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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Economics and Commerce

Faculty of Economics and Commerce : Guide to Courses


Economics has been taught at the University of Melbourne since 1885 when one of the University's first four professors, W E Hearn, was appointed to teach Political Economy as a component of the Bachelor of Arts degree. A separate Faculty of Commerce was established in 1924. In 1944 it was renamed the Faculty of Economics and Commerce.

Today the Faculty is a leading centre of teaching and research in economics and commerce. Four departments - Accounting and Finance, Economics, Business Development and Corporate History, and Management and Industrial Relations - conduct undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research. A Centre for Actuarial Studies was established in 1992.

Also within the Faculty is the Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research (IAESR). The IAESR has a staff of full-time research workers investigating Australian economic, financial, industrial and social problems.


Studies in Economics and Commerce

The Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) course aims at developing powers of critical analysis that can be applied in many fields, and provides professional training for a wide variety of careers.

The 300 points required for the pass degree include four compulsory subjects and many optional subjects which can be chosen according to students' interests and career objectives.

The BCom(Hons) degree allows students to specialise in an area they have chosen during their work for the pass degree. The Honours degree provides the basis to continue to Master's and PhD candidature.

The Faculty offers graduate courses through coursework and research training. Postgraduate courses offer advanced studies at various levels in specialised areas. A separate postgraduate course guide is available.


Objectives of the Faculty

The general objectives of the Faculty of Economics and Commerce are to:


Faculty courses


Undergraduate


Graduate and postgraduate


Planning an undergraduate course


Bachelor of Commerce


Course objectives

The Bachelor of Commerce course has as its objectives that graduates:


Requirements of the BCom degree

The BCom pass degree consists of 24 semester subjects or the equivalent, taken full time over three years or part time over six years. Each semester subject taught by the Faculty of Economics and Commerce has a value of 12.5 points.

The 300 points (minimum) required for the BCom must include four compulsory subjects totalling 50 points:

Either 316-130 Quantitative Methods 1 (or an approved equivalent) and 316-206 Quantitative Methods 2

or 316-129 Business Statistics and 316-205 Introductory Econometrics

Students must take two subjects in statistics as part of the Commerce degree. Students with a limited background in mathematics should take the pair of subjects 316-130 Quantitative Methods 1 and 316-206 Quantitative Methods 2. The alternative pair of subjects is 316-129 Business Statistics and 316-205 Introductory Econometrics. These subjects cover a similar syllabus to those of Quantitative Methods 1 and 2 but the treatment is more mathematical. The Business Statistics/Introductory Econometrics sequence is designed primarily for students with an aptitude for mathematics. Such students are also encouraged to take a first year mathematics subject. Students who intend to specialise in econometrics in the degree must take 316-129 and 316-205.

Students taking a sequence in Actuarial Studies enrol in 619-201 Probability and 619-202 Statistics taught by the Faculty of Science instead of two statistics subjects taught by the Faculty of Economics and Commerce. This option is also open to other Commerce students. Combined Commerce/Science students, in particular, may find this option attractive. Students are reminded, however, to note the first year prerequisites for 619-201 Probability.

Students should note that while 316-202 Intermediate Microeconomics is no longer a compulsory subject, it is a prerequisite for 306-203 Business Finance, normally taken in second year, and for third year Accounting subjects.

Students must gain between 87.5 and 125 points at 100-level, and at least 75 points drawn from 300-level subjects, of which 50 points, in each case, must be Commerce points.

Students may take up to 110 points from approved subjects taught by other faculties. For example, students with a mathematical inclination are encouraged to take a first year subject taught by the Department of Mathematics.

Students who have successfully completed 306-103 Accounting 1A and/or 306-104 Accounting 1B through MUPHAS or AAF1021 or AAF1031 through the Monash enhancement studies program are eligible to apply for credit towards the BCom.

Undergraduates transferring from other institutions may, with the approval of the Faculty on admission to the BCom course, be given credit for up to 150 points for subjects passed by the candidate at that other institution which in the opinion of the Faculty are the equivalent of subjects taught in the BCom course. Students who have undertaken studies at other institutions must complete, or have gained credit, for the four compulsory subjects, and must complete at least 50 level-3 points within the Faculty in order to be eligible to graduate.

Graduates admitted to the BCom course will receive credit for a maximum of 100 points. A diplomate with a three-year qualification may receive credit for up to 100 points as approved by the Executive Officer (Undergraduate Studies).

Students may not enrol in level-200 Commerce subjects until they have completed or been granted credit for at least 75 level-100 points. Students may not enrol in level-300 Commerce subjects until they have completed or been granted credit for at least 175 level-100 and level-200 points.

Students must pass prerequisite subjects before they will be permitted to proceed.


Course planning and specialisations

The Faculty favours flexible courses of study which will suit students' career interests. Course plans in this section are recommended but not mandatory. They are intended as guides to students seeking to specialise. Many variations or combinations of subjects are possible.

First-year students receive individual assistance in planning their courses when they enrol in February. In September each year, continuing undergraduate students plan their courses for the following year. Course plans can, however, be changed when students re-enrol in December and January. Proposed study plans must meet the requirements for the BCom degree.

Students are welcome at any time during the year to consult academic staff, administrative officers in the Faculty Office and course advisers in departments.


Mathematics in the Commerce course

A number of subjects of potential interest to Economics and Commerce students are offered by the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics and the School of Mathematical Sciences (Faculty of Science). A detailed guide to the selection of 100-level subjects in Mathematical Sciences (617 prefix), Mathematics (618 prefix), and Statistics (619 prefix) can be found under the entry '617 Mathematical Sciences', together with course plans for significant studies in the discipline of Operations Research. For detailed information in the handbook Mathematical Sciences


Diploma in Modern Languages

The Faculty of Arts offers a Diploma in Modern Languages to students undertaking courses in faculties other than Arts. For further information Diploma in Modern Languages.


Bachelor of Commerce Subjects

Note: All Commerce subjects are worth 12.5 points.

