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
Theory and practice of regulation and regulatory reform; special reference to transport and utility (eg energy, telecommunications & water) industries; competition policy, privatisation, industry structural change, vertical and horizontal separation, access pricing, spot markets, contracts, multi-product pricing and investment.
This course deals with the theory and practice of Competition Policy and Regulation. The theoretical analysis includes a discussion of the rationale for policy intervention in imperfectly competitive markets. Extensive case analysis is used to illustrate these concepts and their application in the real world.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is expected that students enrolled in this course have successfully completed second year courses in economics. The course makes extensive use of mathematical models. Enrolled students should feel comfortable about using (or learning) calculus and algebra. A basic knowledge of oligopoly models and constrained maximization methods is useful. There will be a short review of these concepts at the beginning of the course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ECON2010 or 2011 or 2410
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ECON2030
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ECON7430
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
Tutor
Mr Daniel Liao
Mr Oscar Tan
Ms Sima Dey
Mr Daniel Ho
Mr Jianping Wu
Mr Tiedan Fisher
Senior tutor
Mr Daniel Liao
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures commence in week 1.
Tutorials commence in 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 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 provide students with (i) the theoretical foundations of competition policy and regulation and (ii) the ability to apply those principles to the current practice of policy intervention in imperfectly competitive markets. After a successful completion of the course, a student is equipped with a sound knowledge of the theory and practice of competition policy, which is instrumental in future jobs in the private or public sector and crucial for further study in this area.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify and summarise principles and issues of modern competition policy.
LO2.
Review and apply the theory and practice of regulation in infrastructure and network industries.
LO3.
Describe and critically examine policy issues in competition policy and regulation.
LO4.
Summarise and critically evaluate real-world cases in competition policy and regulation.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
In-semster Test
|
30% |
16/04/2026 10:50 am
Online test 9-10.50am |
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Policy Case Test
|
10% |
29/05/2026 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
End-of-semester Exam
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
Assessment details
In-semster Test
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
16/04/2026 10:50 am
Online test 9-10.50am
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The test will be online during the lecture time. Coverage details will be given in class.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Blackboard Test
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Policy Case Test
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
29/05/2026 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Answer questions and problems related to policy guest lecture from ACCC and/or Australian Treasury. This assessment is due at 5pm on the Friday of the last week of the semester (29/5/2026).
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End-of-semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The end-of-semester exam covers all material that has not been covered in the in-semester examination. Details will be given in class.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (Al) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Al 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%.
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 |
Introduction and Basic Concepts I Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Lecture |
Basic Concepts II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 3 (09 Mar - 15 Mar) |
Lecture |
Cartels I Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Lecture |
Cartels II Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Lecture |
Monopolisation I Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 6 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) |
Lecture |
Monopolisation II No tutorials on Friday due to Good Friday public holiday. Students who normally attend a Friday tutorial are invited to attend another tutorial for this week only. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Mid-sem break (06 Apr - 12 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester break |
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Problem-based learning |
In-semester Test Online test during lecture time. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 8 (20 Apr - 26 Apr) |
Lecture |
Horizontal Mergers Learning outcomes: L03 |
Week 9 (27 Apr - 03 May) |
Lecture |
Vertical Mergers Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
Lecture |
Natural Monopoly Regulation I Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Lecture |
Natural Monopoly Regulation II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Lecture |
Access Pricing Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 13 (25 May - 31 May) |
Lecture |
Review Lecture Learning outcomes: L02, 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.