Course coordinator
Dr Rosemary Gibson
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Law School
This course examines the nature of, and elements giving rise to, contractual agreement, that is, how parties may assume enforceable contractual obligations towards each other and how to ascertain the content and meaning of those obligations.
Law of Contract I: Principles of Contractual Agreement focuses on the making of an enforceable agreement, its terms and the extent to which contractual obligations may be excluded. The course aims to assist students to develop an appreciation of the nature of law, legal obligations and the legal system itself. During the semester, students will learn to read and interpret cases and legislation. Students will also be provided with an opportunity to consider and discuss the context in which contracts are made and enforced in Australia, including the impact of the Australian Consumer Law and the application of technology. The semester two course,ﾠLaw of Contract II: Principles of Contractual Liability,ﾠbuilds on Law of Contract I, by considering issues such as discharge of contractual obligations (eg. by breach), vitiating factors (eg. misrepresentation) and remedies (eg. damages).
Course requirements
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
LAWS1700
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
LAWS1001 or 2111
Restrictions
LLB(Hons) and LLB(Hons) duals
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Rosemary Gibson
Tutor
Dr Rosemary Gibson
Dr Wenting Cheng
Dr Rouh Shi Low
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Teaching Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Law is to educate students in and about the law. We seek to assist you to think critically about the law and to investigate its structures, principles, policies, and values. This is achieved by engaging with you as fellow investigators in a range of critical and intellectual conversations about the law and its place in society. Our role is thus to guide you in your own intellectual journey in the law and to equip you with the necessary skills that will enable you to continue that journey long after you have left the School.
Course Aims
Law of Contract I aims to develop practical legal skills as well as a knowledge and understanding of the law of contract.ﾠStudents are taught about legal doctrine, that is, the rules and principles of law which are applied in practice.ﾠThe course is also designed to encourage students to develop a critical perspective on the law, setting it in economic, political, historical or philosophical contexts. The principles of contract law form a fundamental core of any legal system.
The course placesﾠa strong emphasis on developing intellectual skills, in particular, the ability to analyseﾠand applyﾠthe law to real examples.ﾠWe expect studentsﾠto think critically, to write clearly, and to be able to develop and support an argument. It is not simply about learning rules by heart. Therefore, although students must be ready to read widely, they also need to think deeplyﾠand with a critical outlook.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify the key contractual (and relevant non-contractual) issues in factual scenarios.
LO2.
Demonstrate a sound knowledge and conceptual understanding of the rules, principles and authorities relating to the formation and content of contractual agreements.
LO3.
Apply the relevant legal rules, principles and authorities to factual scenarios to present legally defensible arguments and conclusions as to the rights and obligations of parties to contractual agreements.
LO4.
Respond to legal questions in a structured and logical fashion, communicating answers clearly and coherently.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online Comprehension Test
|
10% |
13/03/2025 - 14/03/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Legal Advice Series
|
40% |
10/04/2025 4:00 pm 8/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
End-of-semester Examination
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Online Comprehension Test
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
13/03/2025 - 14/03/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Students are required to complete an online test. The test will assess material covered in the lectures and tutorials from weeks 1 to 3 inclusive. This test is designed to be a ‘check in’ early in the semester, to ensure all students understand the content covered to-date and are staying on top of the learning materials.
The test will open at 11am Thursday 13 March and close at 4pm Friday 14 March (ie at the end of Week 3).
The quiz will contain 10 questions. Each question is worth 1 mark. Incorrect answers are awarded no marks, but you will not be penalised for incorrect answers.
The quiz will be time-limited to 30 minutes. Once started, the quiz must be completed in one sitting.
There will be no opportunities for resits.
Use of AI
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our testing of AI tools with the quiz questions frequently generated misleading and incorrect responses. 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 Policy.
Submission guidelines
The test will be made available online, 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.
Where an extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered is available, any extension is limited to one week (7 days). In exceptional circumstances, extensions may be granted for more than one week, but in no case will an extension exceed four weeks (28 days) in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
It will not be possible to sit the test after it has closed.
Legal Advice Series
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
10/04/2025 4:00 pm
8/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
On Thursday afternoon in Week 6 and Week 9, after all tutorials for the week have concluded, a post-tutorial scenario will be released. The scenario will build on that week’s tutorial problem. For instance, the scenario may alter the facts from the tutorial problem and/or add new facts. You will be required to solve the legal problem(s) presented in the new scenario in the form of a written legal advice of no more than 800 words.