Actuarial Studies

300-101 Actuarial Studies 1
300-203 Mathematics in the Financial World
300-204 An Introduction to Stochastic Techniques in Financial Mathematics
300-302 Actuarial Statistics
300-304 Risk Theory
300-310 Actuarial Principles
300-311 Life Insurance Mathematics
300-400 Actuarial Studies Research Essay
300-402 Superannuation and Retirement Income Schemes
300-403 Advanced Risk Theory
300-410 The Actuarial Control Cycle I
300-411 The Actuarial Control Cycle II

Accounting and Finance

306-102 Accounting Concepts
306-103 Accounting 1A
306-104 Accounting 1B
306-201 Intermediate Managerial Accounting
306-202 Intermediate Financial Accounting
306-203 Business Finance
306-205 Business Computing
306-207 Accounting Information Systems
306-301 Financial Accounting
306-302 Managerial Accounting
306-304 Auditing
306-305 Management of Financial Institutions
306-306 Special Topics in Finance
306-307 Management Information Systems
306-309 Corporate Finance
306-312 Personal Financial Management
306-311 International Finance
306-331 Investments
306-332 Special Topics in Accounting
306-401 Financial Management
306-461 Advanced Financial Accounting
306-462 Advanced Managerial Accounting
306-463 Advanced Finance
306-464 Advanced Information Systems
306-465 Advanced Auditing
306-466 Research Methods in Accounting and Finance
306-467 Accounting and Finance Research Essay
306-468 Numerical Techniques in Finance and Investment
306-469 Advanced Topics in Accounting and Finance

Business Law

732-103 Introduction to Business Law
732-202 Corporate Law
732-302 Banking and Finance Law
732-303 Taxation Law
732-304 Labour Law
732-305 Law of Insolvency
732-307 Law and Labour Relations in East-Asia and the Pacific Rim
732-309 Comparative Business Law - Malaysia

Economics

316-101 Introductory Macroeconomics
316-102 Introductory Microeconomics
316-121 Regional and Urban Economic Development
316-129 Business Statistics
316-130 Quantitative Methods 1
316-201 Intermediate Macroeconomics
316-202 Intermediate Microeconomics
316-205 Introductory Econometrics
316-206 Quantitative Methods 2
316-207 Mathematical Economics
316-208 Economics of the Environment
316-301 International Economics
316-302 Economic Development
316-303 Industrial Economics
316-304 Social Economics
316-305 Public Finance
316-306 Money and Banking
316-307 Labour Economics
316-309 Agricultural Economics
316-311 Development of Classical and Neoclassical Economics
316-312 Macroeconomics
316-313 Microeconomics
316-315 Regional and Urban Economics
316-316 Basic Econometrics
316-317 Econometrics
316-318 Applied Econometric Modelling
316-319 Economic Development of East Asia
316-320 Special Topics in Economics
316-321 Chinese Economy
316-323 Privatisation and Regulation
316-324 Environmental Economics
316-325 Ecological Economics
316-326 Economic Analysis and Policy
316-327 Business Applications of Economics
316-350 Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
316-351 Economics of Financial Markets
316-352 Quantitative Business Analysis
316-449 Financial Econometrics
316-450 Game Theory and Information Economics
316-451 Open Economy Macroeconomics
316-460 Advanced Restrictive Trade Practices
316-462 Public Economics
316-463 Development Economics
316-466 Monetary Economics
316-467 Issues in Microeconomic Analysis and Policy
316-468 General Equilibrium and Welfare Economics
316-469 Financial Economics
316-470 Econometric Techniques
316-473 Regional and Urban Economics
316-475 Economics Research Essay
316-476 Special Topics in Economic Analysis

Management and Industrial Relations

327-101 Management
327-201 Organisational Behaviour
327-203 Managing Company Operations
327-209 Human Resource Management
327-301 Marketing I
327-302 Marketing II
327-303 International Management
327-304 Organisational Analysis
327-305 Management Strategy
327-308 Industrial Relations
327-331 Comparative Industrial Relations
327-332 Industrial Relations Policy
327-401 Advanced Organisational Behaviour
327-402 Advanced Human Resource Management
327-403 Management and Industrial Relations Research Essay
327-404 Organisational Change
327-405 Special Topics in Employee Relations
327-406 Advanced Marketing
327-465 Advanced Industrial Relations

Business Development and Corporate History

326-102 Australian Business in the Global Economy
326-103 The Asian Economies
326-205 The Japanese Business System
326-224 The Consumer Age
326-226 Business and Development in South-East Asia
326-229 Evolution of Labour Markets
326-231 International Business Strategy
326-232 Chinese Business and Economy
326-309 Research Methods in the Social Sciences
326-328 Business Development and Strategy
326-424 Doing Business in the European Union
326-466 Research Essay
326-470 Theory and Method in Corporate History
326-472 Trends in Business Organisation
326-480 Special Topics in Business Strategy and Development


The BCom course - some examples of specialisations

The following course examples may help students plan their programs of study within the structure of the BCom.

They are examples only, and are not prescriptive.

Optional subjects may include subjects from other faculties.

An asterisk (*) marks designated compulsory subjects.

Note: The course structures which appear below are those of typical courses taken by full-time BCom students. Combined course students would complete the subjects listed for each specialisation over a five year period.


Accounting and Finance

Specialisation in Accounting and Finance

First year
Accounting 1A12.5
Accounting 1B12.5
Introduction to Business Law12.5
Introductory Macroeconomics*12.5
Introductory Microeconomics*12.5
Quantitative Methods 1* or Business Statistics*12.5
Two additional level 1 subjects25.0
Sub-total points100.0

Second year
Intermediate Managerial Accounting12.5
Intermediate Financial Accounting12.5
Business Computing12.5
Corporate Law12.5
Intermediate Microeconomics12.5
Quantitative Methods 2 or Introductory Econometrics12.5
Business Finance12.5
One optional subject12.5
Sub-total points100.0

Third year
Financial Accounting12.5
Auditing12.5
Managerial Accounting12.5
Corporate Finance12.5
Taxation Law12.5
Investments**12.5
Public Finance**12.5
Money and Banking**12.5
Sub-total points100.0
Total points300.0

** Optional subject. Many optional subjects are available, these are examples only.

Note: For specific information about professional requirements, refer to 'Membership of Professional Bodies' section of the Faculty of Economics and Commerce Handbook.


