UO Economics of Public Policy

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
ECON 3007
Course ID icon
Course ID
203475
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
3
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The aim of this course is to provide students with an understanding of some of the major issues facing modern societies. Using economic theory and drawing on published literature, students will examine the causes and nature of these problems, the role of government policy in addressing them and critically analyse different policy options. Major policy challenges, including environmental degradation, competition policy, the provision of health care, taxation, public goods, education; analysis of the causes and implications of these issues; analysis of the variety of methods by which public policy aimed at alleviating these problems can be evaluated (for example, cost-benefit analysis); the political economy of policy formation; understanding the relevant theoretical concepts and application to a variety of case studies.

Course learning outcomes

  • Conceptualise some of the major policy challenges facing society.
  • Critically evaluate policy options available to address societal issues.
  • Apply analytical tools to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of various policy responses.
  • Apply economic theory in assessing the causes and consequences of these issues.
  • Demonstrate UniSA Business Enterprise Skills in the context of the Economics discipline: i) Problem Solving (advanced level); and ii) Written Communication (advanced level).

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A