prescriptions in developmental economics.

Generic skills

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

  • Evaluation of ideas, views and evidence;
  • Synthesis of ideas, views and evidence;
  • Strategic thinking;
  • Critical thinking;
  • Application of theory to economic policy and business decision making;
  • Summary and interpretation of information;
  • Statistical reasoning;
  • Problem solving skills;
  • Written communication; and
  • Oral communication.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECON90002 Microeconomics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ECON40001 Advanced Microeconomics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECOM40006 Econometrics 3
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ECOM90013 Econometrics 3
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECON40012 Development Economics
Not available in 2025
 12.5

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

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Class assignments

  • 6000 words (total)
30%

End-of-semester examination

  • 3 hours
Hurdle requirement: Successful completion of this subject requires a pass (50%) in the final exam.		During the examination period70%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

Not available in 2025

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours per semester

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

    Prescribed texts

    You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.

  • Subject notes

    Students may not gain credit for both ECON90023 Development Economics and ECON40012 Development Economics.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster 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.

    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

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 4 March 2025