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Industrial Organisation (ECON40007)
HonoursPoints: 12.5Not available in 2026
About this subject
Overview
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This subject provides an overview of selected topics in industrial organization with applications in antitrust and innovation policy. Industrial organization deals with the structure, management, and performance of firms and markets. It is concerned with firm behaviour and strategy, the implications of firm behaviour for economic efficiency, and the role public policy plays in promoting efficiency. The main emphasis will be on theoretical principles although there will be some discussion of empirical approaches. The selection of topics will be organized around key questions in antitrust and innovation policy. The discussion will be guided by practical examples and case studies.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Explain how firms acquire market power and how they use this market power once acquired;
- Analyse how competing firms interact strategically;
- Evaluate the welfare effects of various aspects of firm behaviour;
- Evaluate the welfare effects of various types of public policy, such as antitrust policy, patent policy, and regulatory policy;
- Describe the current state of knowledge in the field of industrial organization.
Generic skills
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High level of development: written communication; problem solving; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking.
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Moderate level of development: use of computer software; accessing data and other information from a range of sources; receptiveness to alternative ideas.
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Some level of development: oral communication; collaborative learning; team work; statistical reasoning; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information.
Last updated: 19 November 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into or selection of one of the following:
- BH-COM Bachelor of Commerce (Degree with Honours)
- Economics specialisation (formal) in the BH-ARTS Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours)
AND
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECON40001 | Advanced Microeconomics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECON90005 | Industrial Organisation | Not available in 2026 |
12.5 |
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: 19 November 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Class assignments totalling not more than 4000 words due fortnightly
| Throughout the teaching period | 40% |
End-of-semester examination
| During the examination period | 60% |
Last updated: 19 November 2025
Dates & times
Not available in 2026
Time commitment details
170 Hours
Last updated: 19 November 2025
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on study abroad and exchange; students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject. These requirements may be met by equivalent study completed at and approved by your home institution.
Last updated: 19 November 2025