316-326 Economic Analysis and Policy

316-202 Intermediate Microeconomics.

This subject focuses on the application of economics to the analysis of policy issues facing governments in Australia and overseas. The subject begins with a general introduction on the application of principles of microeconomics for guiding the formulation of policy options and their interpretation. It then explores in detail specific topics drawn from health economics, microeconomic reform, income distribution, poverty or other relevant policy areas. For each specific topic the subject presents and evaluates results in the literature and analyses future policy options and their effects.

• High level of development: written communication; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information.

• Moderate level of development: oral communication; accessing data and other information from a range of sources; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

• Some level of development: collaborative learning; problem solving; team work; statistical reasoning; use of computer software.

A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (70%), one class assignments totalling approximately 2000 words (20%), and one 10-minute presentation (10%).