Key facts

UNE unit code: ECON340

*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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This unit brings energy markets to life by applying rigorous economic analysis to real-world challenges. You’ll explore how supply, demand, and prices respond to resource limitations, cost structures, and market design across oil, gas, coal, electricity, and renewable energy sectors.
 
Through critical assessment of risk, uncertainty, and market failures in energy markets, you’ll develop practical insights into industry dynamics and regulatory responses. Using real-world case studies and hands-on data analysis, you’ll build valuable forecasting and decision-making skills that prepare you to engage with energy issues in both Australian and global contexts.
 
This unit will develop your professional capabilities in quantitative analysis and learn to effectively communicate your findings, whether working independently or as part of a team – skills that are highly valued by employers in the energy sector, government, and consulting firms.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
ECON101 or ECON102 or ECON123 or ECON406 or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
ECON540
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

George Chen

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. explain the economic fundamentals and structure of key energy markets, including oil, gas, coal, electricity, and renewables;
  2. analyse and evaluate investment, production, and performance decisions in energy sectors, considering uncertainty and risk;
  3. assess market failures, regulatory responses, and the impact of international trade and geopolitics on energy markets;
  4. apply quantitative and data analysis techniques to real-world energy market problems and effectively communicate findings; and
  5. work independently and/or collaboratively to plan, execute, and reflect on tasks that develop professional knowledge and skills relevant to energy economics.

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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
EssayYes30%All offerings

A case study on key energy sectors


Word Count: 2500 

Final Examination - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

There is a supervised exam during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.

Students must obtain at least 50% in the final examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass (or better) in the unit.

 

Online Quiz - Assurance TaskYes20%All offerings

40 multiple-choice questions.

The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.

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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