This course introduces students to the core techniques of both behavioural and classical economics, and explores how the two approaches compare. It examines the principles and basic models of decision-making that underpin each tradition, along with their implications for economic behaviour.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate an understanding of how behavioral economists think and approach economic questions;
- clearly express the advantages, disadvantages, criticisms and limitations of Behavioral Economics individually and in a team.
- demonstrate an understanding of the tools taught in class and be able to apply in real world situations;
- demonstrate an understanding of aspects of decision-making and solve analytical problems.
- synthesise behavioral insights across disciplines, developing integrative approaches to problem-solving that acknowledge complexity, uncertainty, and the potential for unintended consequences;
- critically evaluate behavioral economics models and empirical evidence, and apply them to assess the design, likely effectiveness, limitations, and possible unintended consequences of behaviorally informed interventions in real-world economic and policy contexts.
Indicative Assessment
- Assessment will consist of a Final Exam, mid-semester exam(s), in-class quizzes or some combination thereof. See the Class Summary for details. (100) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Groupwork assessment will be compulsory. The weighting percentage will be published in the class summary. (0) [LO 2]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours in total over the semester consisting of lectures, tutorials and private study time.
Inherent Requirements
This course requires active participation in group work. Working in teams is an inherent requirement, as it develops essential collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills relevant to your studies as an economist.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
See Class Summary
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $5640 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $7200 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.