Courses & Units
Introduction to Behavioural Economics BEA106
Introduction
Traditional economics portrays decision making as rational deliberation that computes optimal choices based on well-defined objectives and perfect information. In reality, limited information and cognition as well as certain features of the human psychology often result in decisions that deviate from this assumption. Behavioural economics attempts to explain these deviations using insights and theories from the other social sciences, in particular psychology. This unit introduces students to this intersection of economics and psychology. Its aim is not to be mathematically or theoretically thorough. Rather, it focuses on developing a better understanding of how human psychology affects economic decisions and how such knowledge can be applied to real world business and policy issues, including to nudge.
Summary
| Unit name | Introduction to Behavioural Economics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BEA106 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Business & Economics Tasmanian School of Business and Economics |
| Discipline | Economics |
| Coordinator | Professor Swee-Hoon Chuah |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 1 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 26/2/2024 | 22/3/2024 | 15/4/2024 | 2/6/2024 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Describe key concepts and methods in behavioural economics and explain their significance in economics.
- Apply behavioural economic concepts and theories to examine real-world problems in different contexts.
- Explain and assess the role of behavioural economics in public, social and business policy.
- Communicate key concepts and applications of behavioural economics clearly and cogently.
Fee Information
The 2024 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the domestic fee information as soon as we have more details.
Requisites
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
XPD114Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 1 to 1.5 hours of video recording, weekly (running for 12 weeks) 1 x 2 hour workshop, weekly (running for 12 weeks) |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Reflection (30%)|Test (30%)|Analysis (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.