Courses & Units
Behavioural and Experimental Economics BEA203
Introduction
Behavioural economics draws on insights and methods from psychology to better understand economic and business decisions. It takes economics beyond the traditional assumption of instrumental rationality, developing theories that more accurately explain and predict economic behaviour. Economic experiments are the main tool used by behavioural economists to test such theories and to investigate the underlying causes of individual and group decisions. This unit provides a hands-on coverage of experimental economics, its methods (including randomised controlled trials) and its real-world applications. It develops knowledge on how to design and conduct economic experiments as well as applying experimental economics to evaluate newly designed business strategies, public policies or nudge interventions.
Summary
| Unit name | Behavioural and Experimental Economics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BEA203 |
| 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 |
| Level | Intermediate |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 2 | 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 2 | 22/7/2024 | 16/8/2024 | 9/9/2024 | 27/10/2024 |
* 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 experimental economics and explain its role and scope in economics in general and behavioural economics in particular.
- Analyse and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the experimental method, and its appropriateness to study different economic issues.
- Test and evaluate behavioural economics interventions aimed at addressing industry and policy challenges.
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.
Teaching
| Assessment | Mid-semester test (20%)|Reflection (30%)|Assignment (50%) |
|---|---|
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
There is no one prescribed textbook for this unit. Your unit coordinator will collate readings from various sources for you. Each topic in the unit will have its own reading list which can be found on MyLO. Required articles and chapters can be downloaded electronically via the UTAS library or found on Google Scholar. The reading list for each topic will consist of essential and optional readings. At the very least, students are expected to read the essential readings (around 3-5 pieces per topic). |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Journals such as Journal of Economic Psychology, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Experimental Economics, Journal of the Economic Science Association and Journal of Behavioral & Experimental Economics are recommended to delve further into experimental methods. | Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.