ECC1100 / ECF5927 Principles of Macroeconomics
Difficulty:
Year Completed: Semester 1, 2023
Prerequisite: N/A
Exemption:
CB2 Business Economics
ECC1000 (55%), ECC1100 (45%)
Weighted average of 70% required. Minimum of 60% required for
each unit.
Mean Setu Score: 68.76%
Clarity of Learning Outcomes: 77.00%
Clarity of Assessments: 73.74%
Feedback: 61.22%
Resources: 65.00%
Engagement: 74.00%
Satisfaction: 61.62%
Subject Content:
Lecture(s) and Tutorial(s):
Textbook(s):
Assessments:
The unit was structured around two major topics that were explored in greater depth as the semester progressed. The first topic focused on the GDP Equation, followed by an in-depth examination of Monetary and Fiscal Policy.
1 x 2 hour lecture
1 x 1 hour tutorial
The recommended book for this unit was 'Principles of Macroeconomics' by Stevenson & Wolfers, 1st edition (2020).
Test 1: 10%
Test 2: 10%
Country Analysis Task: 10% (5% for your own presentation, 5% for preparing a feedback sheet for the last week's presentation)
Report on the Fiscal/Monetary Policy of Australia in the allocated year: 10%
Final Exam: 60%
Comments
This unit presented a significant challenge, especially when compared to other first-year actuarial units. Unlike ECC1000/ACC1100, relying solely on memorization is insufficient for success in this course. The ability to effectively express yourself and structure your answers proves to be of paramount importance, arguably surpassing the significance of content knowledge. While memorization of key terms is essential, it's also crucial to remember that students should dedicate considerable time to understanding and incorporating these key terms into well-structured responses.
Watching the lectures is crucial for this unit. However, it's important for students to understand that revisiting the lectures multiple times throughout the semester can be extremely valuable. Unlike other subjects, all the content in ECC1100 is interconnected with the basic GDP equation. Therefore, rewatching the lectures after gaining a broader understanding of the course content can provide a fresh perspective that is essential for excelling in the exam.
Tutorials in this course generally do not require advance preparation. While attendance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Attending tutorials provides the opportunity to ask questions related to assessments and gain a better understanding of course material. It's especially important to be present on weeks when you have presentations or are required to provide feedback, as these activities contribute to your overall grade, and missing them could result in a loss of easy marks.
For each test, students were provided with 3 potential questions in advance. During the test, they were required to write an extended response to one of these questions. The test duration was 15 minutes, and students were allowed to have sample responses to the questions prior to the actual test.
The Country Analysis Task was split into two sections, each worth 5%. In the first section, students were grouped and asked to explain economic theory covered in the prior week using a specific country as an example. They were also responsible for preparing a feedback sheet for another group's presentation. These presentations occurred throughout the semester.
Each student was assigned a specific year and tasked with creating a report focusing on fiscal/monetary policy in Australia during that year.
The final exam is a significant component, comprising 10 marks for multiple-choice questions and 40 marks for essay-style responses. Throughout the semester, the two tests serve as valuable practice opportunities for students to become accustomed to crafting the detailed answers required in the exam.
However, it's important to note that the tutorial questions may not accurately mirror the types of questions encountered in the exam. To excel in this unit, students are advised to create a list of potential extended response answers and practice composing responses for each. This approach has proven highly effective, as the exam closely aligns with the content from the textbook and lecture slides, enabling students to make informed predictions about potential exam questions. The ability to replicate the Chief Examiner's (CE) style of answering extended responses will significantly boost one's performance in the final exam.
Students should constantly ask themselves how each new concept relates to everything they've learned so far. The ability to connect concepts in ECC1100 back to one another not only demonstrates a deep understanding of the unit's main objectives but also enables students to craft in-depth responses. When structured properly, these responses are likely to earn high marks.
General Overview:
Lectures:
Tutorials:
Assessments/Other Assessments
Exams
Concluding Remarks