Course Outline

BUS502 Principles of Economics for Accountants

Course Coordinator:Hammad Siddiqi (hsiddiqu@usc.edu.au) School:School of Business and Creative Industries

2020ATMC Semester 3

USC Sydney

USC Melbourne

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

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 a systematic overview of Economics as a foundation study in business, covering Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and International Economics. Accountants need to be aware of the economic environment in which they function and the impact this has on short and long term strategic decision making.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Lecture 2hrs Not applicable Not Yet Determined
Tutorial/Workshop 1 1hr Not applicable Not Yet Determined

What level is this course?

500 Level (Advanced)

Engaging with new discipline knowledge and skills at an advanced level or deepening existing knowledge and skills within a discipline. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

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 Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate knowledge of advanced microeconomic principles and how they apply in real world situations. Knowledgeable
Empowered
2 Demonstrate knowledge of macroeconomic principles and their usefulness in analysing economic policy debates and options. Knowledgeable
Empowered
3 Demonstrate an ability to structure an economic argument and support it with relevant theory and evidence. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered

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

Enrolled in any PGRD Program

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

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

Practice self-graded online quizzes with immediate feedback in the first couple of weeks of the semester.

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 Quiz/zes Individual 20%
Nine tests of 15 to 25 minutes each; best 5 count for 4% each
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Written Piece Individual 30%
Three responses each less than 500 words; best 2 to count 15% each
Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 50%
2 hours
Exam Period Exam Venue
All - Assessment Task 1:On-line tests
Goal:
To demonstrate knowledge of economic principles. Economics uses a range of tools and models which may be new to you and which build up as the course progresses. These tests have been designed to help you check that you have understood important new ideas step by step.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
This is an individual assessment.A weekly short test containing objectives items will be available on-line. It must be answered within a 15 to 25-minute time limit by choosing or entering the correct answer.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrated knowledge of economic principles and tools.
2
Assessment criteria are mapped to the course learning outcomes.
1 2 3
All - Assessment Task 2:Responses to media articles
Goal:
This task will allow you to apply economic theory from the course to demonstrate your understanding of economic stories as reported in the media (such as print, radio, TV, online). In this way, your confidence in understanding real world economic events will be developed.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
Submit: Weeks 4, 8 and 11. This is an individual assessment.The three articles will change in each session and will be available on Blackboard at least three weeks before the response is due. For each article, a template in which you should enter your answers will be provided.Brief answers in your own words to specific questions (totalling no more than the equivalent of 500 words per response) are required.You should type or hand-write into the spaces on the template; hand-drawn diagrams are acceptable. You are required to keep copies as a back-up and must be able to produce these should it be required.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate an ability to conduct economic analysis.
2
Demonstrated critical analysis.
3
Demonstrated data analysis.
4
Synthesis and interpretation.
5
Correct and clear argument.
6
Grammar, spelling and presentation.
All - Assessment Task 3:Final examination
Goal:
To demonstrate an understanding of both the macroeconomic and microeconomic principles developed in the course and of their application.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format:
This is an individual assessment.A centrally scheduled final examination will be held for this course during the end of semester examination period.Questions can be drawn from any part of the course.The format is closed book.Details on the final examination date will be provided later in the semester.A copy of a sample final exam paper will be available on the BUS502 site.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate knowledge of both the macroeconomic and microeconomic principles Communication

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

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

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

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    • 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
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