Public Sector Economics (11224.2)
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | On-campus Online self-paced |
Bruce, Canberra |
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Business, Government & Law |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| Canberra School Of Politics, Economics And Society | Level 2 - Undergraduate Intermediate Unit | Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan Social Work_Exclude 0905) Band 5 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
Learning outcomes
After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:1. Propose how government intervention can correct the allocative inefficiency that can result from the operation of free markets;
2. Analyse public choice theory, including median voter theory and Arrow's impossibility theory and explain how this can result in inefficient outcomes;
3. Analyse the efficiency and equity aspects of Australia's tax and social security systems; and
4. Effectively communicate relevant microeconomic principles behind public policy to policy makers.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
Prerequisites
11175 Introduction to EconomicsCorequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
6404 Economics of the Public SectorAssumed knowledge
This unit only requires prior knowledge of basic microeconomic principles and theories, which are covered in the pre-requisite unit Introduction to Economics.| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 28 July 2025 | On-campus | Dr Craig Applegate |
| 2025 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 28 July 2025 | Online self-paced | Dr Craig Applegate |
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 10 August 2026 | On-campus | Dr Craig Applegate |
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 10 August 2026 | Online self-paced | Dr Craig Applegate |
Required texts
There is no textbook for this unit so don't buy a book. Guidance on appropriate readings will be made in the lectures and posted on the CANVAS website..
The following texts are useful reading but once again, don't buy them:
Useful references
Abelson, P. (2012) Public Economics: Principles and Practice, 3rd Edition, McGraw Hill Sydney.
Atkinson, A.B. and Stglitz, J.E. (1980), Lectures on Public Finance, McGraw Hill.
Anderson, J. (2003), Public Finance: Principles and Policies, Hougton Mifflin, Bostan
Brown C.V. and Jackson P.M. (1990) Public Sector Economics, 4th edition, Blackwell
Gruber, J (2016), Public Finance and Public Policy 5th edition, Worth.
Henry, K. (2009) Australia's Future Tax System: Report to the Treasurer, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra
Hyman, D (2005), Public Finance 8th International edition, Thomson
Randall G. Holcombe (2006), Public Sector Economics: The Role of Government in the American Economy, Pearson Education, New Jersey.
Rosen, Harvey S. (2010), Public Finance, 8th Edition, McGraw Hill International Edition, Irwin./McGraw Hill. Boston.
Musgrave, R. A. and Musgrave, P.B. (1989), Public Finance in Theory and Practice, 5th edition, McGraw Hill.
Stiglitz, J (2000) Economics of the public sector 3rd edition, WW Norton
Submission of assessment items
Special assessment requirements
Use of AI is not permitted in this unit
The University's position is that artificial intelligence services must not be used for assessment or assessment preparation by students unless explicitly allowed in the assessment instructions for an assessment task published with the assessment task and/or in the unit outline. That is, an AI service may only be used if:
a) its use is authorised by the unit convener as part of the specified task; and
b) it is used in the way allowed in the assessment instructions and/or unit outline; and
c) its use is appropriately referenced, meaning that the students must reference the use of AI in their assessment in the same way as they reference other source material.
The use of AI has not been specified in the assessment instructions for the unit or in the unit outline and thus, AI is not a permissible resource.
Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.
Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.
UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).
UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.
Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.
Participation requirements
Active engagement in all online modules enhances your learning and is strongly advised. Unless specifically stated in the unit outline, there is no mandatory attendance requirement. However, you may elect to attend timetabled activities, as they allow you to ask 'real time' questions to develop your understanding for the relevant assessment tasks.
Students are required to give a presentation. Students who attend tutorials either in person or virtually usually obtain better grades than those that do not.
Required IT skills
Basic familiarity with Microsoft Word.
Work placement, internships or practicums
Virtual