Money, Banking and Finance

Specialisation in Money, Banking and Finance

First year
Introductory Microeconomics*12.5
Introductory Macroeconomics*12.5
Quantitative Methods 1* or Business Statistics*12.5
Accounting 1A12.5
Accounting 1B12.5
Three level 1 semester subjects (including subjects from Mathematics or Mathematical Sciences if desired)37.5
Sub-total points100.0

Second year
Intermediate Financial Accounting12.5
Business Finance12.5
Intermediate Macroeconomics12.5
Intermediate Microeconomics*12.5
Quantitative Methods 2* or Introductory Econometrics*12.5
Three additional subjects37.5
Sub-total points100.0

Third year
Corporate Finance12.5
Money and Banking12.5
Economics of Financial Markets12.5
Management of Financial Institutions12.5
International Finance12.5
Personal Financial Management12.5
Investments12.5
One additional subject (see note below)12.5
Sub-total points100.0
Total points300.0

Note: This subject can be chosen from Accounting (such as Financial Accounting), Economics (such as International Economics, Public Finance, Basic Econometrics, Econometrics and Time Series Analysis and Forecasting) and Corporate History. Students should pay careful attention to the level 1 and level 2 prerequisites for these subjects.


Actuarial

Students taking the Actuarial stream within the Commerce course are recommended to take the following subjects.

Specialisation in Actuarial

First year
Actuarial Studies 112.5
Introductory Macroeconomics12.5
Introductory Microeconomics12.5
Accounting 1A12.5
Accounting 1B12.5
Scientific Programming and Simulation12.5
Mathematics 1A12.5
Mathematics 1B12.5
Sub-total points100.0

Second year
Probability12.5
Statistics12.5
Intermediate Microeconomics12.5
Intermediate Macroeconomics12.5
Mathematics in the Financial World12.5
Three additional level 2 Commerce subjects37.5
Sub-total points100.0

Third year
Actuarial Principles12.5
Life Insurance Mathematics12.5
Actuarial Statistics12.5
Risk Theory12.5
Four additional subjects, two of which must be level 3 subjects50.0
Sub-total points100.0
Total points300.0


Economics

Specialisation in Economics

First year
Introductory Macroeconomics12.5
Introductory Microeconomics*12.5
One level 1 Mathematics subject12.5
Quantitative Methods 1* or Business Statistics*12.5
One level-1 Mathematical sciences subject (see note 1 below)12.5
Three additional subjects37.5
Sub-total points100.0

Second year
Intermediate Microeconomics*12.5
Intermediate Macroeconomics+12.5
Quantitative Methods 2* or Introductory12.5
Econometrics*
Five additional subjects62.5
Sub-total points100.0

Third year
Microeconomics+12.5
Macroeconomics+12.5
International Economics+12.5
Basic Econometrics+ or Econometrics+12.5
Two level 3 Economics subjects25.0
Two additional level 3 subjects25.0
Sub-total points100.0
Total points300.0

+ Compulsory subjects for students who intend to proceed to honours in Economics and a career as a professional economist.

Note:

1. Students who have taken Mathematical Methods 3/4 but not Specialist Mathematics 3/4 usually enrol in 618-161, but may also enrol in 618-141. The standard enrolment for students with Specialist Mathematics 3/4 is 618-141, but such students may also be admitted to 618-121 with the permission of the Mathematics Department's Director of First-year Studies, based on the level of attainment in Specialist Mathematics 3/4.

Students who are not confident of their ability in calculus or do not wish to continue with Mathematics should enrol in the two compulsory Economics subjects, plus 316-130 Quantitative Methods and five other level-100 subjects drawn from Commerce, Arts or Science. They may also consider taking 618-161 to retain further mathematics options.

2. Students intending to proceed to honours in Economics and to a career as a professional economist must take 316-301, 316-313, and either 316-316 or 316-317 in their third year.

3. Students who pass 618-162 or 618-141 or 618-121 and 617-141 or 619-100 may apply for exemption from Quantitative Methods 1.

Specialisation in Economics and Environmental Studies

First year
Introductory Microeconomics12.5
Introductory Macroeconomics12.5
QM1 or Business Statistics12.5
Three other level-1 Commerce subjects37.5
Land, People and Society12.5
Global Ecology and Biogeography12.5
Sub-total points100

Second year
Intermediate Macroeconomics12.5
Intermediate Microeconomics12.5
Qm2 or Introductory Econometrics12.5
Two of the following
Environmental Politics and Management#16.7
Society and Environments#16.7
Plants, People and the Environment#16.7
Water Resources#16.7
Three other Economics and Commerce subjects37.5
Sub-total points108.4

Third year
Environmental Economics12.5
Ecological Economics12.5
Economic Development12.5
Three of the following:
Development and Environment# or16.7
Urban Environments#16.7
The Politics of Ecology#16.7
Principles of Ecological Biogeography#16.7
Principles of Environmental Hydrology#16.7
Techniques in Ecological Biogeography# or16.7
Techniques in Environmental Hydrology#16.7
One other level-3 Economics and Commerce subject12.5
Sub-total points100.1
Total points308.5


Econometrics

Students who complete this program successfully at the required standard may proceed to honours in Economics.

Specialisation in Econometrics

First year
Introductory Macroeconomics*12.5
Introductory Microeconomics*12.5
Maths 141 or Maths 12112.5
Business Statistics*12.5
Scientific Programming and Simulation12.5
Plus three level 1 semester subjects37.5
Sub-total points100.0

Second year
Intermediate Microeconomics12.5
Intermediate Macroeconomics+12.5
Introductory Econometrics*12.5
Mathematical Economics12.5
Plus four other level 2 subjects50.0
Sub-total points100.0

Third year
Econometrics+12.5
Econometric Modelling12.5
Time Series Analysis and Forecasting12.5
Microeconomics+12.5
Macroeconomics+12.5
Plus two of:
Economics of Financial Markets
International Economics+
Evolution of Labour Markets
Money and Banking25.0
One additional level 3 subject12.5
Sub-total points100.0
Total points300.0

+ Compulsory subjects for students who intend to proceed to honours in Economics.


Corporate History

Specialisation in Corporate History

First year
The Asian Economies12.5
Australian Business in the Global Economy12.5
Introductory Macroeconomics*12.5
Introductory Microeconomics*12.5
Quantitative Methods 1*12.5
Plus three subjects chosen from the following:
Accounting, Business Law, Management, History or Politics37.5
Sub-total points100.0

Second and Third year
Four or more of the following:
The Consumer Age12.5
The Japanese Business System12.5
International Business Strategy12.5
Evolution of Labour Markets12.5
Business and Development in South East Asia12.5
The Japanese Business System12.5
Chinese Business and Economy12.5
Business Development and Strategy12.5
Plus other subjects to make up 100 points in each year (includingcompulsory second-year subjects).
Total100.0
In addition to the above up to two of the following can be included as part of a specialisation in Corporate History:
Microeconomics12.5
Macroeconomics12.5
Basic Econometrics or Econometrics12.5
Economic Development of East Asia12.5
Chinese Economy12.5
Pre-Revolutionary Russian History12.5
Post-Revolutionary Soviet History12.5
Total points300.0


Asian Economic Studies

Specialisation in Asian Economic Studies

First year
Introductory Macroeconomics*12.5
Introductory Microeconomics*12.5
Quantitative Methods 1 or 316-129 Business Statistics*12.5
Australian Business in the Global Economy12.5
The Asian Economies12.5
Plus three other semester subjects, two of which must be at level 137.5
Sub-total points100.0

Second year
Intermediate Macroeconomics12.5
Intermediate Microeconomics12.5
Quantitative Methods 2* or Introductory Econometrics*12.5
The Japanese Business System12.5
Business and Development in South East Asia12.5
Plus three of:
Japan in Transition 1850-1990
China from the Manchus to Mao
Chinese Politics and Society or any other level 2 Economics and Commerce subjects37.5
Sub-total points100.0

Third year
Economic Development12.5
International Economics12.5
Microeconomics12.5
Japanese Economy12.5
Chinese Economy12.5
Chinese Business and Economy12.5
Two other subjects25.0
Sub-total points100.0
Total points300.0


Management and Industrial Relations

Specialisation in Management and Industrial Relations

First year
Management12.5
Introductory Macroeconomics*12.5
Introductory Microeconomics*12.5
Quantitative Methods 1 or Business Statistics*12.5
Plus four level 1 Economics and Commerce, Arts or Science subjects50.0
Sub-total points100.0

Second year
Intermediate Microeconomics12.5
Intermediate Macroeconomics12.5
Quantitative Methods 2* or Introductory12.5
Econometrics*
Five additional subjects which may include:
Organisational Behaviour12.5
Managing Company Operations12.5
Human Resource Management12.5
Other level 2 Economics and Commerce or Arts subjects25.0
Sub-total points100.0

Third year
Eight subjects which may include:
International Management12.5
Organisational Analysis12.5
Management Strategy12.5
Labour Economics12.5
Industrial Relations12.5
Comparative Industrial Relations12.5
Industrial Relations Policy12.5
Labour Law12.5
Law and Labour Relations in East Asia and the12.5
Pacific Rim
Marketing 112.5
Marketing 212.5
Sub-total points100.0
Total points300.0


Business Strategy and Development

Specialisation in Business Strategy and Development

First year
Introductory Microeconomics12.5
Introductory Macroeconomics12.5
Quantitative Methods 1* or Business Statistics*12.5
The Asian Economies12.5
Management12.5
Australian Business in the Global Economy12.5
Two optional subjects25.0
Sub-total points100.0

Second year
Quantitative Methods 2* or Introductory Econometrics*12.5
International Business Strategy12.5
Organisational Behaviour12.5
Five additional subjects which may include:
The Japanese Business System #12.5
Evolution of Labour Markets #12.5
The Consumer Age #12.5
Business and Development in South East Asia #12.5
Chinese Business and Economy #12.5
Managing Company Operations12.5
Human Resource Management12.5
# these subjects may be taken either as level 2 subjects by second year students and as level 3 subjects by third year students.
Sub-total points100.0

Third year
Business Development and Strategy12.5
Marketing 112.5
Management Strategy12.5
Five additional subjects which may include any of those marked # in the subjects listed for second year above, and any of the following:
Marketing 212.5
International Management12.5
Organisational Analysis12.5
Industrial Relations12.5
Comparative Industrial Relations12.5
Industrial Relations Policy12.5
Other optional subjects25.0
Sub-total points100.0
Total points300.0


Business Law

Specialisation in Business Law

First year
Introduction to Business Law12.5
Introductory Macroeconomics*12.5
Introductory Microeconomics*12.5
Quantitative Methods 1 or Business Statistics*12.5
Four other semester subjects, including at least two level 1 subjects50.0
Sub-total points100.0

Second year
Corporate Law12.5
Quantitative Methods 2 or Introductory Econometrics12.5
Six other semester subjects75.0
Sub-total points100.0

Third yearyear
Up to eight semester subjects (100 points) including two or more of the following:
Banking and Finance Law12.5
Taxation Law12.5
Labour Law12.5
Law and Labour Relations in East Asia and the Pacific Rim12.5
Law of Insolvency12.5
Comparative Business Law-Malaysia12.5
Sub-total points100.0
Total points300.0


Combined and double degrees

A minimum of 500 points is required for the award of two degrees. The normal requirements for the BCom pass degree apply, except that combined course students will be required to complete a minimum of 200 points drawn from subjects taught by departments in the Faculty of Economics and Commerce.

At present there are approved courses that combine the Bachelor of Commerce with the Bachelor of Laws, the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Engineering, the Bachelor of Agricultural Science, the Bachelor of Forest Science or the Bachelor of Information Systems. Other double degree combinations are also possible.


Commerce and Arts

For the combined BCom/BA degree students must complete a minimum of 500 points of which at least 200 must be Commerce points.

The course plan must include the following from Economics and Commerce:

The course plan must include the following from Arts:

Most Arts subjects must be chosen from areas of study taught within departments of the Faculty of Arts: Anthropology, Archaeology, Cinema Studies, Classical Studies, Criminology, English, English Language Studies, Environmental Studies, Fine Arts, Geography, History, History and Philosophy of Science, Languages (Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, Latin, Modern and Ancient Greek, French, German, Swedish, Italian, Hebrew, Arabic, Russian), Linguistics, Philosophy, Planning and Design, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology.

Some subjects may be chosen from non-Arts departments: Computer Science, Korean (beginners only), Legal Studies (first-year only), Mathematics, Music, Spanish, Science (first-year), Statistics.


Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science

For further information, please Commerce/Science.


Bachelor of Agricultural Science/Bachelor of Commerce

For further information, please Bachelor of Agricultural Science/Bachelor of Commerce.


Bachelor of Forest Science/Bachelor of Commerce

For further information, please Bachelor of Forest Science/Bachelor of Commerce.


Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce

For further information, please Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce (BE/BCom).


Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Information Systems

For further information, please Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Information Systems.


Commerce and Law

The BCom/LLB courses can be combined over five years of full-time study. Students already enrolled in the Commerce course may apply for entry to the combined course and should consult the General Manager (Law) for complete details. As well as the prescribed Law subjects, students must pass at least 200 points of approved Economics and Commerce subjects. Two non-Commerce level 1 subjects (25 points) may be taken in the first year of the course, to count as two Economics and Commerce subjects. (Students who take a foreign language worth 37.5 points in first year may count the language as equivalent to three Economics and Commerce subjects). The approved order of subjects is as follows:


First year


Second year


Third year


Fourth year


Fifth year

Note: Combined Commerce/Law students do not take any of the Business Law subjects taught within the Faculty of Economics and Commerce. Students are eligible for admission to the degree of Bachelor of Commerce on completion of the first four years of the combined course.


Other double degrees

Students may also wish to take a double degree (the BCom with another pass degree) which is not an approved combined degree course in the University. This requires passes or credits for at least 300 points approved by the Faculty of Economics and Commerce. At least 200 of these points must be from economics and commerce subjects, including all the compulsory subjects and a total of four level 3 subjects (50 points).


Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)

Students who have reached the required standard must make a formal application to the General Manager for admission to fourth-year honours. Those who seek entry to fourth-year honours must ascertain from the head of the relevant department whether any additional work or special subjects will be required at third-year level. If planning to change specialisation, students should consult the head of the appropriate department for advice on any required additional work.

Eligibility to enter the honours degree is based on achievement of an average mark of H2B in at least four subjects at 300-level in the intended area of specialisation (including subjects nominated by the department as relevant to the discipline). In addition, students must obtain a mark of H2B or better in three of the four subjects.

Intending honours students should lodge a formal application, on the form obtainable from the Faculty Office, with the General Manager no later than one week after the publication of third-year results.


Accounting and Finance

The Accounting and Finance honours program has been developed with four major specialisations:

In the honours year (fourth year), students may undertake an approved program of study in any one of the above specialisations or, alternatively, may undertake a combination of specialisations, constituting a general honours program. Each of the honours specialisations has a compulsory core subject (see below), which will have prerequisites at the third-year (and perhaps second-year) level.

Students are required to complete the equivalent of eight units in fourth-year honours. The Research Essay counts for three units. Compulsory subjects for all honours year students in Accounting and Finance are:

The remaining four units should be chosen to include at least one of the following core subjects and three other subjects which complement the specialisation. The remaining subjects can be chosen from any subjects taught within the Faculty or subjects chosen from another Faculty as approved by the head of the department. Normally no more than one level 3 subject can be included in the program of study.

The core subjects for the respective honours specialisations are:


Actuarial Studies

By the end of their third year, candidates must have completed the requirements for the pass degree. In addition, they must have achieved a grade of H2B or better in at least three relevant subjects at 300-level, and have an average mark of at least H2B in at least four subjects at 300-level. (A list of relevant subjects is available from the Centre for Actuarial Studies.) Candidates must have a grade of H2B or better in at least one of the following subjects:

In their fourth year, candidates must complete the following subjects:

Candidates must complete at least one other 400-level subject taught by the Faculty of Economics and Commerce. Two additional subjects must be taken at 300 or 400-level, chosen from within or outside the Faculty of Economics and Commerce. However, by the end of four years a candidate must have completed at least two of the following subjects:


Economics


Third year

Students are strongly advised to give early consideration to a topic for their fourth-year research essay. They should obtain approval for it from an adviser by the start of fourth year.


Fourth year

In the fourth year students must undertake the following subjects:


BCom(Hons)(Economics)/LLB


First year


Second year


Third Year

Note: Permission may be granted to replace two level 3 Economics subjects with Property, provided two level 3 Economics subjects are then taken in fourth year.


Fourth Year


Fifth Year


Sixth Year


Business Development and Corporate History


Third year

By the end of the third year, candidates must have completed four third-year subjects in Corporate History (normally including 326-309 Research Methods in the Social Sciences). A level 3 subject taught by another department in the Faculty can be substituted for a Corporate History subject. Combined Law/Commerce students may limit their Law studies to one subject approved by the Faculty of Law.


