Course coordinator
Dr Vera te Velde
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
Examines approaches to economics of consumers and firms based upon applications of psychology and studies of actual behaviour in complex, uncertain and rapidly changing environments. Examines the policy implications of these contributions and includes coverage of recent work on the economics of happiness. The significance of behavioural economics was acknowledged by Nobel Prizes awarded to Herbert Simon (1978) and Daniel Kahneman (2002) and it has become widely taught in the past decade. The unit will be taught in a way that aims to develop critical thinking skills rather than focusing on mathematical techniques.
In the past two decades there has been an explosion of interest in behavioural economics, largely based on work in the USA that has sought to refashion economic theory in the light of a growing body of findings that suggest actual behaviour is at odds with how the 'rational economic agent' is expected to behave. This course will present the modern understanding of how humans truly behave in uncertain, changing, and complex environments, and our understanding of how and why it may depart from the rational agent model. In some contexts new models have been developed to understand these phenomena, and these will be used to quantitatively understand the difference between "rational" choices and more realistic human decision making. The School of Economics at the University of Queensland has members of staff who have been making contributions in both behavioural and evolutionary economics for many years and those of its staff who work in these areas tend to bring the two approaches together as a whole. Research from recent academic papers in behavioural economics will be introduced and dissected. This course provides a unique opportunity to receive an introduction to this way of looking at economics.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Introductory Microeconomics
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ECON1010 or 1011
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ECON1020
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ECON7480
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 toﾠenquiries@economics.uq.edu.au.ﾠ
Enquiries relating specifically to course content should be directed to the Course Coordinator/Lecturer.
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Vera te Velde
Tutor
Miss Kaya Tominaga
Mr Efrain Boza Nunez
Mr Hugh Weightman
Ms Grace Gu
Mr Lachlan Armstrong
Mr Thomas Formica
Miss Helena Hagan
Senior tutor
Miss Kaya Tominaga
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
It is important that you attend tutorials for this course.
Lectures commence in Week 1.
Tutorials commence in Week 2.
Important Dates:
- Public Holidays: Fri 3 April (Good Friday), 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 develop a pluralistic approach to learning about economics by introducing the literature of behavioural economics and contrasting its philosophical and policy perspectives with mainstream economics. Importantly, this course does not promote behavioural economics as a replacement to classical economics, but rather as a complement. A primary objective is to critically evaluate the use of behavioural economics in understanding decision-making. Therefore, the course structure involves comparing (neo)classical economic models and behavioural approaches for each topic, enabling students to form their own judgements. A secondary aim of this course is to introduce students to research in economics. Weekly activities include discussions on published academic papers during the lectures and tutorials. A reading schedule of these papers will be available on Blackboard. The latter part of the course delves into specialised topics in both mainstream and behavioural economics, as well as a guest lecture from industry or government. This focus is reflected in the major assessment, a research proposal for an original behavioural economics project. Students are encouraged to actively engage in tutorials, designed as discussions/debates, offering a contrast to the typical problem/solution format of most economics courses.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain how behavioural to economics differ from mainstream (or 'classical') economic thinking.
LO2.
Describe heuristics and biases used in decision making and how these may lead either to suboptimal choices or to effective decision-making under cognitive constraints.
LO3.
Apply the concepts and tools of behavioural economics to a range of real-world situations.
LO4.
Generate better informed appraisals of economic policy discussions than you would have done if you had only applied classical economic theories.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Tutorial worksheets | 20% |
2/03/2026 - 29/05/2026
Weekly tutorial sheets must be submitted via Turnitin by 1pm on the Monday following the tutorial week. That is, the first (Week 2) tutorial worksheet will be due at 1pm on Monday of Week 3. In Week 10 only, the tutorial worksheet is due at 1pm on Tuesday due to the Labour Day Public Holiday. |
| Examination |
In-semester Exam
|
35% |
In-semester Saturday 27/03/2026 - 3/05/2026 |
| Examination |
End-of-semester Exam
|
45% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
Assessment details
Tutorial worksheets
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
2/03/2026 - 29/05/2026
Weekly tutorial sheets must be submitted via Turnitin by 1pm on the Monday following the tutorial week. That is, the first (Week 2) tutorial worksheet will be due at 1pm on Monday of Week 3. In Week 10 only, the tutorial worksheet is due at 1pm on Tuesday due to the Labour Day Public Holiday.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Weekly tutorial activities will involve completing worksheets that should be submitted in Pdf format via Turnitin. The lowest three submission scores will be dropped and the remainder will be averaged equally.
