Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Economics School
International monetary system, the IMF, dependent economy models, competitiveness, fiscal & monetary policy in open economy, external adjustment, capital mobility, exchange rate volatility, the current account, macroeconomics of foreign investment & external debt.
The course emphasises theory and policy issues in international financial markets. Itﾠdevelops conceptualﾠframeworks or models to analyse the determinants of international capital movements, current account imbalances, and nominal and real exchange rates. Theﾠframework is then used to study various policy issues such as a country's large trade deficits, global trade imbalances, developing-country debt crises, the current European financial crisis, exchange-rate based inflation stabilization, currency unions, debt default, balance-of-payment crises, and the effect of the great recession on the world economy.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students with a solid knowledge in macroeconomics as well as an interest in theoretical and applied monetary and international macroeconomics.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ECON2020 or 2021
Course contact
School enquiries
Student 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
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: Wed 13 August (Royal Queensland Show Holiday), Mon 6 October (King’s Birthday public holiday).
- Mid-Semester Break: 29 September – 3 October. Semester 2 classes recommence on Tue 7 October.
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
The course deals with theoretical, applied and policy issues in international macroeconomics. Throughﾠthis study programﾠ students will obtain the ability to define, analyse and discuss issues and problems related to international capital movements, trade imbalances, and exchange rate policies. The course aims further to develop students’ analytical skills and to encourageﾠcritical thinking. Opportunity is given in lectures and in assessments for students to apply critical reasoning, independent thought and informed judgement, to evaluate popular as well as academic opinions and to reflect on the assumptions and justifications for economic findings and proposals. Students are encouraged to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas independently through wider reading and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently in both written and spoken forms.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Name and describe the major elements of the international finance
LO2.
Understand the key determinants of current account movements and nominal/real exchange rates
LO3.
Discuss the structure of the international finance and trade framework and the role of the various national and supra-national institutions that constitute the system
LO4.
Assess the benefits and limits of the major economic tools and models in providing answers or solutions to questions or problems emerging from cross-national economic activity
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-semester Exam
|
35% |
12/09/2025 10:00 am
During lecture time |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Assignment | 15% |
24/10/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
End-of-semester Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
In-semester Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
12/09/2025 10:00 am
During lecture time
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
- The in-semester exam will comprise problem solving and short answer type questions, which cover all topics between lectures in Week 1 through 6 (inclusive).
- Further details about the exam will be posted on the course Blackboard site.
- 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 | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten notes, double sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
24/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
- The problem set consists of short answer questions, problem solving, and data analysis.
- The questions will be posted 3 weeks prior to the submission due date.
- 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
Assignment to be submitted via BB by the due date and time.
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.
Extensions are limited to 7 calendar days to ensure timely feedback to other students.
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
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
- The final exam will comprise MCQs, problem solving and short answer type questions based on all the lectures in the semester.
- The exam will be centrally scheduled in the examination period.
- Further details about the exam will be posted on the course Blackboard site.
- 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 - specified 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 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Introduction Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Current Account Theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Current Account Theory Royal QLD Show Holiday on Wednesday 13th August. Students are invited to attend another tutorial for this week only. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Current Account Theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Advanced Topic: Current Account Theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Advanced Topic: Current Account Theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
In-semester exam Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Exchange Rate Theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Exchange Rate Theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No classes during the break |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Lecture |
Exchange Rate Theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Exchange Rate Theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Advanced Topic: Exchange Rate Theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Advanced Topic: Exchange Rate Theory 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
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.