Fourth year

The remaining subject must be selected from any other subjects taught by the faculty and approved by the Head of Department. Combined Law/Commerce students may select Law subjects with the approval of the Head of Department.

The research essay counts for three units. The topic must be approved by the Head of Department.


Accounting & Finance/Economics


Third year

Students intending to undertake honours in Accounting/Economics must take eight subjects which include the following:


Fourth year

Students studying a combined Accounting & Finance and Economics honours may choose to undertake their research essay in either department.

Students who choose to do the subject 306-467 Accounting and Finance Research Essay must also take:

By the end of the fourth year, students must have completed the subjects 316-301 International Economics and 316-312 Macroeconomics and 316-316 Basic Econometrics or 316-317 Econometrics.


Business Development and Corporate History/Economics


Third year

Students intending to undertake honours in Business Development and Corporate History/Economics must have taken 316-313 Microeconomics and at least one of the following level 3 Economics subjects:

Students must have taken at least two level 3 subjects in Business Development and Corporate History.


Fourth year

If the Research Essay is undertaken in Business Development and Corporate History:

If the Research Essay is undertaken in Economics:

The research essay topic must be approved by the Head of Economics and the Head of Business Development and Corporate History. If the research essay is undertaken in Business Development and Corporate History, the essay counts for three units; if the research essay is undertaken in Economics, the subjects count for two units.


Management and Industrial Relations


Third year

Students must include at least two 300-level subjects offered by the Department of Management and Industrial Relations in their best four calculation.


Fourth year

Students undertaking honours in Management and Industrial Relations must undertake the following subjects:

The remaining two subjects must be chosen from any other subjects taught by the Faculty as approved by the Head of Department. No more than two level 3 subjects can be included in the program of study.


Management and Accounting & Finance


Third year

Students intending to take honours in Management and Accounting and Finance must have taken both 306-301 Financial Accounting and 306-302 Managerial Accounting, together with at least two of the following Management subjects:

plus additional accounting subjects to complete associate sequence requirements.

Entry into the Honours year will be based on student performance in any two subjects from the approved third year subjects listed by the Department of Management and any two subjects from the approved third year subjects listed by the Department of Accounting and Finance.


Fourth year

Either 306-467 Accounting and Finance Research Essay

Or 327-403 Management and Industrial Relations Research Essay

Students taking the Accounting and Finance Research Essay must also take:

Students taking the Management and Industrial Relations Essay must also take:

GROUP A

GROUP B


Management and Industrial Relations/Business Development and Corporate History

Entry into the honours year will be based on student performance in any two approved third year subjects taught by the Department of Management and Industrial Relations and two approved third year subjects taught by the Department of Business Development and Corporate History.

Approved third-year subjects taught by the Department of Management and Industrial Relations:

Approved third year subjects taught by the Department of Business Development and Corporate History:

Students undertaking the combined honours specialisation will study either:

Students taking the Management and Industrial Relations Research Essay must also take two of the prescribed subjects in Group A in addition to three of the prescribed subjects from Group B.

Students taking the Business Development and Corporate History Essay must also take two of the prescribed subjects in Group B, and three of the prescribed subjects from Group A.

Group A

Group B

Based on their choice of either a Business Development and Corporate History or Management and Industrial Relations Research Essay, students must consult with the relevant Honours Co-Coordinator to determine the most appropriate selection of subjects for the honours year.


Postgraduate courses

Graduates with a BCom pass degree or its equivalent may apply for enrolment in a postgraduate diploma in economics, business development, finance, or a graduate diploma in industrial relations.

It is expected that diploma students will perform at honours level during their courses. Successful completion of a diploma course at the required standard qualifies candidates for admission to the MCom degree course.


Postgraduate Diploma in Economics

The DipEcon advanced course of study normally takes one year full time or two years part time, entailing two or four consecutive semesters in economics and related disciplines. It provides introductory training for students seeking to do an MCom degree by coursework or by thesis.

Admission is open to graduates in economics and to others with approved tertiary qualifications. Those without an adequate economics background will be required to undertake preliminary work. The course assumes ability to cope with work of honours degree standard.


Postgraduate Diploma in Business Development

An advanced course in business development and corporate history and related disciplines, the DipBusDev normally takes one year full time or two years part time (two or four consecutive semesters). It provides introductory training for students seeking to do an MCom degree by coursework or by thesis.

The course is open to graduates who have a major sequence or its equivalent in business development and corporate history and to other persons with tertiary qualifications of sufficient standard.

Applicants without an adequate economic history background will be required to undertake preliminary work. The course assumes ability to cope with work of honours degree standard.


Postgraduate Diploma in Finance

The DipFin advanced course normally takes one year full-time or two years part-time (two or four consecutive semesters) and provides a basic understanding of modern finance and financial economics. It provides introductory training for students seeking to do an MCom degree by coursework or by thesis.

Admission is open to graduates with an economics or finance background or equivalent. Applicants without the appropriate background are required to undertake preliminary work.

Preliminary work normally involves satisfactory completion of the undergraduate subjects Business Finance 1, Accounting Concepts, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. An applicant may be required to complete other preliminary work.


Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management

The DipIndRelsHRM course, normally one year full time or two years part time (two or four consecutive semesters), offers advanced studies in industrial relations and related disciplines. It provides introductory training for students seeking to do the MCom by coursework or by thesis.

Admission is open to graduates from any discipline and applicants should normally have relevant work experience. Candidates who have not previously studied industrial relations will usually enrol as part-time students in order to sequence their studies appropriately.


Graduate Diploma in Actuarial Studies

The Graduate Diploma is designed for students who have not undertaken an undergraduate actuarial program but who decide to pursue a career in actuarial science. To obtain entry to the program, students must have completed a degree from a recognised university, have a good academic record, and have an appropriate background (e.g. in statistics or applied mathematics). The course requires one year of full-time or two years of part-time study.


Master of Commerce by coursework or thesis

The MCom degree by coursework is a one year, full-time (two year, part-time) program specialising in economics, finance or industrial relations.

The course consists of six coursework subjects plus production of an article for publication or a research report, which counts as a double subject.

Candidates for an MCom degree by thesis pursue original research on an approved topic for at least one year full-time, or two years part-time.

Each candidate has a supervisor appointed by the Faculty. Candidates present the results of their research in a thesis of about 50,000 words or (on the recommendation of their supervisor) a series of papers.

The MCom degree by thesis should be completed within two years for full-time candidates and four years for part-time candidates.

Admission to the MCom degree course (whether by thesis or coursework) is open to students with a first or second-class BCom(Hons) degree or its equivalent.


Master of Actuarial Science

The Master of Actuarial Science is a one year full time or two year part time program. Students must have completed a degree, have an academic record with an average of 70% or higher and have a major in an appropriate area (e.g. statistics or applied mathematics).


Master of Applied Finance

The Master of Applied Finance is a two year part time or nine month full time program. The program has been designed to suit the needs of financial managers and financial markets practitioners.

The philosophy behind the program has been to provide an intensive, practically oriented advanced program in finance that meets the needs of participants and their workplaces.

Graduate of the course will have an enhanced understanding of financial markets and activities and be able to operate more effectively in these areas.


Master of International Business

The Master of International Business is a program designed to prepare you for a future in international business. The program is offered on a two year part time or nine month full time basis.

The program deals with the problems and challenges facing business organisations that do business across borders and between cultures. The Asian region is used as a focus of study to explore strategic management issues.

Peer learning between students is encouraged by the use of case studies and small project teams. This gives students the opportunity to work in small cross-cultural groups.


Doctor of Philosophy

Studies for a PhD may be pursued in any department of the Faculty, including the Faculty's Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research (IAESR) or its Impact Project. Intending applicants should approach the relevant head of department for further details and seek advice from the University's Office for Research. Applications may be lodged at any time.


Doctor of Commerce

The DCom degree may be taken by a graduate of the University of Melbourne, or any other tertiary educational institution, of not less than seven years standing after first qualifying for a degree. The candidate must satisfy the Faculty of adequate training and experience in a discipline recognised by the Faculty.

Candidates submit for examination published or unpublished original work which in subject, scope and character is deemed appropriate by the Faculty.


Student information

Students should be aware of their rights and obligations while at the University. Essential information on matters such as enrolment, assessment, special consideration in the event of illness or other difficulties, etc., is contained in the Student Diary, issued to every student on enrolment.


Full-time and part-time study in the BCom degree

Full-time students are expected to take four subjects each semester and the normal duration of the BCom pass degree is three years. With four subjects the total class hours for lectures and tutorials will amount to some twelve or thirteen hours per week. This may seem small in comparison with what is customary in secondary schools or in university courses involving laboratory work, but new students in particular should realise that they are also expected to do much private reading and prepare essays and other written work. They should therefore avoid accepting too many outside commitments, or seeking employment during the academic year. The atmosphere of a university is not one of a teacher instructing pupils, but one of self-education on the part of the students, aided by lecturers and tutors, from whom advice can readily be sought on any points of difficulty arising from their studies.

Students in full-time employment are limited in their own interests to two subjects per semester. To attempt more is to run the risk of failure. It follows that for part-time students the duration of the BCom pass degree is six years, but the maximum length of the course is limited to eight years. In arranging their courses and selecting their subjects, part-time students should pay close attention to the rules governing the order in which particular subjects can be taken. It is no longer possible to arrange timetables so that part-time students can always attend lectures at convenient times, and there will inevitably be occasions when they have to obtain leave of absence from their employer. If at all possible, students are urged to take at least one year of their course full-time.


Course overload rules

Students will only be permitted to overload their course in a semester when the Faculty is reasonably confident that the overload will not result in failure or any substantially diminished performance in the course. Students will not be permitted to exceed a total of 24 subjects in the degree course. Permission to overload is not automatic and will only be given when there is good reason. Students who have failed two or more subjects in their first year will not be given permission to overload in their second year. Students who have failed one subject in their first year may be given permission to overload in their second year, provided they have passed all subjects in the previous semester (or two semesters in the case of a part-time student). Permission will then be granted only if it is thought that the student has the ability to pass all the subjects in the overloaded course. Third year students who require one or two additional subjects to complete the degree in the year in question will automatically be granted permission to overload.


Attendance at lectures and classes

Attendance at lectures and tutorials is compulsory for all students in the subjects taught by the Faculty. External enrolments therefore cannot be accepted and no correspondence tuition is available. Essays and other written work as set by the lecturers will be taken into account at the annual assessment and failure to submit the required work may involve exclusion from the examinations.


Assessment

Students will be informed during the first two weeks of lectures of the assessment procedures for essays, class work, mid-semester tests, final examinations or other work required. The weightings of components of assessment in a subject, if not given in the Subjects section of this Handbook, will be posted on departmental notice-boards at the beginning of the semester.

Attention is drawn to Rules Made by Council Pursuant to Statute 12.2.10--Rules Relating to Assessment, which provide, inter alia, that a student must not during or in connection with the performance of any component of assessment:

  1. directly or indirectly assist any other student or accept assistance from any other person;

  2. copy from or otherwise use the answer of any other person engaged in the performance of the same or comparable component of assessment or permit any other person to copy from or otherwise use his or her answer;

  3. submit or represent as the work of the student the whole or part of published or unpublished material written or prepared by some other person.

    No student is permitted to submit for assessment in a subject any essay or assignment which is substantially similar to work submitted for assessment by the student in any other subject.

    Unless expressly stated otherwise, all examinations and tests will be in written form.


    Cancellation or changes to subjects

    In exceptional circumstances the Council may suspend a subject or change its content. Any cancellation or change will be announced on departmental notice-boards before teaching begins. An optional subject may be suspended due to insufficient enrolments.

    Undergraduate students seeking to discontinue or change any of the subjects for which they are enrolled must obtain a Course Change form from the Faculty Office.


