100-level

ECON104
Introduction to Microeconomics
Description
Scarcity, exchange and trade. Market analysis and policy. Consumer choice theory. Theory of the firm. Imperfect competition. Externalities and public goods.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Restrictions
ECON199
ECON105
Introduction to Macroeconomics
Description
This course introduces students to the macro economy and how it evolved to where it is today. We examine economic variables and how rises and falls in these variables affect people and businesses. We investigate how government policies, decisions by households and firms, and changes in the world economy affect inflation, exchange rates, interest rates, unemployment, growth, poverty and inequality and other economic outcomes we care about.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
ECON199
Introduction to Microeconomics
Description
Scarcity, exchange and trade. Market analysis and policy. Consumer choice theory. Theory of the firm. Imperfect competition. Externalities and public goods. (ECON199 is offered under the STAR programme for secondary school students. Secondary School students only may enrol in this course.)
Occurrences
General non-calendar-based 2024 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
Restrictions
ECON104

200-level

ECON206
Intermediate Macroeconomics
Description
ECON 206 provides an understanding of fluctuations of aggregate activity, the growth of a country’s standard of living, and how government choices affect these things. We study how people's and firms' decisions about consumption, saving, and investment affect their welfare and wealth, a country’s exports and capital flows, and the values of interest and exchange rates. We look at the role of money, inflation, credit, and the financial system in the economy. We use the aggregate demand and supply model to understand why the economy fluctuates and what it means for people's employment and income. Then we see if the government can stop or mitigate the effects of the fluctuations. Finally, we look at how we can improve our standard of living through economic growth.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
ECON104 and ECON105
ECON207
Intermediate Microeconomics - Households and Government
Description
ECON 207 is one of two intermediate microeconomics courses which build on the concepts learned in ECON 104. Concepts will be taught with a graphical and/or simple algebraic approach. Most of the first term is spent using the consumer behaviour model to explain optimal consumer decision making with different types of goods. Consumer decision making under risk and uncertainty is also examined. Term two is spent examining what happens when people and businesses are imperfectly informed about their transactions, or about each other. Externalities and public goods are also investigated.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
ECON104
ECON208
Intermediate Microeconomics - Firms and Markets
Description
ECON208 is one of two intermediate microeconomics courses which build on the concepts learned in ECON104. The initial topic is analysing the decision making of perfectly competitive businesses. Specifically, how production processes and the price of inputs influence the output decisions of businesses. All other topics look at what happens when perfect competition fails to hold. The focus is on people and businesses acting strategically and what happens when businesses exploit market power.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
ECON104
ECON213
Introduction to Econometrics
Description
This course teaches basic skills in econometrics, which is the statistical analysis of economic data. You will learn how to (i) develop a regression model, (ii) estimate it, and (iii) interpret it. General topics that we will cover include OLS regression, prediction, dummy variables, model specification, model selection, robust standard errors, time series forecasting, endogeneity, and qualitative choice models (logit and probit). Two thirds of the course utilizes the statistical software package Eviews and emphasizes application. The remainder teaches the mathematics behind the estimation procedures.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) ECON104 or ECON105; and (2) 15 points from STAT. RP: MATH101 or Year 13 Math with Calculus.
Restrictions
ECON214
ECON214
Data Analytics for Business Economics
Description
This course teaches basic skills in econometrics, which is the statistical analysis of economic data. You will learn how to (i) develop a regression model, (ii) estimate it, and (iii) interpret it. General topics that we will cover include OLS regression, prediction, dummy variables, model specification, model selection, robust standard errors, time series forecasting, endogeneity, and qualitative choice models (logit and probit). Two thirds of the course utilizes the statistical software package Eviews and emphasizes application. The remainder teaches EXCEL skills.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) ECON104 or ECON105; and (2) 15 points from STAT
Restrictions
ECON213
ECON222
International Trade
Description
Microeconomic analysis of international trade, trade policy, the welfare implications of trade and trade policy. The political economy of trade liberalisation.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
ECON104
ECON223
Introduction to Game Theory for Business, Science and Politics
Description
ECON223 is an introduction to game theory. Game theory itself is the science that studies strategic interaction, the interplay of competition and cooperation between rational, intelligent people. This course is introductory and non-mathematical, emphasizing a small number of key strategic ideas and principles that you will learn through hands-on, interactive playing and analyzing simple stylized examples. The course is multidisciplinary, with examples drawn from social behavior in economics, business, politics, management, history, sociology, psychology, and biology. Completion of first year university in any field is the only prerequisite.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2023
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 60 points
ECON225
Environmental Economics
Description
Economic theory and tools will be applied to the study of the environment and policy. In particular this course will examine how economists look for least cost ways of achieving environmental objectives even if those objectives are not set according to cost benefit analysis. This course will examine how market, incentive based regulatory mechanisms affect environmental outcomes and how the economy and the environment interact.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
ECON104

300-level

ECON321
Microeconomic Analysis
Description
This course follows on from the Intermediate Microeconomics sequence taught at stage 2. The primary focus is on applying fundamental mathematical tools and techniques for modelling standard microeconomics problems involving consumers, producers and markets. Techniques in both algebra and calculus will be used. The main objective is to show students how a selection of standard microeconomics problems can be modelled in terms of constrained optimisation, solving those problems, and above all, analysing the solutions.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) ECON207; and (2) MATH102 or MATH199; and (3) 15 points from STAT RP: ECON208
ECON323
Time Series Methods
Description
Analysis of sequentially collected data including data modelling and forecasting techniques.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) ECON213; and (2) ECON207; and (3) MATH102
Restrictions
FINC323, STAT317
ECON324
Econometrics
Description
This course teaches advanced skills in practical econometrics. Coverage will include the following topics: OLS, FGLS, robust standard errors, panel data, Stata programming, Monte Carlo experiments, time series, nonstationarity, and error correction models. While the course will present some theory, the emphasis in this class is on doing. A distinctive feature is that we will illustrate key concepts using computer simulations so that students can "see" the practical consequences of the issues they are studying.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) ECON213 or STAT202; and (2) MATH102 or MATH199
ECON325
Advanced Macroeconomics
Description
ECON325 studies the economy as a whole to understand the two main areas of macroeconomics: long-run growth in the standard of living and the general level of prices, and short-run fluctuations in employment and output. The course gives particular attention to the mathematical techniques that economists use to study these areas and the microeconomic foundations that underpin much of macroeconomic analysis.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) ECON206; and (2) MATH102; and (3) ECON207 or ECON208
ECON326
Macro and Monetary Economics
Description
Derivation of the demand for money. Monetary policy under uncertainty. Analysis of alternative monetary rules. Taylor rules. Term structure of interest rates. Financial crises. Economic Growth.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) ECON206; (2) MATH102 or MATH199. RP: ECON207
ECON329
Industrial Organisation
Description
Imperfectly competitive markets and behaviour of firms. Monopoly models: standard, dominant firm, durable good, natural monopoly, perfectly contestable markets, price discrimination. Oligopoly models: Cournot, Bertrand, product differentiation. Measuring market power, competition policy.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
ECON207 or ECON208 RP: ECON208
ECON331
Financial Economics
Description
The economics of finance with applications to asset valuation, corporate finance, and portfolio management.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (1) FINC201; and (2) MATH102 or MATH199; RP: MATH103
Restrictions
FINC331
Co-requisites
ECON207
ECON335
Public Economics
Description
Economic theories for the role of government in a market economy and the role of economics in the formulation and evaluation of public policy.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
ECON207 RP: ECON208
ECON338
Health Economics Overview
Description
An application of microeconomic and empirical tools to the study of health and medical care. The topics covered will include market failures arising from asymmetric information, the demand for and production of health, provision of health insurance, and government involvement in the medical care system.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
