Economic Analysis and Policy (ECON90075)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject focuses on the application of economics to the analysis of policy issues facing governments in Australia and overseas. The subject begins with a general introduction on the application of principles of microeconomics for guiding the formulation of policy options and their interpretation. It then explores in detail specific topics drawn from health economics, microeconomic reform, income distribution, poverty or other relevant policy areas. For each specific topic the subject presents and evaluates results in the literature and analyses future policy options and their effects.

Intended learning outcomes

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




 

  • Explain the key microeconomic principles in relation to informing the design of public policy;
  • Understand how the use of data and econometric analysis can help to inform policy issues;
  • Critically evaluate contemporary policy debates with reference to economic principles as applied to health care, labour markets, education and the environment.
  • Evaluate the measurement of social welfare, inequality and poverty.

Generic skills

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

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECON90045 Microeconomics 2
Not available in 2025
 12.5

OR

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

OR

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

OR

equivalent subject to ECON20002

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECON30013 Economic Analysis and Policy
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 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

Weekly online quiz

  • 500 words (equivalent)
From Week 2 to Week 1110%

Team Project (groups of 2 students): Part 1 (1000 words; equivalent to 500 words per student)

  • 1000 words
Week 55%

Team Project (groups of 2 students): Part 2 (1000 words; equivalent to 500 words per student)

  • 1000 words (equivalent)
Week 710%

Team Project (groups of 2 students): Part 3 (2500 words; equivalent to 1250 words per student)

  • 2500 words (equivalent)
Week 1125%

End-of-semester examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period50%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorJeff Borland
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Jeff Borland: jib@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: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    A number of readings will be assigned.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster of Applied Econometrics
  • 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