Introduction
BEA200 Public Policy and Welfare shows how economic theory can be directly applied to explain the behaviour of individuals and help solve the decisions that policymakers face. The unit introduces and uses the neoclassical theory of consumer behaviour to initially explain how individuals respond to changes in prices, wages, interest rates and income and how to measure their welfare. The unit then considers both market and non-market public policy options such as sin-taxes, the impact of subsidies, free education vs. vouchers, welfare payments and clawback. The unit concludes by examining concepts of efficiency and social welfare and their measurement in a general equilibrium framework.
This unit is a core unit in the Bachelor of Economics and can be taken as a nominated elective in a wide range of other programs throughout the University of Tasmania.
Summary
| Unit name | Public Policy and Welfare |
| Unit code | BEA200 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Tasmanian School of Business and Economics |
| Discipline | Economics |
| Coordinator | Doctor Paul Blacklow |
| Available as an elective? | No |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Intermediate |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Learning Outcomes
- Use economic concepts and theories to analyse economic decisions.
- Apply economic theory to identify public policy issues and how public policy is influenced by efficiency and equity.
- Apply economic models to analyse key public policies.
- Effectively communicate economics in written format.
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Prerequisites
BEA111|Prior Skills and Knowledge: Students enrolling in BEA200 are expected to have the following basic skills in mathematics (from high school): Basic Algebra – manipulation of equations, solving equations. Linear Functions – plotting functions, identifying slope and intercept. Logarithms and Exponentials – index and log laws. An understanding of simple calculus (simple and partial differentiation) is also useful but will be taught as part of the unit. Students enrolling in BEA200 are also expected to be able to use: MS Excel and MS Word – to perform simple calculations and produce professional reports.Teaching
| Assessment | Quiz (20%)|Assignment (40%)|Microeconomic Policy Analysis (40%) |
|---|---|
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Perloff, Smith and Round, Microeconomics (Australian Edition), Pearson, 2014. ISBN 9781442532830 This is the first ever Australian edition of an intermediate microeconomics text! It contains clear diagrams, solved problems, chapter summaries and applications of microeconomics to real-world Australian and international events, issues and policies. Students may also wish to purchase e-book access for the prescribed text directly from Pearson’s Australian website. eText only: http://www.pearson.com.au/9781442548695 |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Most intermediate microeconomics texts are similar and could be used as an imperfect substitute to the prescribed text. If students wish to use an alternative intermediate microeconomics text, please check with the lecturer that it is suitable. The following is non-exhaustive list of imperfect substitute texts that are suitable and available for loan from the Morris Millar library:
|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.