Legal Advice A will be linked to Tutorial 5. The scenario will be released on the Learn.UQ site for the course on Thursday 3 April and your Legal Advice is due by 4pm Thursday 10 April.
Legal Advice B will be linked to Tutorial 8. The scenario will be released on the Learn.UQ site for the course on Thursday 1 May and your Legal Advice is due by 4pm Thursday 8 May.
Word limit
Each Legal Advice should be no more than 800 words. You must state the word count on the front page of your response. Any student found to have provided a false word count will be referred to the Academic Integrity Officer.
If your answer is longer than 800 words, you will be marked down in the ‘Communication’ criterion
Referencing
You should refer to cases and legislation in the main body text. This will also be the referencing style that you will use in the End-of-semester Exam.
All references to cases or legislation should be italicised.
You may refer to cases and legislation using 'short' names (eg 'Carlill').
Do NOT use footnotes.
Do NOT include case citations (eg do not write 'Carlill [1893] 1 QB 256 (CA)').
You should only refer to cases and legislation that are listed in the Learning Guide, contained in the Course Materials volume, or have been discussed in class.
Procedural matters
Please use an appropriate font style and size (eg 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Arial).
Please proof-read your submission. If your answer contains spelling or grammatical errors, you will be marked down in the 'Communication' criterion.
Grading criteria and feedback
Your Legal Advice will be marked according to criteria and standards which are made available to you via a criteria sheet on Blackboard. Feedback will be provided to the cohort as a whole. You will also receive some (limited) individual feedback.
Use of AI
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. Examples of generative AI that students must not use include ChatGPT, Copilot, Bing, and any similar applications.
IT Issues
It is your responsibility to ensure that your assignment has been properly submitted. Computer and internet-related issues are not grounds for an extension.
Submission guidelines
Your Legal Advice must be submitted electronically via Turnitin. A submission link will be provided.
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.
Where an extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered is available, any extension is limited to one week (7 days). In exceptional circumstances, extensions may be granted for more than one week, but in no case will an extension exceed four weeks (28 days) in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should apply for removal of course.
***Please note that the maximum extension limit for Legal Advice A (due Thursday 10 April) is 7 days (i.e. 17 April). This is because results and feedback for this piece of assessment must be provided promptly to enable students to consider and apply this feedback to Legal Advice B (the scenario for which is being released on Thursday 1 May). If a student is unable to submit Legal Advice A within this timeframe due to exceptional circumstances, please speak to the course coordinator as soon as possible.***
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure.
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
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.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
End-of-semester Examination
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
You will be required to respond to multiple problem-style questions. The exam paper will indicate the proportion of marks assigned to each question. Any of the questions may mix material from different aspects of the examinable topics.
Examinable material
The End-of-semester Exam may examine material covered throughout the course, from the first week to the final week (inclusive). It will cover any material or information contained (or referred to) in the Lectures, Learning Guide or Tutorials.
Permitted materials
Any written or printed material is permitted in the exam. Material may also be annotated.
Referencing
References to cases and legislation must be underlined. You may refer to cases and legislation by short names.
Use of AI
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 Generative AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| 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 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 47 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 48 - 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
The criteria for this course will be available on the learn.UQ (Blackboard) site.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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.
Own copy required
You'll need to have your own copy of the following reading resources. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Book |
LAWS1701 Law of Contract I: Principles of Contractual Agreement
by Bigwood; R.; Gibson; R. - 2025 |
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Course Notes (volume of cases and legislation) | own item needed |
| Document | Learning Guide | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Lecture slides will be made available on the learn.UQ Blackboard site.
Note that lectures will be recorded but tutorials (other than Week 5 and Week 8 tutorials) will not be recorded.
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 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures Below are the topics that will be covered in lectures throughout the semester. Full details are contained in the Law of Contract I Learning Guide. The Learning Guide refers to cases and statutes contained in the Course Materials/Notes volume. Lectures will take place weekly in person. The lectures will be recorded and the recordings made available via Learn.UQ. Lecture slides will also be made available. ***THERE IS NO LECTURE IN WEEK 10 (WEEK COMMENCING 5 MAY)*** Lecture topics
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials ***THERE ARE NO TUTORIALS IN WEEK 1 (WEEK COMMENCING 24 FEB), WEEK 10 (WEEK COMMENCING 5 MAY) OR WEEK 11 (WEEK COMMENCING 12 MAY)*** The tutorial topics are:
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: