Unit Outline
BEA106
Introduction to Behavioural Economics
Semester 1, 2024
Swee-Hoon Chuah
Tasmanian School of Business & Economics (TSBE)
College of Business and Economics
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Swee-Hoon Chuah
Email: Sweehoon.Chuah@utas.edu.au
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
 
Traditional economics portrays decision making as rational deliberation that computes optimal choices based on well-defined objectives and perfect information. In reality, limited information and cognition as well as certain features of the human psychology often result in decisions that deviate from this assumption. Behavioural economics attempts to explain these deviations using insights and theories from the other social sciences, in particular psychology. This unit introduces students to this intersection of economics and psychology. Its aim is not to be mathematically or theoretically thorough. Rather, it focuses on developing a better understanding of how human psychology affects economic decisions and how such knowledge can be applied to real world business and policy issues, including to nudge.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1.
Describe key concepts and methods in behavioural economics and explain their significance in economics.
2.
Apply behavioural economic concepts and theories to examine real-world problems in different contexts.
3.
Explain and assess the role of behavioural economics in public, social and business policy.
4.
Communicate key concepts and applications of behavioural economics clearly and cogently.
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)
XPD114
Alterations as a result of student feedback
To Be Determined.
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Workshop
Introductory 1-hr workshop, Week 1
1
Once only
Lecture (On Campus)
Pre-recorded 1-hr lecture, once a week
1
Weekly
Workshop
2-hr workshop, weekly, commencing in Week 2
2
Weekly
Other
5-hrs independent learning
5
Weekly
Online
Online Class
Introductory 1-hr workshop, Week 1
1
Once only
Lecture (Online)
Pre-recorded 1-hr lecture, once a week
1
Weekly
Online Class
2-hr workshop, weekly, commencing in Week 2
2
Weekly
Online Class
5-hrs independent learning
5
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
The Tasmanian School of Business and Economics regularly hosts Masterclasses and Industry Engagement and Employability Events, which students are encouraged to attend. Registration and details will be available via the College of Business and Economics channel on the Uni App and/or via your Unit Coordinator.  
 
 
How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Reflection
See the MyLO site for the due date
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 2:
Analysis
See the MyLO site for the due date
40 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:
Test
Refer to Assessment Description
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
Assessment details
    
Assessment Task 1: Reflection
Task Description:
This is an individual task where you will be required to write a reflective essay based on your participation in a series of online decision tasks in Workshop 2 (Week 3) [‘learning experience’]. Detailed instructions will be posted on MyLO.

Task Length:
Up to 1,500 words
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Response demonstrates in-depth reflection on and self-critical personalisation of the learning experience.
LO2
2
Response correctly connects the learning experience to the relevant unit material.
LO1, LO2
3
Response demonstrates a thorough understanding of and genuine engagement with the relevant unit material.
LO1
4
Response is communicated clearly, cogently and carefully, within the word limit, and includes all components indicated in the instructions.
LO4
 
Assessment Task 2: Analysis
Task Description:
This is an individual task where you will be required to write a report applying behavioural economics concepts to analyse and then propose solutions to a real-world issue of your own choosing. Detailed instructions will be posted on MyLO.

Task Length:
Up to 2,000 words
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
40 %
 
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Response demonstrates in-depth analysis of the chosen issue, with thorough and logical reasoning supported by insightful and well-evidenced arguments.
LO2, LO3
2
Response appropriately draws on and correctly connects analysis to the relevant unit material.
LO2, LO3
3
Response demonstrates a thorough understanding of and genuine engagement with the relevant unit material.
LO1
4
Response is communicated clearly, cogently and carefully, within the word limit, and includes all components indicated in the instructions.
LO4
 
Assessment Task 3: Test
Task Description:
This is a 2-hour open-book test, covering all material from Weeks 1 – 11. Detailed instructions will be posted on MyLO.
The test will take place online on MyLO in Week 13. It replaces the usual workshop in Week 13. The test will be open from 12 am – 11.59 pm on Thursday 30th May 2024. You can start the test anytime within this window, but once you start, you have 120 minutes to complete (with a short grace period).

Task Length:
2 hours
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Response demonstrates correct and thorough understanding of the unit material.
LO1
2
Response demonstrates appropriate application of the unit material.
LO2, LO3
3
Response demonstrates correct analysis and well-evidenced arguments based on the unit material.
LO2, LO3
 
 
 
How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
 
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
 
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.