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Course profile

Macroeconomic Analysis (ECON7040)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
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 advanced topics in modern Macroeconomics, building on foundational material from prerequisite courses. Students will 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.

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. - econ7040@uq.edu.au

Course staff

Course coordinator

Dr Suzanne Bonner

Tutor

Mr Daniel Liao

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 18 April (Good Friday), Mon 5ᅠMay (Labour Day).
  • Mid-Semester Break: 21ᅠApril - 25ᅠApril. Semester 1 classes recommence on Mon 28ᅠApril.

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.

Analyse the key modern issues in Macroeconomics, such as economic growth, business cycles, consumption, savings, investment, government expenditure and unemployment, with an emphasis on stylised facts, analytical modelling and statistical underpinnings.

LO2.

Examine macroeconomic policy challenges in industrial and developing countries and to assess the contribution of macroeconomic policies to growth and stabilisation.

LO3.

Explain the hidden logic behind, and critique, macroeconomic models using both a formal mathematical approach, econometric analysis, and critical reasoning.

LO4.

Evaluate the links between macroeconomic analysis, macroeconomic policymaking, and other social sciences, including political science.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Examination In-Semester Exam
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
25%

15/04/2025 5:40 pm

Exam starts at 4:00 pm and ends at 5:40 pm on 15/04/2025.

Project Research Assignment 40%

28/04/2025 - 22/05/2025

Research assignment is due by 4:00 pm on 22/05/2025.

Examination Final Exam
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
35%

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Assessment details

In-Semester Exam

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
25%
Due date

15/04/2025 5:40 pm

Exam starts at 4:00 pm and ends at 5:40 pm on 15/04/2025.

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 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.

Research Assignment

Mode
Written
Category
Project
Weight
40%
Due date

28/04/2025 - 22/05/2025

Research assignment is due by 4:00 pm on 22/05/2025.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

The research assignment is a challenging, authentic and complex assessment task that has been designed to connect the theories covered in class with the evidence.

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

The research assignment must be submitted electronically by the due date and time via the Turnitin link on the course Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site.

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.

Final Exam

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
35%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

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

(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

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

Find the required and recommended resources for this course 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.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(24 Feb - 02 Mar)

Lecture

Week 1

Introduction to the Long Run and Basic Solow Model

Reading: Ch 4 & Ch 5 (Garin et al.)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 2

(03 Mar - 09 Mar)

Tutorial

Tutorial 1

Introduction to the Long Run and Basic Solow Model

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Lecture

Week 2

Augmented Solow model

Reading: Ch 6 (Garin et al.)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 3

(10 Mar - 16 Mar)

Tutorial

Tutorial 2

Augmented Solow model

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Lecture

Week 3

Overlapping Generations Model - Part 1

Reading: Ch 8 (Garin et al.); Ch 3 (Heer)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 4

(17 Mar - 23 Mar)

Tutorial

Tutorial 3

Overlapping Generations Model - Part 1

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Lecture

Week 4

Overlapping Generations Model - Part 2

Reading: Ch 8 (Garin et al.); Ch 3 (Heer)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 5

(24 Mar - 30 Mar)

Tutorial

Tutorial 4

Overlapping Generations Model - Part 2

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Lecture

Week 5

Endogenous Growth Theory

Reading: Ch 3 (Romer)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 6

(31 Mar - 06 Apr)

Tutorial

Tutorial 5

Endogenous Growth Theory

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Lecture

Week 6

Cross-Country Income Differences and Convergence

Reading: Ch 7 (Garin et al.)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 7

(07 Apr - 13 Apr)

Tutorial

Tutorial 6

Cross-Country Income Differences and Convergence

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Lecture

Week 7

Business Cycle Theories: RBC vs. New Keynesian

Reading: Ch 18, Ch 19 & Ch 20 (Garin et al.)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 8

(14 Apr - 20 Apr)

Tutorial

Tutorial 7

Business Cycle Theories: RBC vs. New Keynesian

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Public Holiday - Good Friday

Friday 18/04/2025

No tutorials on this day. Students are invited to attend another tutorial for this week only.

Mid-sem break

(21 Apr - 27 Apr)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

In-semester Break

No lecture, tutorials or consultation.

Week 9

(28 Apr - 04 May)

Tutorial

Tutorial 8

Review of answers to in-semester exam

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Lecture

Week 9

New Keynesian Model: Microfoundations of IS-LM

Reading: Ch 24 (Garin et al.)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 10

(05 May - 11 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.

Tutorial

Tutorial 9

New Keynesian Model: Microfoundations of IS-LM

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Lecture

Week 10

New Keynesian Model: Microfoundations of the Supply Side

Reading: Ch 25 (Garin et al.)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 11

(12 May - 18 May)

Tutorial

Tutorial 10

New Keynesian Model: Microfoundations of the Supply Side

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Lecture

Week 11

Monetary and Fiscal Policy in the New Keynesian Model

Reading: Ch 28 (Garin et al.)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 12

(19 May - 25 May)

Tutorial

Tutorial 11

Monetary and Fiscal Policy in the New Keynesian Model

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Lecture

Week 12

The Zero Lower Bound & Monetary Policy in Crisis

Reading: Ch 29 (Garin et al.)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 13

(26 May - 01 Jun)

Tutorial

Tutorial 12

The Zero Lower Bound & Monetary Policy in Crisis

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Lecture

Week 13

Financial Crises & the Role of Banks

Reading: Ch 31 & Ch 36 (Garin et al.)

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.