Unit Outline
BEA311
Economics of Health and Wellbeing
Semester 1, 2024
Ananta Neelim
Tasmanian School of Business & Economics (TSBE)
College of Business and Economics
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Ananta Neelim
Email: Ananta.Neelim@utas.edu.au
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
 
Economics of Health and Wellbeing applies economic concepts to the study of healthcare and wellbeing from a variety of different perspectives. Students will apply economic principles to study health issues from the perspective of individuals, businesses, healthcare organisations and the government. Students will apply economic principles to insurance markets, study risk, risky behavior and addiction. The role of public policy in the health sector is closely examined. Students will analyse the ways in which health and wellbeing can impact the aggregate macroeconomy.
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.
Apply economic concepts and theories to identify and then analyse factors that affect individual and social health and wellbeing decisions.
2.
Apply economic analytical techniques to analyse public policy issues in health and wellbeing.
3.
Explore appropriate use of public policy tools including behavioural insights driven tools to address different issues in health and wellbeing.
4.
Effectively communicate research.
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, fortnightly, commencing in Week 2
2
1 time per fortnight
Independent Learning
5-hrs independent learning
5
Weekly
Online
Online Class
Introductory 1-hr workshop, Week 1
1
Once only
Independent Learning
Pre-recorded 1-hr lecture, once a week
1
Weekly
Online Class
2-hr workshop, fortnightly, commencing in Week 2
2
1 time per fortnight
Independent Learning
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:
Research Paper
Week 5
50 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:
Online Assignment
Week 8
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:
Workshop Activities
Refer to Assessment Description
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
 
Assessment details
    
Assessment Task 1: Research Paper
Task Description:
This is a group task (group size of 2 or 3), where each group will be required to produce two interrelated outputs using concepts covered during the semester: Specifically, each group has to identify a contemporary health and wellbeing problem in Tasmania/Australia and perform an economic analysis to explain and provide solutions to the problem. Part 1 requires each group to write up a project plan including a plan on how the group work will be completed effectively (10 marks). Part 2 requires each group to write a final report (35 marks) and a group reflection task (5 marks). The task also encourages students to think critically about economic and policy issues. Detailed guidelines will be posted in MyLO.

Due Dates:
Part A: April 5, 5 PM
Part B: May 23, 5 PM

Task Length:
750 words for the project proposal and group management statement; and 2000 words for the final report; up to 500 words for the group reflection task.
Due Date:
Week 5
Weight:
50 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Use economic concepts to describe health and wellbeing issues and identify them in society.
LO1
2
Use economic theory to analyse health decisions and healthcare markets.
LO2
3
Use economic theory to explain why individuals and markets fail in allocating resources in the health domain.
LO2
4
Use economic theory to describe the role/scope of public policy in the health and wellbeing sector
LO3
5
Use economic concepts to analyse Tasmania's healthcare policies.
LO3
6
Effectively communicate economic arguments using data, statistical and theoretical evidence
LO4
7
Effectively manage group work to produce a well written report.
LO4
 
Assessment Task 2: Online Assignment
Task Description:
This is an individual assignment. Students will undertake two online assignments examining their understanding of key concepts covered during the relevant parts of the semester. In the assignments, students will be expected to answer various kinds of question types including multiple choice and short answers. More details will be provided on MYLo

Due Dates:

Part A: end of Week 8
Part B: end of Week 14 (Study period

Task Length:
Each assignment 100-1000 words.
 
Due Date:
Week 8
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Use economic concepts to describe health and wellbeing issues and identify them in society
LO1
2
Use economic theory to analyse health decisions, healthcare markets.
LO2
3
Use economic theory to explain why individuals and markets fail in allocating resources in the health domain.
LO2
4
Use economic theory to describe the role/scope of public policy in the health and wellbeing sector.
LO3
 
Assessment Task 3: Workshop Activities
Task Description:
Students will be asked to undertake several individual/group activities during 3 of the 7 scheduled workshops during the semester. These activities include presenting, leading discussions, debating on issues, writing short briefs etc. Distance/online students will be provided equivalent assessments to be completed outside class. More details will be provided on MYLo.

Task Length:
Each activity will not take more than 1 hour of class time.
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Use economic concepts to describe health and wellbeing issues and identify them in society.
LO1
2
Apply economic theory to analyse health decisions, healthcare markets.
LO2
3
Use economic theory to describe the role/scope of public policy in the health and wellbeing sector.
LO3
4
Effectively communicate economic arguments using data, statistical and theoretical evidence.
LO4
 
 
 
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.