Labour Economics

Subject ECON90013 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Lectures and workshops totalling three hours per week
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours per semester
Prerequisites: 316-611 Microeconomics and 316-470/316678 Econometric Techniques or equivalent.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: 316-411 Labour Economics
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Andrew Clarke

Contact

Graduate School of Business and Economics Student Centre
Level 4, 198 Berkeley Street
Telephone: +61 3 8344 1670
Online Enquiries: http://www.gsbe.unimelb.edu.au/future/unity_forms/contact.html
Web: www.melbournegsm.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This is an advanced subject in labour economics. Topics to be covered will include: Overview of labour market outcomes in Australia; Labour supply (including labour force participation, hours of work, and the effects of public policy); Labour demand; Human capital; Labour market discrimination; Unemployment; Wage determination; Earnings distributions; Impact of unions. Other topics may include labour market flows (including the analysis of quits and layoffs), immigration, and employment structures within firms. In each topic relevant theory and empirical research (especially relevant Australian studies) will be examined.
Objectives: On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
  • Describe the fundamental features of a labour market, its operation, and role in the economy;
  • Apply relevant microeconomic and macroeconomic theory to explain the main potential determinants of labour market outcomes;
  • Critically evaluate empirical evidence on the operation of labour markets, and on the main determinants of labour market outcomes;
  • Formulate simple theoretical models of the operation of the labour market, and design strategies for empirically testing theories.
Assessment:
  • 2-hour examination (70%)
  • Essay totalling not more than 2000 words (20%)
  • Problem sets (10%)
Prescribed Texts: You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Evaluation of ideas, views and evidence
  • Synthesis of ideas, views and evidence
  • Critical thinking
  • Application of theory to economic policy and business decision-making
  • Summarise and interpretation of information
  • Statistical reasoning
  • Problem solving skills
  • Oral communication
  • Written communication
Notes: Students may not gain credit for both 316-651 Labour Economics and 316-411 Labour Economics.
Related Course(s): Master of Commerce - Economics

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