Key facts
UNE unit code: ECON508
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- critically evaluate complex economic and business scenarios to interpret and explain the influence of cognitive biases, heuristics, and social preferences on decision-making;
- synthesise and appraise empirical, predictive, and experimental evidence to assess the validity and limitations of standard and behavioural economic models;
- critique and assess the design, effectiveness, and ethical implications of behavioural interventions (nudges) within diverse policy or organisational contexts;
- design and justify theoretically grounded proposals for advanced behavioural interventions or experimental studies that address complex real-world economic or social challenges; and
- demonstrate advanced autonomy and critical reflection by independently planning, executing, and evaluating research or professional tasks that extend behavioural economics knowledge and skills in applied contexts.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioural Design Challenge and Oral Defence - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | A two-part capstone assessment. Part A requires designing and justifying an advanced intervention or detailed experimental study for a complex real-world problem, grounded in synthesised theory and evidence. Part B is an oral presentation and Q&A defence of the proposal. The oral presentation will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Both components must be completed for the assessment to be valid. Word count: 2500 words Students must obtain at least 50% in Assessment Item 3 (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass or better in the unit. |
| Behavioural intervention critique and enhancement proposal | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Critically assess a complex intervention's design, effectiveness, and ethics, proposing modifications justified by synthesising advanced theory and research evidence. Word count: 2000 words |
| Critical case study analysis | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Critically evaluate a complex case study, synthesising diverse evidence to compare behavioural vs. standard models. Word count: 2000 words |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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