Outline

Overview

This unit represents a culminating academic experience for students in the Master of Economics by applying their knowledge in economic theory and methodology to an economic problem in a real-world context. Lectures will cover the nature of economic research, appropriate theoretical concepts, and quantitative methods, where applicable. The unit will focus on a particular economic problem.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Economics
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	24 credit points of selective units of study
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ECON7010 or ECON7020 or ECON7030 or ECON7032 or ECON7033 or ECON7034
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Chandana Maitra, chandana.maitra@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Paper-based exam. 2000 words.	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Writing in tutorials In-tutorial writing exercises in odd weeks (250 words per week)	20%	Multiple weeks	1250 words	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Media project (recorded video) Communicate economic concepts and ideas to a non-economics audience	30%	Week 13 Due date: 02 Nov 2026 at 23:59	1250 words/5 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment will be provided on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy聽(Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High Distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a Credit a good standard, and a Pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Distinction	75 - 84	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.听
Credit	65 - 74	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Pass	50 - 64	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don鈥檛 meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the聽Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the聽Current Students website聽for more information on AI in assessments, including聽details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website聽provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the聽Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)聽which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the聽Current Students website聽for more information on AI in assessments, including聽details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a聽simple extension.鈥� The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can鈥檛 complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for聽special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,聽聽includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy聽reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Weekly content (Topics in Family Economics)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Weekly content	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Tutorial 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Weekly content	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Weekly content	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Tutorial 3	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Weekly content	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Tutorial 4	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Weekly content	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Tutorial 5	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Weekly content	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Tutorial 6	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Weekly content	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Tutorial 7	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Weekly content	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Tutorial 8	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Weekly content	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Tutorial 9	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Weekly content	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Tutorial 10	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial 11	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Tutorial 12	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner鈥檚 Board. The Examiner鈥檚 Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this聽threshold.
Tutorial attendance: Students must attend their assigned Tutorials in their timetable as in-tutorial writing tasks are linked to the assigned tutorials.
Minimum assessment items: In addition to the media project and final exam, students at a minimum must complete three of the in-tutorial writing exercises. Failure to complete at least three of the in-tutorial writing exercises will result in referral to the examiner's board for violating the FASS Attendance Policy. This may result in anything from an alternative assessment to receiving a result of AF (Absent Fail) for the unit.
Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours鈥� preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Readings will be available in Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate understanding of insights provided by economics as they apply to real-world problems
LO2. Demonstrate understanding of appropriate quantitative and analytical techniques to generate and interpret results for real-world research problems
LO3. Apply economic principles to problems in a broader real-world context
LO4. Critically review relevant literature
LO5. Communicate (verbally and in writing) research results effectively to a broader audience
LO6. Critically examine the nature and implications of assumptions and value judgements involved in economic research.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all 爆料王 graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one鈥檚 personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This will be the first time this unit is being delivered.

Additional information

ECON7031 will focus on Topics in Family Economics.听

Family economics applies microeconomic analytical methods to the study of family behaviour. This topic introduces key theories on resource allocation within households, the distribution of welfare, investment in children, and family formation and dissolution. The field highlights how decisions regarding partnering and childrearing relate to wages, labour supply, and children鈥檚 education and health outcomes. It also provides a framework for understanding broader social issues, such as domestic violence, and the ways in which household decisions can influence long鈥憆un economic outcomes, including growth and inequality.

Disclaimer

Important: the 爆料王 regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .

爆料王

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ECON7031: Master of Economics Capstone A

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links