Course coordinator
Associate Professor Carl Sherwood
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Economics School
Provides students with a practical understanding of the core economic principles that explain why individuals, companies and governments make the decisions they do, and how their decision-making might be improved to make best use of available resources.
ECON1010 is an introductory course in Microeconomics. It focuses on how decision making agents within the economy (e.g. consumers, firms, government departments) make choices and how choices can be made in a way that makes the best possible use of limited available resources. Making choices is an integral part of everyday life - this course will help you to understand how the world operates, and, in doing so, shed light on how it might be changed for the better. For example, why do firms discount certain products but not others? Why is it so hard to find a good quality used car? Why does the government heavily tax petrol but not fast food? Why has the divorce rate increased over the past 50 years? This course will set you on the path to thinking critically about all areas of life where choices are made. A focus is placed on core economic principles that are immediately applicable rather than formal mathematical theorising.
Course requirements
Assumed background
There is a mathematical requirement for entry into degree programs offered by the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law. The mathematical requirements of this course are modest.ﾠBasic arithmetic and an ability to understand and manipulate simple graphs are required. These skills are basic employment requirements in the private or public sector.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ECON1011 or 2011 or 2012
Restrictions
Not to be studied by BAdvBus(Hons) and BAdvFin&Econ(Hons) students
Course contact
School enquiries
School Enquiries, School of Economics
All enquiries regarding student and academic administration (i.e. non-course content information, e.g., class allocation, timetables, extension to assessment due date, etc.) should be directed to enquiries@economics.uq.edu.au.
Enquiries relating specifically to course content should be directed to the Course Coordinator/Lecturer.
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Carl Sherwood
Tutor
Mr Gabriel Lohmann
Mr Kirtan Jamnadas
Mr Boris Wang
Mr Sam Taylor
Mr Nandan Mandar Tol
Mr Ikmal Hafiz Zulazhar
Mr Edwin Lan
Mr Lucas Kebbell
Mr Guanchu Qi
Mr Dylan Cuttelod
Mr Nikolas Stamatiou
Senior tutor
Mr Gabriel Lohmann
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures commence in Teaching Week 1.
Tutorials commence in Teaching Week 2.
Please see the Learning Activities section of this Course Profile for the timetabling implications of public holidays.
Important Dates:
- Public Holidays: Fri 3 April (Good Friday), Mon 6 April (Easter Monday), Mon 4 May (Labour Day).
- Mid-Semester Break: 6 April - 10 April. Semester 1 classes recommence on Mon 13 April.
Students should refer to the timetable prior to the commencement of classes to ensure that they have the most up to date information, as from time to time late room changes may occur.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to enable you to begin to think like an economist, enhancing your ability to link economic theory with everyday issues to form well-reasoned, independent views.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Interpret fundamental economic terminology.
LO2.
Identify appropriate economic theory related to real-life contexts.
LO3.
Apply economic theory to analyse rather than simply describe economic behaviour.
LO4.
Evaluate proposed outcomes using economic theory.
LO5.
Communicate economic thinking in non-technical, plain language.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
CML Quizzes
|
25% (Best 5 out of 6 CML count) |
CML1 Opens 9am 4 March and closes 4pm on 17 March CML2 Opens 9am 18 March and closes 4pm on 31 March CML3 Opens 9am 1 April and closes 4pm on 21 April CML4 Opens 9am 22 April and closes 4pm on 5 May CML5 Opens 9am 6 May and closes 4pm on 19 May CML6 Opens 9am 20 May and closes 4pm on 29 May |
| Reflection |
Contextualised Learning of Economics via Authentic Reflection - Journal Entries (CLEAR-JE)
|
20% (Best 2 out of 3 CLEAR-JE count) |
CLEAR-JE No.1, 19/03/2026 4:00 pm CLEAR-JE No.2, 2/04/2026 4:00 pm CLEAR-JE No.3, 23/04/2026 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
55% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
Assessment details
CML Quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 25% (Best 5 out of 6 CML count)
- Due date
CML1 Opens 9am 4 March and closes 4pm on 17 March
CML2 Opens 9am 18 March and closes 4pm on 31 March
CML3 Opens 9am 1 April and closes 4pm on 21 April
CML4 Opens 9am 22 April and closes 4pm on 5 May
CML5 Opens 9am 6 May and closes 4pm on 19 May
CML6 Opens 9am 20 May and closes 4pm on 29 May
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
CML Quizzes (Computer Managed Learning Quizzes)
Students can complete up to 6 quizzes (only the best 5 count) to assess understanding of lecture content as follows:
- CML Quiz 1 – Lectures 1 to 2 (5%)
- CML Quiz 2 – Lectures 3 to 4 (5%)
- CML Quiz 3 – Lectures 5 to 6 (5%)
- CML Quiz 4 – Lectures 7 to 8 (5%)
- CML Quiz 5 – Lectures 9 to 10 (5%)
- CML Quiz 6 – Lectures 11 to 12 (5%)
For step-by-step instructions on accessing, completing and submitting CML quizzes, please refer to the CML Information Sheet on the course Blackboard site located under Assessment > Computer Managed Learning (CML) Quizzes > CML Administrative Folder > CML Information Sheet. No marks are awarded for incorrect numerical answers, or answers that do not follow all the instructions in the CML Information Sheet. Marks for questions are as indicated in the CML Quiz.
AI STATEMENT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Enter answers into Blackboard prior to due date and time.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
Late submissions after the deadline for each CML Quiz will not be possible. Access to each CML Quiz will be blocked on Blackboard once the due date and time elapses. Non-submission of a CML quiz will incur a mark of zero for that quiz.
