Introductory Economics
UndergraduateCUR-BAN122024
Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Strive to understand how economists look at the world, then apply their approach to problems both big and small. Review economic theories, the GDP and the rules of supply and demand. Get a bird’s eye view of the global economic markets.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introductory Economics
About this subject
At the completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- apply the tools of game theory to model social interactions and explain social dilemmas
- evaluate economic outcomes and assess the data from experimental economics
- analyse and critically evaluate broader economic issues in the real world using economic theory, data and case studies
- demonstrate economic literacy on key concepts and indicators of the macroeconomy, such as economic growth, employment, and inflation - by effectively communicating analyses of economic events
- What is Economics
- Demand and Supply
- Elasticity
- Economic Efficiency
- Behavioural Economics and Asymmetric Information
- Introduction to Macroeconomics: GDP, Unemployment & Inflation
- Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply
- Monetary Policy
- Fiscal Policy
- Exchange Rates
- Review
This subject provides some powerful tools for understanding how economies work. It introduces the concepts and methods of experimental and behavioural economics; models of economic growth, business cycles, and financial crises; macroeconomic indicators of economic growth, unemployment, and inflation; and tools to understand and evaluate monetary, fiscal, and other economic policies. Economics affects everything in our lives—what we earn, how we work, where we learn, what we consume, how much we waste; the list goes on. An understanding of economics is critical in an uncertain world, where market forces have such a significant influence on our lives. Any student undertaking a course in commerce or business at the undergraduate level requires an understanding of economics—how people make decisions (rational or otherwise), economic policy, challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on global economic recovery and decent work progress, sustainable economic growth and productivity, climate change dilemmas and so on. A good grasp of introductory principles of economics is crucial if we, as student collaborators and critical social-ecological observers, are to make informed judgements about solving real-world problems.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject, you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Exercises (50%)
- Final Assessment (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 13
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 14
Entry requirements
Others
USA-ECO11 Principles of Economics was equivalent to this subject if completed prior to 2021.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) (Humanities and Social Sciences - Geography)
UndergraduateCUR-SGE-DEG
Bachelor of Commerce (Taxation)
UndergraduateCUR-TAX-DEG
Bachelor of Commerce (Business Law)
UndergraduateCUR-BLW-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.