    Special tests

    There are no supplementary examinations in units taught by this Faculty, but the examiners may require candidates to present for further written or oral tests to be held before the publication of results in December. Candidates are warned that only very short notice of these tests can be given and it is important therefore that they can be reached at the address held by the University.


    Extensions of time

    Students requiring extensions of time to complete components of assessment must lodge an application with the relevant departmental office. Application procedures are set out on departmental notice-boards.


    Special Consideration

    Special Consideration may be granted for a variety of reasons. Applications must be lodged with the Faculty Office on the official form no later than three days after the relevant examination. Students are referred to the Student Diary for details.


    Unsatisfactory Progress

    Unsatisfactory Progress is defined as:

    The following procedures operate:

    The Committee will recommend to the Academic Board that a student be suspended from a course if:

    unless there are extreme extenuating circumstances.

    All other students whose progress is unsatisfactory are considered individually by the Faculty's Student Progress Committee in January. Depending on what extenuating circumstances there may be, the Committee may decide to recommend suspension, restriction or limitation of the subjects a student may take in the forthcoming academic year.

    Students recommended for suspension by the Faculty to the Academic Board have the right to be heard by the Board, but if the Board confirms the recommendation, the student is then excluded from the course.

    Students suspended from a course, or who discontinue from a course, may apply to be re-selected into the course in competition with other applicants during the selection period.


    Leave of absence or course discontinuation

    An undergraduate student seeking leave of absence must request permission from the General Manager in writing, specifying the proposed period of absence. Students who wish to discontinue their courses must notify the General Manager in writing.


    Computers

    The Faculty has an excellent undergraduate computer laboratory with 90 networked microcomputers running state-of-the-art commercial and statistical software.

    The computer laboratory is located on the first floor of the Baldwin Spencer Building.

    A separate computer laboratory caters for research students enrolled in the honours program and postgraduate courses.

    The Department of Accounting and Finance's Introductory Business Computing course includes practical use of computer application packages relevant to all Commerce students.

    Other accounting courses also make use of computer application packages, but Accounting Information Systems and the corresponding fourth-year course deals with the more specialised aspects of business computing.

    The Department of Economics uses computers extensively in its statistics, econometrics and advanced economics courses.


    Membership of professional bodies

    Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants: Individuals who hold the Bachelor of Commerce degree with a three-year sequence in Accounting and Finance may apply for Associate membership of the Society.

    Specific requirements of Associate membership are a core set of subjects and one of two 'Associate sequences'.

    Core subjects include the compulsory subjects from the Commerce degree plus Accounting 1A and 1B, Intermediate Financial Accounting, Intermediate Managerial Accounting, Business Computing, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Business Finance and Introduction to Business Law.

    Associate sequences are:

    Persons who seek full CPA membership after graduation must complete further external studies specified by the Society. For more information, including details of admission requirements, contact the State Registrar of the CPA, Victorian Division, 170 Queen Street, Melbourne 3000.

    Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia: Those who hold the Bachelor of Commerce degree including: Accounting 1A and 1B, Intermediate Managerial Accounting, Intermediate Financial Accounting, Business Computing, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Business Finance 1, Auditing, Introduction to Business Law, Corporate Law and Taxation Law, may apply to participate in the Institute's Professional Year of Study.

    The Institute requires Professional Year students other than holders of honours degrees to complete a minimum of 52 weeks service with a firm of chartered accountants in public practice before the commencement of the Professional Year. For further information on admission requirements, contact the State Director, ICAA, 490 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000.

    Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators: Persons who have completed the Bachelor of Commerce degree, including the Accounting and Business Law sequences, may apply for exemption from eight of the 13 subjects of the Institute's examinations.

    Australian Institute of Banking and Finance: Persons who have completed the degree of Bachelor of Commerce and are employed in the banking and finance industry are eligible for affiliate membership of the Institute. Student membership is also available. Interested students should consult the Institute at level 19, 385 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000.

    Institute of Actuaries of Australia: The Bachelor of Commerce course allows students with strong mathematical backgrounds to undertake studies for the actuarial profession in their degrees.

    Students who pass these courses at the appropriate high standard are able to apply for exemptions for up to eight subjects which comprise Part I of the IAA syllabus. In addition, two honours subjects comprise Part II of the syllabus. For more information, contact the Actuarial Tuition Service, 447 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000.


    For more information

    General Manager, Faculty of Economics and Commerce, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052.

    Tel. +613 9344 5317.


    The Faculty Office

    The Faculty Office is located on the second floor of the Economics and Commerce Building. The telephone number is +61 3 9344 5317. Appointments can be arranged at the General Enquiry Office.

    The Executive Officer (Undergraduate Studies), the Executive Officer (Overseas Students), the Manager (Community Programmes) and the General Manager are available to provide advice to undergraduate students.

    Front office staff can provide general advice or direct students to the appropriate source of information concerning changes to enrolment, change of address, course advice, careers advice, special consideration requests, enrolment records, overseas student matters, and general personal counselling with referral to other University services such as Student Counselling, Language Centre, and Study Skills.

    The Faculty Office can also provide details of awards, prizes and exhibitions available in the Faculty. Further information on matters of general concern (such as fees, enrolment, assessment, special consideration, student membership cards, colleges and halls of residence, the Course and Careers Unit, financial assistance and University facilities) is provided in the Student Diary. The Student Administration Office in the Raymond Priestley Building is the only office able to provide official result statements.

    The General Manager, the Manager (Graduate Studies), the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), and relevant heads of departments can provide course advice for postgraduate students.


    Subject codes

    Subject codes consist of six digits. The first three digits indicate the teaching department and the fourth digit indicates the year level. The departmental codes are:

    300

    Actuarial Studies

    306

    Accounting and Finance

    732

    Business Law

    316

    Economics

    326

    Business Development and Corporate History

    327

    Management and Industrial Relations

    617

    Mathematical Sciences

    618

    Mathematics

    619

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    Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Economics and Commerce
    Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
    Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
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    Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.