Note that 6 quizzes are made available with only the best 5 contributing to a student's final grade. That is, a student can miss one CML Quiz and still achieve the maximum possible marks for the CML Quiz assessment component of the course (25%). Each CML Quiz is available for almost two weeks, and it is a student's responsibility to submit each quiz by the due date and time.
Contextualised Learning of Economics via Authentic Reflection - Journal Entries (CLEAR-JE)
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 20% (Best 2 out of 3 CLEAR-JE count)
- Due date
CLEAR-JE No.1, 19/03/2026 4:00 pm
CLEAR-JE No.2, 2/04/2026 4:00 pm
CLEAR-JE No.3, 23/04/2026 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05
Task description
CLEAR-JE
Students can submit three CLEAR-JE on specified lecture topics, namely:
- CLEAR-JE No.1 – Lectures 1 and 2 (10%)
- CLEAR-JE No.2 – Lectures 3 and 4 (10%)
- CLEAR-JE No.3 – Lectures 5 and 6 (10%)
For full details relating to CLEAR-JE, please refer to the folders and documents on the course Blackboard site under Assessment > CLEAR-JE, which include:
- how to write a CLEAR-JE (see the Word document titled CLEAR-JE Task Description for Students),
- the CLEAR-JE Template for Students that must be downloaded and used to write a CLEAR-JE,
- individually numbered Turnitin links to submit CLEAR-JE No.1, 2, and 3 on Blackboard. Students must submit a CLEAR-JE number by using the matching CLEAR-JE number Turnitin link on Blackboard.
AI STATEMENT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT (by completing the "Referencing and acknowledging the use of AI" table at the end of the "CLEAR-JE Writing Template" document located on the course Blackboard site). A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The CLEAR-JE assessment task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of the assessment task will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
Submission guidelines
Submit using the relevant CLEAR-JE number Turnitin link found on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
Late submissions after the deadline for each CLEAR-JE will not be possible. Access to each CLEAR-JE Turnitin link will be blocked on Blackboard once the due date and time elapses. Non-submission of a CLEAR-JE will incur a mark of zero for that CLEAR-JE.
Note that 3 CLEAR-JE are made available with only the best 2 contributing to a student's final grade. That is, a student can miss submitting one CLEAR-JE and still achieve the maximum possible marks for the CLEAR-JE assessment component of the course (20%). Each CLEAR-JE is allocated about two weeks for students to write, and it is a student's responsibility to submit a CLEAR-JE by the due date and time.
End of Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 55%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The Final Exam
- can assess any material relating to Lectures 1 to 12 inclusively,
- will have problem questions to solve where fully worked written solutions must be shown,
- may have short answer questions where written explanations must be given.
AI STATEMENT
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0% - 29% |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30% - 46% |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47% - 49% |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50% - 64% |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65% - 74% |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75% - 84% |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85% - 100% |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
A student's final overall end of semester percentage mark will be rounded to determine their final grade. For example, 64.5% rounds to 65%, while 64.4% rounds to 64%.
ECON1010 builds on core concepts that are extended and developed further as the course progresses. Higher grades result from an ability to firmly grasp the core concepts and demonstrate their interconnectedness.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Using AI at UQ
Visit the AI Student Hub for essential information on understanding and using Artificial Intelligence in your studies responsibly.
Plagiarism
The School of Economics is committed to reducing the incidence of plagiarism. You are encouraged to read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy available in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile.
The Academic Integrity Module (AIM) outlines your obligations and responsibilities as a UQ student. It is compulsory for all new to UQ students to complete the AIM.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (23 Feb - 01 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 1 (Topic 1) Thinking Like An Economist I Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1 (Introductions & Topic 1) Thinking Like An Economist 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 2 (Topic 1) Thinking Like An Economist II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 3 (09 Mar - 15 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2 (Topic 1) Thinking Like an Economist II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 3 (Topic 2) Demand and Supply I Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 (Topic 2) Demand and Supply I Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 4 (Topic 2) Demand and Supply II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4 (Topic 2) Demand and Supply II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 5 (Topic 3) Elasticity Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5 (Topic 3) Elasticity. Note: there will be no live tutorial on campus on Friday 3 April (Good Friday public holiday). If your tutorial is scheduled on this day, please attend any of the other tutorials scheduled during the week. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 6 (Topic 4) Perfectly Competitive Supply Note: there will be no live lecture on campus on Friday 3 April (Good Friday public holiday). Students should refer to the ECHO360 lecture recording that will be made available on Blackboard, as well as the UQ Extend video segments that will also be available on Blackboard that cover Lecture 6 content. All material in Lecture 6 will be assessable in the end of semester Final Exam. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Mid-sem break (06 Apr - 12 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break There will be no lecture and tutorials this week. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6 (Topic 4) Perfectly Competitive Supply Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 7 (Topic 5) The Quest For Profits Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 (20 Apr - 26 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7 (Topic 5) The Quest for Profits Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 8 (Topic 6) Imperfect Competition - Monopoly Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 9 (27 Apr - 03 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8 (Topic 6) Imperfect Competition - Monopoly Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 9 (Topic 6) Imperfect Competition - Strategy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9 (Topic 6) Imperfect Competition-Strategy 4th May is the Labour Day public holiday. If your tutorial is scheduled on this day, please attend any of the other tutorials scheduled during the week. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 10 (Topic 7) Externalities, Property Rights Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10 (Topic 7) Externalities and Property Rights. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 11 (Topic 7) Public Goods Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 11 (Topic 7) Public Goods Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 12 (Topic 8) Economics of Information Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 13 (25 May - 31 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 12 (Topic 8) Economics of Information Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 13 Revision Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.