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

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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).

About Census Dates

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

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
091901 $2,040.00 $1,597.00 not applicable $2,596.00

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

XPD114

Teaching

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)

AssessmentReflection (30%)|Test (30%)|Analysis (40%)
TimetableView 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.

LinksBooktopia textbook finder

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