ECON207 RP: ECON208
ECON340
Development Economics
Description
Economics 340 will examine some of the major economic issues faced by individuals and governments in poorer countries, and introduce students to the field of development economics. The course will study the concepts and measurement of development, poverty and growth, and how economists use theory, empirical analysis and experiments to address issues in these areas. Topics surveyed will include poverty and inequality, population growth, urbanization and migration, agriculture and rural development, investments in education and health and the role of women, governance and institutions, credit and insurance, foreign investment and aid, and international trade policy. In the process, students will be exposed to the ongoing debates in development economics.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
ECON207 or ECON208 RP: ECON208
ECON344
International Finance
Description
This course provides an understanding of the fundamental concepts and issues in international finance. It develops a "tool-kit" of common approaches and applies it to many real-world examples in international finance. We cover topics such as the foreign exchange markets and exchange rate systems, balance of payments, international arbitrage and interest rate parity, exchange rate determination and forecasting, measuring and managing exchange rate risk, international debt and equity financing, currency derivatives, interest rate and currency swaps, and financial crises.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
ECON206 or FINC201 or FINC203 RP: 15 points in MATH or Year 13 Math with Calculus
Restrictions
ECON 210 and FINC 315 and FINC344
ECON346
Special Topic: Economic Cost-Benefit Analysis
Description
Economic cost-benefit analysis (CBA) involves the use of microeconomics to formally assess the costs and benefits of different projects or investments. CBA is frequently used as a key input into major policy decisions for government ministries and departments. Understanding the advantages and limitations of CBA, and being able to distinguish well-conducted from poor analyses, is an important skill for a public policy analyst, or for a professional analyst or consultant. This course provides you with the conceptual foundations and practical knowledge you will need to read and understand CBA reports, conduct a CBA, and to be a thoughtful consumer of policy research. An important part of the course is learning different economic methods to calculate and then estimate values of costs and benefits. The course draws on a mixture of economic theory and real-life case studies to examine both the theoretical and practical issues involved in CBA.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
ECON207
ECON390
Internship or Consultancy Project
Description
An internship or consultancy project is an opportunity to experience a professional work environment. Internships or projects taken for credit are usually unpaid. You are expected to develop a good understanding of a sector, market or organisation. The work you submit will show an application of the tools, ideas or concepts of economics. You will be required to reflect critically on the requirements of transitioning from an academic to a work environment and the skills valued in a professional workplace. As these are economics placements, priority is given to economics majors.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2023
Semester One 2024
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) ECON207 or ECON208; and (2) Subject to the Head of Department approval
Restrictions
FINC390, ARTS395, PACE395

