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
Objectives of public enterprises and appropriate price, output anad investment policies. Regulation (economic) of private sector to improve efficiency in resource allocation. Economic planning at micro level.
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
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 maximisation 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 7002 or 7110
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ECON3440
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 to enquiries@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
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 5 May (Labour Day).
· Mid-Semester Break: 21 April - 25 April. Semester 1 classes recommence on Mon 28 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 successful completion of the course, a student is equipped with 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 describe principles and issues of modern competition policy.
LO2.
Review and appraise the theory and practice of regulation in infrastructure and network industries.
LO3.
Recognise 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Assessment 1
|
20% |
28/03/2025 1:00 pm |
| Quiz |
Assessment 2
|
20% |
2/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Quiz |
Assessment 3
|
25% |
30/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Case Study Essay
|
35% |
9/06/2025 1:00 pm
details in class |
Assessment details
Assessment 1
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
28/03/2025 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Blackboard Test
All assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackboard 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.
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.
Assessment 2
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
2/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
Blackboard Test
All assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackboard 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.
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.
Assessment 3
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
30/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Blackboard Test
All assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
via Blackboard 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.
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.
Case Study Essay
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
9/06/2025 1:00 pm
details in class
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
- You are required to write an essay on a competition policy case.
- You will be given a case in class (week 3).
- This task must be completed INDIVIDUALLY.
- Word limit: 3500 words.
- Further details about this assessment task will be provided on our course BB site.
All assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Students are to submit the essay electronically via 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.
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.
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.
SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS:
The Take Home Assessments and Essay must be submitted electronically via Blackboard.
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.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction and Basic Concepts I Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Basic Concepts II: Oligopoly Theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Cartels I: Introduction & Base Model Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Cartels II: Practices and Policy Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Monopolization I: Definition and Predatory Pricing Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Monopolization II: Contracts & Bundling Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Horizontal Mergers Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Vertical Mergers Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Natural Monopoly Regulation I: Price Regulation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Natural Monopoly Regulation II: Incentives Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Access Pricing: ECPR and Ramsay Pricing Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Review and ACCC Guest Lecture Learning outcomes: 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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.