Course Outline

BUS203 Business Law

Course Coordinator:Craig Cameron (ccameron1@usc.edu.au) School:School of Business and Creative Industries

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course aims to provide you with an elementary understanding of the current legal frameworks that apply to business and the underpinning ethics. You will examine the origins of our legal system, sources of law in Australia and Native Title. You will learn how to identify and interpret legal frameworks applicable to business, including contract law, negligence, consumer and employment law. This will give you broad legal knowledge and skills to manage business threats and opportunities.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled face to face workshops. 2hrs Week 2 10 times
Online
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled online workshops (Recorded). 2hrs Week 2 10 times

Course Topics

  • Course Introduction and History of Australian Law
  • The Australian Legal System and Finding Legal Information
  • Business organisations 
  • Contract Law
  • Australian Consumer Law
  • Civil Liability (negligence, workplace health and safety)
  • Employment Law 
  • Ethics
  • Privacy Law 
  • Property Law and Native Title
  • Dispute Resolution

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
1 Interpret business legal frameworks and the sources of law. Knowledgeable
PC6.2
2 Apply critical thinking and reasoning to apply legal frameworks in business operations. Creative and critical thinker
PC3, PC3.1, PC6.2
3 Identify potential legal issues and plan actions for legal challenges in business settings. Engaged
PC3.1, PC6.1, PC6.2
4 Communicate legal issues to the legal profession and stakeholders in business settings Engaged
PC1, PC1.1, PC1.2, PC1.3, PC6

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
PC1 Communication
PC1.1 Written Communication
PC1.2 Oral Communication
PC1.3 Digital Literacy
PC3 Creative and Critical Thinking
PC3.1 Problem Solving
PC6 Career-ready
PC6.1 Self-management
PC6.2 Discipline Knowledge

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

BUS103 or LAW101 or LAW102 or LAW201 or LAW202 or LAW203 or LAW204

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

With workshops being two hours duration there will be individual and group tasks to be carried out during the class time which will provide early feedback to students. Additionally, the students will be encouraged to assess each other’s work and discuss areas of improvement.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Oral Individual 25%
10 minutes.
Week 6 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Report Individual 25%
1200 words
Week 11 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 50%
3 hours.
Exam Period Online Submission
All - Assessment Task 1:Legal frameworks for small business training video
Goal:
To demonstrate knowledge of legal frameworks relevant to business by creating a training video.
Product: Oral
Format:
You will create and submit a video. Further information is available on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Identification and critical analysis of pertinent legal issues in a business context.
1 2 3
2
Clarity, logic and flow of arguments presented.
4
3
Depth and breadth of content.
1 4
4
Communication using digital tools/channels.
4
5
Use of effective time management.
4
6
Use of appropriate supporting materials (visual aids, explanations, examples, statistics, analogies, quotations).
4
All - Assessment Task 2:Risk management report
Goal:
To demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical issues (or risks) in a business by providing a risk management report
Product: Report
Format:
A risk management report. Further information is available on Canvas. This task is being used for measuring assurance of learning towards Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. The following Program Learning Objective will be assessed: Program Learning Objective 3.1 - Demonstrate critical and creative thinking to identify and solve business problems and arrive at innovative solutions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Identification and critical analysis of pertinent legal issues in a business context.
1 2
2
Demonstrate critical thinking to develop and evaluate appropriate legal and business solutions to business problems.
1 2 3
3
Knowledge of relevant law and principles associated with corporate social responsibility and ethical conduct in a business context.
1 2 3
4
Accuracy and presentation of written work including English expression, accurate referencing, discipline-based vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
4
5
Critical analysis of research and secondary legal materials in the field
4
All - Assessment Task 3:Final Examination
Goal:
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key business law concepts and principles as they apply in business contexts in an examination setting.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format:
This assessment task is an online, open-book and invigilated exam. You will need to take the exam on Canvas at a specific time and date scheduled by the University, while also attending a live Zoom session and sharing your screen for invigilation purposes.​ You will need a working computer device, a stable internet connection and a webcam. In the Zoom session, an invigilator will verify your identity and supervise your computer screen and webcam feed throughout the duration of the exam.​ In special circumstances (for example if you do not have access to a computer or a reliable internet connection), you will be able to request an exam seat in one of UniSC computer labs to take the exam on Canvas and in the presence of an invigilator in a computer lab. More details about this exam will be provided on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Identification of legal issues in a business scenario.
1 4
2
Identification and description of the relevant law to resolve the legal issues in a business scenario.
1 4
3
Development and articulation of informed arguments which apply the relevant law to the facts of a business scenario to resolve the legal issues.
1 2 3 4
4
Development and articulation of a conclusion which summarises the answer to the legal issues identified in the business scenario.
1 2

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Nickolas James and Timothy Thomas 2023 Business Law (E-Text) 6th Wiley
Recommended Nickolas James and Timothy Thomas 2023 Business Law (Print + E-Text) 6th Wiley

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au