Unit outline_

CLAW3600: Business Law in Practice

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit bridges the gap between theory and practice by integrating knowledge and consolidating key skills developed across the study of business law. It provides students with practical experience in applying business law to solve contemporary business issues. This includes being able to recognise how knowledge of business law can facilitate the identification and development of new commercial opportunities. Much of this unit is dedicated to a problem-based experiential approach to learning. Students ensure their career-readiness by demonstrating their ability to apply business law concepts and legal method to authentic problems.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Accounting, Governance and Regulation
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
Completion of at least 112 credit points including 18 credit points in CLAW 2000-level and 6 credit points in CLAW 3000-level units of study
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

All other requirements for the major or program associated with this capstone must be completed prior to or concurrently with (if enrolment rules permit) this unit of study. Capstones must be completed at the University of Sydney Business School only

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Cary Di Lernia, cary.dilernia@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam Final Examination
Final Examination
30% Formal exam period 1 hour AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation Regulatory Theory and Corporate Governance Presentation
Students are to choose a journal article from a preselected pool (or suggest their own, subject to earlier approval), discuss relevant theoretical and practical insights, and pinpoint intellectual antecedents from which the article and its results arise.
10% Multiple weeks 5 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation Individual Presentation - Future World of Work (FWoW)
FWoW presentations - see details on Canvas. The 10% available is comprised of 2.5% for the presentation, 2.5% for responses to audience critiques, and 5% for critiques offered on other presentations, randomly selected in class.
10% Multiple weeks 7 minutes, with critique/answers AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Presentation group assignment Group Case Study: Presentation
Please also note Week 2 Group Work Individual Pitch (5%) and Group Critique (15%). Both of these assessments are related to this group presentation.
20% Multiple weeks
Due date: 11 May 2026 at 10:00
15 mins AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Evaluation group assignment Group Case Study: Group Critique
Please also note Week 2 Group Work Individual Pitch (5%) and Group Presentation (20%). Both related to this assessment
15% Multiple weeks n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Presentation Group Case Study: Individual Pitch
Please also note Week 11 Group Work Group Presentation (20%) and Group Critique (15%). Both of these assessments are related to this individual pitch.
5% Week 02
Due date: 02 Mar 2026 at 10:00
1 minute pitch AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Evaluation Individual Self-Reflection
Following a guided group reflection session in Week 13 (oral engagement with which also forms part of this assessment item), students are required to express and submit their reflections in written form via Canvas.
10% Week 13
Due date: 25 May 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 04 Jun 2026
1000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Final Examination (Final Examination Period): The exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and practical classes.

 

Group Case Study Individual Pitch (Week 2): Formative in-class pitch in Week 2 to enable the formation of groups around common themes of inquiry for the Group Case Study Presentation to be undertaken later in the Semester.

 

Regulatory Theory and Corporate Governance Presentation (Weeks 6-7): Individual presentation on an area of interest in the realms of corporate governance and regulatory strategies, to be approved by coordinator well in advance of the presentation.

 

Individual Presentation - Future World of Work (FWoW) (Weeks 8-9): Individual presentation on an area of interest concerning the future of work to be approved by coordinator well in advance of the presentation.

 

Group Case Study Group Presentation (Weeks 11-12): On an issue of shared interest amongst members of groups formed in Week 2 after the Group Case Study Individual Pitches are complete.

 

Group Case Study Group Critique (Weeks 11-12): Group engagement with the case study presentations of other groups.


Individual Self-Reflection (Week 13): Guided reflection on progress through the Major.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submission In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction and course design Workshop (2 hr)  
Introduction and course design Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 02 Pitching and refining group topics Workshop (2 hr)  
Pitching and refining group topics Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 03 Business regulation Workshop (2 hr)  
Business regulation Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 04 Corporate governance Workshop (2 hr)  
Corporate governance Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 05 Legal research for business law Workshop (2 hr)  
Legal research for business law Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 06 Regulatory Theory and Corporate Governance presentations Workshop (2 hr)  
Regulatory Theory and Corporate Governance presentations Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 07 Regulatory Theory and Corporate Governance presentations: continued Workshop (2 hr)  
Regulatory Theory and Corporate Governance presentations: continued Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 08 Individual presentations on the future of work in legal services Workshop (2 hr)  
Individual presentations on the future of work in legal services Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 09 Individual presentations on the future of work in legal services: continued Workshop (2 hr)  
Individual presentations on the future of work in legal services: continued Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 10 Organisation and planning for group work Workshop (2 hr)  
Organisation and planning for group work Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 11 Group presentations and critiques Workshop (2 hr)  
Group presentations and critiques Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 12 Group presentations and critiques: continued Workshop (2 hr)  
Group presentations and critiques: continued Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 13 Reflection and review Workshop (2 hr)  
Reflection and review Lecture (1 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Several assessment items within this unit are submitted/performed during class time. This means that where students are absent without an approved special consideration, marks for relevant assessment items they miss due to absence from class will be forfeited without exception. Other weeks provide an opportunity to interact with your group for group assessment purposes; consider in this respect the impact any absences during that time will impact your group work.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There is no prescribed textbook for this course. Links to required readings will be provided via Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. apply regulatory theory to address contemporary business issues
  • LO2. identify commercial opportunities from a business law perspective
  • LO3. persuasively advocate insights and conclusions from a regulatory perspective
  • LO4. communicate using accepted business law styles and referencing
  • LO5. support your analysis and investigations with current and relevant law and data.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes have been made to assessment items since this unit was last offered, noting changes to AI policy.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.