Course coordinator
Dr Antonio Andres Bellofatto
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Economics School
Recent developments in macroeconomic theory and relationships to economic policy.
This course explores topics in modern Macroeconomics, building on foundational material from prerequisite courses. Students analyse aggregate economic activity through the lens of microfounded macroeconomic models, integrating theoretical frameworks with data analysis to deepen their understanding of macroeconomic dynamics.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students have completed the intermediate ECON7021 (macroeconomics), or equivalent, and that they have a solid understanding of the basic theories of economic growth andﾠmedium run adjustment over the business cycle.ﾠ Students should be aware that the trend in macroeconomics is towards understanding aggregate economic activity through examination of models with well-defined, consistent ‘foundations’ at the microeconomic level. ﾠ
Someﾠintermediate concepts from microeconomics will be used in this course.ﾠStudents should also be aware that algebra and elementary calculus will be used in the development and explanation of economic frameworks. Students should expect to see economic analysis explained graphically, mathematically and in words and are expected to work towards an understanding of economic models as a means of comprehending the role and effectiveness of economic policy.
ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ECON2020 or 7020 or 7021
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ECON3020
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
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Additional information on Tutorials can be found on Blackboard. A consultation timetable listing the consultation times/locations of teaching staff will be posted on the Blackboard site under "Announcements".
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
The aim of this course is to study the key issues in Macroeconomics at the advanced level with an emphasis on analytical modelling.ﾠModels of business cycle fluctuations and stabilization policy are covered in the firstﾠhalf. The second half of the course will provide a details look at theories of long run growth. Students also be providedﾠthe opportunity to independently research, andﾠcritically reflect on, some of the core ideas in macroeconomics, including how the macroeconomy is measured, the monetary systemﾠand monetary policy, the boom and bust cycles, growth and globalisation.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Interpret important theoretical building blocks of modern macroeconomic models.
LO2.
Apply modern macroeconomic tools to analyse salient real-world problems.
LO3.
Evaluate the proper role of the government in the face of macroeconomic challenges.
LO4.
Analyse macroeconomic data from Australia and the rest of the world.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
25% |
Week 7 |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation, Project |
Research Assignment
|
40% |
Proposal due Week 10, Thu 5:00 pm Presentations Week 13, Final Draft Exam week 1, Mon 1:00 pm
Week 13: Presentation over multiple dates. Schedule will be arranged and shared in due time. |
| Examination |
End-of-Semester Exam
|
35% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
Assessment details
In-Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Week 7
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This will be a closed-book, invigilated, paper-based in-semester exam, to be held during class. It will cover material from Weeks 1 through 6 (inclusive), and will consist of short answer and problem solving 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 constitutes student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| 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.
Research Assignment
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Proposal due Week 10, Thu 5:00 pm
Presentations Week 13,
Final Draft Exam week 1, Mon 1:00 pm
Week 13: Presentation over multiple dates. Schedule will be arranged and shared in due time.
- Other conditions
- Longitudinal.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
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.
The assignment has different components, including a Proposal, an Oral Presentation, and Final Draft.
Further details on each assessment component will be discussed in class and shared through Blackboard. Feedback will be provided to students between each assessment component. The use Artificial Intelligence AI and/or MT technologies is not permitted during the oral presentation.
Submission guidelines
The written components of this research assignment must be submitted electronically by the due date and time via the Turnitin link on the course Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site.
Details on scheduling the oral presentation will be discussed in class and shared through Blackboard.
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. Approval for an extension to the Proposal and Final Draft will require a separate applications .No extensions possible for group presentations.
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
- 35%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This will be a closed-book invigilated, paper-based exam, to be held during the examination period. It will cover material from all lectures, and will consist of short answer and problem solving 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 | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| 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
Plagiarism
The School of Economics is committed to reducing the incidence of plagiarism. Further information on plagiarism and how to avoid an allegation of plagiarism is available in this course profile under Policies and Procedures. Please refer to the Academic Integrity Modules (AIM). It is strongly recommended that you complete the AIM if you have not already done so.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 7 |
Lecture |
Week 1 - Week 7 The Short- and Medium-Run: Business cycle measurement, microfoundations, fiscal and monetary policy, open economies (if time permits). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Mid-sem break (06 Apr - 12 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-semester Break No lecture, tutorials or consultation. |
Week 8 (20 Apr - 26 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8 Guest Lecture (TBC). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Week 9 - Week 13 The Long-Run: Growth facts, representative agent vs. overlapping generations models, endogenous growth, cross-country convergence (if time permits). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Public Holiday - Labour Day Monday 05/05/2025 No tutorials on this day. Students are invited to attend another tutorial for this week only. |
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.