Units
Economics 1
Unit code: QCF121
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit introduces students to major economic issues; the basics of economic literacy necessary for future tertiary studies; a working knowledge of the global economy; an understanding of economic problems with particular reference to Australia; the main economic systems; the purpose of a five-sector model and the functions and characteristics of each sector.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 13TP1 | Yes |
| 2013 13TP2 | Yes |
| 2013 13TP3 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - 13 Week Teaching Period - 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit is designed to develop the critical thinking and analytical skills that international students will need in a university environment through a study of introductory micro economics. In this unit students will be required to recall basic economic concepts, interpret economic data, respond to economic problems and use economic reasoning to examine policy options and responses.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to enable students to demonstrate proficiency in the critical thinking and analytical skills that are required to interpret and solve economic problems. In addition, the unit is designed to develop an economic understanding and an introductory knowledge of the theory/terms of economics.
Objectives
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
- demonstrate a basic knowledge of introductory micro-economic theories. (FGC2)
- solve and interpret simple economic calculations. (FGC3)
- analyse and discuss, at a basic level, current economic problems and issues. (FGC4)
- work independently and collaboratively to research economic problems and issues.(FGC1 and FGC5)
Key: Foundation Graduate Capabilities
FGC 1: Effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
FGC 2: Knowledge pertinent to a range of subject areas
FGC 3: Skills appropriate to a range of subject areas at the level of entry to the degree
FGC 4: Critical, creative and analytical thinking and effective problem solving for academic and real world contexts
FGC 5: The ability to work independently and collaboratively
FGC 6: Social and ethical responsibility
Content
Major topics to be covered in this unit are:
Refer to the Week 1 Document on the Blackboard site for further details.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
There are four hours of class contact per week. A variety of stimulus materials will be utilised including the set text, newspaper and journal articles, online learning and audiovisual materials.
Late Assignment Policy
Students will be penalised for late submission of assignments. Refer to the Foundation Course Guide for details.
Review of Grades or Academic Rulings
For rules on how to apply for a review of grade, refer to the Foundation Course Guide.
Consultation
Consultation will be available from Week 2. Times will be advised in class and will also be displayed in a schedule at Reception.
Exam Timetable
The exam timetable will be displayed on the Noticeboard on Level 3 by Week 11.
Assessment
Relationship to Course Criteria
This unit relates to knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving, and communication in the Foundation Course criteria.
Within this criteria, the following unit criteria will be assessed:
1. Recall of economic concepts.
2. Research skills.
3. Interpretation of economic data.
4. Oral and written responses to economic problems and issues.
5. Communication.
Types of Assessment
In this unit students will be assessed through formative and summative assessment.
Formative assessment items are used to provide feedback to assist with students progress and do not count towards final marks. This assessment could be done in class or handed in for correction and feedback. Refer to the Week 1 Document for information on formative assessment.
Summative assessment counts towards the final grade for this subject.
The final grade will be based on the summative assessment items completed throughout the semester.
This unit will require students to submit their assessment items through SafeAssign.
Please refer to the Week 1 document for this unit.
Assessment name:
Mid-Semester Exam
Description:
Summative
Relates to objectives:
1,2.
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 6
Assessment name:
Current Issues Journal
Description:
Summative
Relates to objectives:
1,2,3 and 4.
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group
Due date:
Weeks 11 & 12
Assessment name:
Final Exam
Description:
Summative
Relates to objectives:
1,2,3.
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 14
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Texts
- Fraser, I., Gionea, J. & Fraser, S. (2011). Economics for Business, North Ryde, NSW: McGraw-Hill Australia.
Please refer to the Blackboard site for further readings and links.Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 14-Mar-2013
