ECON6600: Semester 1, 2026

Units ECON6600 Semester 1 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

ECON6600: Economics Capstone

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

Overview

This unit serves as the capstone experience for the Economics specialisation in the Master of Commerce. While economics is strongly influenced by theory, it is ultimately an applied field. The unit encourages students to integrate their knowledge of economics and methodological skills to analyse a real-world economic problem with implications for business. The unit involves the completion and presentation of a professional report with an emphasis on students acquiring skills to identify an economic problem, undertake economic analysis, and communicate the results.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Economics
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	18 credit points towards the Economics specialisation including (ECON5040 and ECON5002)
Corequisites ?	6 credit points towards the Economics specialisation
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	IKM Mokhtarul Wadud, mokhtarul.wadud@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written test	In-semester test WIL in-class assessment: based on students' Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL)	30%	Week 08 Due date: 23 Apr 2026 at 18:30	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Final Presentation In-Class Live Presentation of final research report	30%	Week 12 Due date: 21 May 2026 at 18:00	6 min, 500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Final Project Report Final written project report	40%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) in-semester test: students take an on-campus, closed-book written test based on their WIL experiences and learning.
Final Presentation: students make an oral presentation of findings of their research projects.
Final Project Report: students submit a written report of their completed research projects.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85-100	Outstanding
Distinction	75-84	Superior
Credit	65-74	Sound
Pass	50-64	Satisfactory
Fail	0-49	When you don’t meet the learning outcome 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.

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction: Economics and the Real World, Research Methods: topic selection, research questions, objectives.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Research Methods: quantitative vs qualitative, theoretical and applied research; Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) Guest Lecture 1.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Research Methods: literature review basics, WIL Guest Lecture 2.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Your research questions, objectives, Contribution to literature, WIL Guest Lecture 3.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Research Methodology, Feasibility of your project, WIL Guest Lecture 4.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Feasibility of your project: data and resources; WIL Guest Lecture 5.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Project proposal live In-class presentation, submission – Ed discussion folder	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	In-semester test based on WIL experience and learning (Assessment Component).	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Your project methodology, Data collection and Analysis, Interpretation of your research results.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Finalising your research findings and drawing implications.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Writing your major project report	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Final project presentation (Assessment Component)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Review, submission of project report as research paper (Assessment Component)	Lecture (3 hr)

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.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. analyse and solve economic challenges relevant to business by applying fundamental concepts and principles from economics.
LO2. evaluate empirical data to test hypotheses and assess implications for various business contexts.
LO3. analyse complex and authentic economic problems by using analytical tools, models, quantitative and/or qualitative methods and considering ethical dimensions where relevant.
LO4. critically evaluate and synthesise original information from diverse sources including academic research and public and private sector reports.
LO5. integrate perspectives from diverse cultural backgrounds as well as perspectives and practice from other business disciplines.
LO6. communicate professionally and effectively by constructing coherent, succinct and persuasive arguments and recommendations, preparing effective presentation materials, and applying academic writing skills.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Some changes have been made with regards to duration and mode of presentation of final report.

Additional information

School of Economics Student Portal

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

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