This subject examines a range of contemporary economic issues shaping the development of regional and rural areas. Students will apply economics principles to study regional growth, urbanisation, international trade, migration and development policy. Students will study the complex tradeoffs between regional economic development, social needs and equity concerns. Students are introduced to a range of quantitative and qualitative techniques that enables them to assess issues in regional development. Special attention will be paid to the contemporary development challenges facing Tasmanian regional development.