Postgraduate

ECON610
Directed Readings in Economics 1
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
ECON613
Directed Readings in Economics II
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
ECON614
Time Series and Stochastic Processes
Description
Analysis of sequentially collected data including data modelling and forecasting techniques.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
Restrictions
STAT456
ECON615
Econometrics II-600
Description
This course teaches advanced skills in practical econometrics. Coverage will include the following topics: OLS, FGLS, robust standard errors, panel data, Stata programming, Monte Carlo experiments, time series, nonstationarity, and error correction models. While the course will present some theory, the emphasis in this class is on doing. A distinctive feature is that we will illustrate key concepts using computer simulations so that students can "see" the practical consequences of the issues they are studying. Students will develop their own Monte Carlo experiments to investigate econometric questions.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
ECON616
Microeconomic Analysis
Description
Application of fundamental mathematical techniques for modelling standard economic problems.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of Head of Department
Restrictions
ECON321
ECON617
Macro and Monetary Economics
Description
Monetary economics, financial crises, economic growth.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of Head of Department
Restrictions
ECON326
ECON618
Financial Economics
Description
The economics of finance with applications to asset valuation, corporate finance, and portfolio management. ECON 618 students will be expected to apply advanced theories to these concepts.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of Head of Department
Restrictions
ECON331
ECON635
Macroeconomics
Description
Real macroeconomics. Using dynamic optimisation to think about how much households spend and save, how much firms invest in durable equipment, and the macro effects of government outlays and how they are financed.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
Restrictions
ECON605
ECON641
Monetary Economics: Theory
Description
This course surveys a number of important topics in monetary and financial theory. A few topics such as the implementation of monetary policy in New Zealand and the theory of the banking firm draw heavily on microeconomics. The lectures cover topics ranging from asymmetric information in credit markets to the term structure of interest rates. The topical nature of the course is brought out by a discussion of macroprudential and microprudential regulation, the behavior of banks in a low-interest rate environment, and the changing nature of financing decisions by firms since the Global Financial crisis.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Entry to any honours level course is subject to the approval of the Head of Department.
Restrictions
FINC641
ECON642
Monetary Economics: Policy
Description
The focus of this course is on the conduct of optimal monetary policy in open and closed economies. Various issues in monetary policy under uncertainty are explored. A great deal of attention is devoted to issues pertaining to rules vs. discretion in policy-making. We address topics as diverse as interest rate pegs, nominal income targeting vs. price level/ inflation targeting, collection of seigniorage, central bank independence, and others.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
ECON643
Advanced International Finance
Description
This course introduces students to selected relevant topics in international finance. It will familiarise students with the analytical techniques needed to understand different theoretical issues and evaluate the empirical performance of the models. The main topics covered in this course are exchange rate movements, current account determination, foreign exchange intervention and volatility, sovereign debt and crisis, financial development, financial liberalisation and international capital flows, currency crisis, banking system stability and systemic risk, and the role of international institutions like the IMF.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department. RP: ECON344 or FINC344
Restrictions
FINC643
ECON657
International Trade
Description
This course explains why countries trade goods and services, patterns of trade, and the consequences of trade and of trade interventions. It extends the basic theory of international trade to more complex, interesting and empirically relevant cases. It will provide students with an advanced understanding of the core of modern trade theory, from both positive and normative perspectives.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
ECON668
Experimental Economics
Description
This course will provide students with an in-depth treatment of this increasingly popular method for testing and stimulating economic theory. The course aims to equip students in three main areas: to become familiar with experimental methods; learn some major areas of applications; and critically evaluate the potential and limitations of laboratory experimental research.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
ECON670
Special Topic
Occurrences
Term One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to Approval by the Head of Department.
ECON679
Internship or Consultancy Project
Description
An internship or consultancy project is an opportunity to experience a professional work environment. You are expected to develop a good understanding of a sector, market or organisation. The work you submit will show an application of the tools, ideas or concepts of economics. You will be required to reflect critically on the requirements of transitioning from an academic to a work environment and the skills valued in a professional workplace. You will also need to provide a critical analysis of the work undertaken.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2023
Semester One 2024
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to Head of Department approval
Restrictions
FINC679
ECON680
Research Exercise
Occurrences
Any Time Start 2024
Whole Year 2024
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
ECON690
MA Thesis
Occurrences
Any Time Start 2024
Points
120 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
ECON691
MCom Dissertation
Occurrences
Any Time Start 2024
Points
60 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department. Admission may be subject to meeting a sufficient standard in previous coursework.
Restrictions
ECON680
ECON692
MA Dissertation
Description
MA Dissertation
Occurrences
Any Time Start 2024
Semester One 2024
Semester Two 2024
Points
60 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
ECON694
MCom Thesis
Description
MCom Thesis
Occurrences
Any Time Start 2024
Points
90 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
ECON695
MCom Thesis
Occurrences
Any Time Start 2024
Points
120 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
ECON699
MSc Thesis
Occurrences
Any Time Start 2024
Points
120 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
ECON790
Economics PhD
Occurrences
Any Time Start 2024
Any Time Start 2024 (Distance)
Points
120 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

Not Offered Courses in 2024

200-level

ECON228
Study Tour to South America
Description
This course examines an industry in Canterbury and in South America during a 4-week study tour. Students will be expected to apply economic thinking to address issues in this industry. Students will learn some basic Spanish and interact with South American students and businesses.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2018 , 2019 , 2020
For further information see ECON228 course details
Points
15 points

300-level

ECON310
Economic Thinking for Business
Description
In this course students will learn the main differences between local businesses, exporters/importers and multinational firms. The course starts with an overview of important facts and issues, and of recent trends in local and international businesses. We will discuss some formal definitions of the salient concepts and various factors (incentives) that may lead some local businesses to expand across borders. Students will be able to practice being an economist by working on projects where they apply economic thinking and methods to problems facing local/international businesses and organisations. ECON310 is a compulsory course for the Business Economics major although any student with the pre-requisites can enrol.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2022
For further information see ECON310 course details
Points
15 points
ECON314
Economic Analysis of "Big Data"
Description
With the decrease of the cost of storing data, both the size and the variety of available data has increased dramatically. In this course, we will discuss how such 'big data', and the 'artificial intelligence' that may result from it, is affecting both the economy itself and how the economy can be analysed. We will analyse the impact of big data and artificial intelligence on the economy through various examples of how businesses and governments can benefit from big data and artificial intelligence, but also of how big data and artificial intelligence can be abused by them. We also discuss how big data and artificial intelligence has created new ways to analyse the economy, by providing new ways to collect data (for example, web scraping) and by creating new types of data (for example, Google Trend/Correlate data, Text data and Image data) that can be used to analyse the economy.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2022 , 2023
For further information see ECON314 course details
Points
15 points
ECON327
Economic Analysis of Law
Description
An introduction to the law of property and contracts as systems for allocating resources.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2013 , 2014 , 2015 , 2016 , 2017
For further information see ECON327 course details
Points
15 points
ECON330
Strategic Behaviour of Firms
Description
Business strategies and market power. Price discrimination, tie-in sales, quality, durability, predatory pricing, vertical integration and restraints. Information, advertising and disclosure. Network economics.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2010 , 2011 , 2012
For further information see ECON330 course details
Points
15 points
ECON332
Economics and Psychology
Description
Economics and Psychology will discuss both how psychological insights and experimental methods may be brought to bear on the understanding of economic phenomena, especially in situations with strategic interaction. A mixture of theoretical developments and experimental results will be dealt with.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2013 , 2014
For further information see ECON332 course details
Points
15 points
ECON333
Experimental Economics
Description
An introduction to experimental economics research methods for testing economic theory. Includes the design of laboratory experiments and the analysis of data. Applications will be made to areas such as public, environmental and labour economics, industrial organisation, and individual decision making.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2013 , 2014 , 2015 , 2020
For further information see ECON333 course details
Points
15 points
ECON334
Labour Economics
Description
Labour economics studies how workers and employers interact in firms, organizations, and markets. This course will examine theories and empirical evidence of topics such as labour supply and demand, wage determination, collective bargaining, unemployment, labour force participation, immigration, discrimination, human capital, and employment law.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2016
For further information see ECON334 course details
Points
15 points
ECON341
Economics of Education
Description
This course uses economic tools to help students understand how and why people make decisions to invest in education, the effect of education on long-term social and economic outcomes, the behaviour of institutions that "produce" education (including why governments might have a role in the education sector), how it is financed, the market for teachers, the role of education in economic development and how best to design and implement public policies affecting the level and distribution of education resources.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2013 , 2014 , 2015
For further information see ECON341 course details
Points
15 points
ECON342
Economic History
Description
This course examines how production and trade have been central to the economic and social organisation of humanity. We study the causes and consequences of the Three Great Transformations: language, agriculture, and the commercial and industrial revolutions that began in the 16th century. What can we learn from the economic rise of England? What can our economic history teach us about our economic future?
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2013 , 2014
For further information see ECON342 course details
Points
15 points
ECON343
The Economics of Innovation, Creativity and Intellectual Property
Description
An economic analysis of the incentive effects of intellectual property protection on the processes of innovation and creativity. Both patentable and copyrightable intellectual property are analysed. This course will include detailed coverage of the effects of the recent introduction of digital technologies for copyrightable content.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2019
For further information see ECON343 course details
Points
15 points
ECON345
The Economics of Risk and Insurance
Description
This course analyses the nature and problem of risk and uncertainty and consumers preferences regarding risk and risk taking. It examines the basic principles of risk and insurance, and the description of the characteristics of main types of insurance, (both life and general). The course includes an introduction to the structure and operation of insurance markets, (both local and international) and the function of insurance firms within the financial system. It covers the general principles of insurance underwriting and pricing, claims management and claims reserving process within the regulatory regime of the insurance industry.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2017
For further information see ECON345 course details
Points
15 points

Postgraduate

ECON622
Advanced Financial Economics
Description
This course examines modern research in financial economics. Topics covered include risk, portfolio theory, asset allocation and multi-period asset pricing.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2015 , 2016 , 2017
For further information see ECON622 course details
Points
15 points
ECON631
Advanced Econometrics
Description
In econometrics, one often gives a causal interpretation to estimated coefficients. Unfortunately, in most cases such causal interpretation is not warranted. In this course, we will focus on the difference between causality and correlation and study analytical approaches that aim for causal estimates. Techniques covered include randomized controlled trials / experiments, matching estimators, regression discontinuity design, difference-in-difference estimators, instrumental variable estimators, event studies, and synthetic control estimators. The course will cover both theory and applications using R.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2022 , 2023
For further information see ECON631 course details
Points
15 points
ECON644
Microeconomics I
Description
A course in advanced microeconomic theory, covering the topics of consumer theory and decision making, production decisions, market and price theory analysis, and simple general equilibrium models. The emphasis is on using mathematical techniques to analyse microeconomic problems.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2022 , 2023
For further information see ECON644 course details
Points
15 points
ECON645
Contract Theory
Description
The design of contracts from an economic perspective and how their design is affected by various factors. Such factors include hidden actions within a transaction; the characteristics of participants and the ability to signal and hide such characteristics; the impact of time and repeated contracts; and when some aspects of a transaction cannot be described, monitored, verified, or enforced.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024
For further information see ECON645 course details
Points
15 points
ECON653
Topics in Economic Policy
Description
The application of economic tools and methodology to the study of economic policy issues. Coverage can include but is not limited to: why we have government, the objectives of economic policy, how society makes economic policy choices, the roles of political institutions in economic policy decision making, regulation, the size and scope of government, and how to evaluate the economic impact of economic policies. Examples of contemporary economic policy issues will be used to illustrate economic concepts where relevant.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024
For further information see ECON653 course details
Points
15 points
ECON654
Industrial Organisation
Description
The application of microeconomic theory to the study of imperfectly competitive markets and the behaviour of firms within these markets. Topics covered include: market power and its limits; monopoly decisions: bundling, advertising, price discrimination and vertical restraints; strategic interaction: price and quantity competition, product differentiation, entry, accommodation and entry deterrence.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2009 , 2010 , 2011 , 2012
For further information see ECON654 course details
Points
15 points
ECON655
Environmental Economics
Description
This course will apply microeconomic theory and welfare economics to the management and stewardship of the environment. We will begin by reviewing the ethical framework of welfare economics and its relation to concepts of sustainability. We will use welfare economics to frame the problems posed by public and common property goods, and by externalities more generally. We will see how welfare economics is applied to the problems posed by such goods using cost-benefit analysis. This framework will enable us to address diverse environmental problems. For example, how can we place a comparable value on environmental benefits? How much pollution of the air and water should we tolerate, and how can we reduce pollution to such levels in the least costly way? Can there be effective pollution control when individual contributions cannot be observed? What is economics contributing to the study of global warming, or the effects of trade liberalisation on the environment?
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2012 , 2013 , 2019 , 2023
For further information see ECON655 course details
Points
15 points
ECON658
Health Economics
Description
The application of microeconomic and empirical tools to the study of health and medical care. Topics covered include: the differences between health care markets and other markets; the asymmetric relationships between patients, insurance companies, and physicians; the production of health; the effects of various policies and treatment regimens; health-related behaviour, including addiction; and the supply side of the health care market.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020
For further information see ECON658 course details
Points
15 points
ECON659
Development Economics
Occurrences
Not offered 2024
For further information see ECON659 course details
Points
15 points
ECON665
Welfare Economics
Description
Welfare economics deals with the interaction between "positive economics" (i.e. statements of what will happen under different policies) and "normative economics" (statements about what policies should be followed). Welfare economics considers how value judgements involving interpersonal comparisons can be incorporated into the basic framework of positive economics in order to reach normative conclusions.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2009 , 2011 , 2012 , 2013 , 2014
For further information see ECON665 course details
Points
15 points
ECON667
Behavioural Economics
Description
Behavioural economics studies how psychological insights and experimental methods may be brought to bear on the understanding of economic phenomena, especially in situations with strategic interaction. Material covered includes influential theoretical developments and experimental results in the field of behavioural economics.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2012 , 2013 , 2014 , 2015 , 2023
For further information see ECON667 course details
Points
15 points