Course Outline

BUS503 Principles of Commercial Law

Course Coordinator:Jay Sanderson (jsander4@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

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 foundation for the study of commercial legal principles and issues for accountants. Topics are examined from both legal and ethical perspectives. The course includes examination of the origins of our legal system, native title and sources of law in Australia and internationally. Also examined are foundational principles relevant to the law of contract and negligence. Further specific areas of business law are highlighted, including consumer law and the law of business organisations.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency

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 Research and apply principles of business law and ethics. Knowledgeable
Ethical
2 Analyse legal and ethical issues and apply knowledge and reasoning to generate appropriate responses. 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

MBA709 or EMB759

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

An opportunity will be provided to attempt an online practice quiz in week 4. This quiz will examine key legal concepts introduced and needed to scaffold learning of later substantive areas, including contract law, consumer law and negligence. This online quiz will not be assessed but will assist you in gauging your comprehension of the material and assist in preparation for the first assessment item, an online quiz (10%), in week 5. 

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 10%
30 minutes
Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Written Piece Individual or Group 40%
Up to 2500 words
Week 8 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 50%
2 hours plus reading time
Exam Period Exam Venue
All - Assessment Task 1:Online quiz
Goal:
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key business law and ethical concepts and principles and obtain early feedback.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Choose the best answer from a pool of answers. Answer in the format indicated by the instructions on Blackboard. It may consist of multiple choice questions or short answer questions or a combination of both.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate introductory knowledge of principles of business law and ethics.
2
Assessment criteria are mapped to the course learning outcomes.
1 2
All - Assessment Task 2:Problem-solving assignment
Goal:
In this task, you will provide advice on legal and ethical issues, rights and remedies arising from a factual scenario.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
You will advise on legal and ethical issues arising from a given factual scenario, citing legal authorities such as cases and legislation and demonstrating legal research skills. Up to 2500 words completed individually or in small groups.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate knowledge of current legal principles relevant to a critical analysis of the problem scenario.
2
Demonstrate creative problem-solving by applying relevant legal principles through a synthesis of law and facts.
3
Demonstrate professional research and communication skills by interpreting and transmitting knowledge of legal principles and skills in problem-solving.
All - Assessment Task 3:Final examination
Goal:
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key business law concepts and principles as they apply to a variety of business issues.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format:
This is a 2-hour open book exam, in which you can take your notes and any other materials including texts that you choose. The questions may consist of multiple choice or short answer questions or a combination.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate knowledge of current legal principles relevant to a critical analysis of the problem scenario.
2
Demonstrate creative problem-solving by applying relevant legal principles through a synthesis of law and facts.
3
Demonstrate professional research and communication skills by interpreting and transmitting knowledge of legal principles and skills in problem-solving.

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
Required Gibson, A 2018 Business Law Pearson: e-text.

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