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
Your weekly tutorial worksheet, pdf preferred, should be submitted via Turnitin.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Deferred submissions will not be permitted due to the need to release suggested solutions in a timely matter for all students. The lowest three marks will be dropped in order to allow for periodic illnesses and unforeseen circumstances. Worksheets will be released in advance of tutorials and can be submitted at any time during the week.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
In-semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
27/03/2026 - 3/05/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The exam will cover all topics for which tutorials have been completed prior to the exam. For example, if the exam is schedule on the Saturday in between Week 6 and 7, it will cover material from lectures 1 through 5. It will consist of problem solving and short response questions.
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 | 90 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.
End-of-semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The exam will focus on the lectures that were NOT covered on the in-semester exam, although it will be comprehensive to the extent that later material depends on earlier material inherently. It will consist of problem solving and short response questions.
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 | 90 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%.
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
We will discuss a number of published academic papers during the course. A list with a reading schedule will be posted on Blackboard, with papers added gradually during the semester depending on the input of students. It is important that students read these papers before they are discussed in class.
Video and audio recordings of lectures are typically posted on Blackboard within a day of the class occurring. Additional links to videos and articles, etc. will be posted in the relevant lecture or tutorial folder.
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) |
Tutorial |
There are no tutorials in Week 1 |
Lecture |
Lecture 1: Introduction to behavioural economics Readings/Ref: Angner (Ch.1) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1 Tutorial based on concepts from lecture 1. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 2: Rational choice Readings/Ref: Angner (Ch.2) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 3 (09 Mar - 15 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2 Tutorial based on concepts from lecture 2. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 3: Decision-making under risk and uncertainty, part 1 Readings/Ref: Angner (Ch.3) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 Tutorial based on concepts from lecture 3. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 4: Decision-making under risk and uncertainty, part 2 Readings/Ref: Angner (Ch.4.1-4.3; Ch.5.1-5.3) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4 Tutorial based on concepts from lecture 4. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 5: In-semester exam revision Readings/Ref: Angner (Ch.4.4-4.6, Ch.5.4-5.7) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 6 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No Tutorials after In-semester Exam After the In-semester exam, there will be no tutorials during Week 6. |
Lecture |
Lecture 6: Social Preferences, Part 1 Readings/Ref: Angner (Ch.6) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Mid-sem break (06 Apr - 12 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6 Tutorial based on concepts from lecture 6. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 7: Social Preferences Part 2 Readings/Ref: Angner (Ch.7) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 8 (20 Apr - 26 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7 Tutorial based on concepts from lecture 7. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 8: Intertemporal choice Readings/Ref: Angner (Ch.8, Ch.9) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 9 (27 Apr - 03 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8 Tutorial based on concepts from lecture 8. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 9: Strategic interaction Readings/Ref: Angner (Ch.10, Ch.11) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9 Tutorial based on concepts from lecture 9. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Labour Day Note: Labour Day (4th May) is a Public Holiday, therefore no tutorials will be held on this day. Students are invited to attend an alternative tutorial for this week only. |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 10: Bounded Rationality Part 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10 Tutorial based on concepts from lecture 10. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 11: Bounded Rationality Part 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 11 Tutorial based on concepts from lecture 11. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 12: Happiness and Welfare Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 13 (25 May - 31 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 12 Tutorial based on concepts from lecture 12. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 13: Final Exam Revision Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
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
- Recording of Teaching Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.