Outline

Overview

Students will learn how a modern financial system operates and the relationships between the financial system and the economy, with a particular emphasis on understanding business cycles. We will study how money/capital changes hands between agents over time, both directly and through institutions. We will study how these exchanges affect the economy, and how central banks and other policy institutions monitor, influence and regulate these exchanges. There will be an equal emphasis on understanding the modern financial system and on analysing monetary policy and financial regulation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Economics
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(ECON1001 and ECON1002) or (ECON1040 and ECON1002) or BUSS1040
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Reza FathollahZadeh Aghdam, reza.aghdam@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 exam	Final Exam Closed-book, paper-based exam	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task (EFT) #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:59	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	In-semester test Closed-book, paper-based exam	30%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Apr 2026 at 08:30	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz Online quiz on Topics 4 & 5	5%	Week 11 Due date: 17 May 2026 at 23:59	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Distinction	75 - 84	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Credit	65 - 74	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty
Pass	50 - 64	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
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.

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	Topic 1: Introduction to Money and Banking [Ch1-2]	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	No Tututorial	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Topic 2: The Evolution of Money in Theory and Practice (Part I) [Ch3 & additional resources]	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Topic 1: Introduction to Money and Banking	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Topic 2: The Evolution of Money in Theory and Practice (Part II) [Ch3 & additional resources]	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Topic 2: The Evolution of Money in Theory and Practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Topic 3: Interest Rates [Ch4]	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Topic 2: The Evolution of Money in Theory and Practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Topic 4: Central Banking & Money Supply [Ch15]	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Topic 3: Interest Rates	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	No new Lecture due to Public Holidays	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Topic 4: Central Banking & Money Supply	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	No new Lecture & Reviews Topics 1-4, and In-Semester Test (IST)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Review tutorial on Topics 1-4 for IST.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Topic 5: Money Demand and Markets [Ch20]	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Discussing IST solutions.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Topic 6: Bond Markets [Ch5]	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Topic 5: Money Demand and Markets	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Topic 7: Stock Markets [Ch7]	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Topic 6: Bond Markets	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Topic 8: Tools of Monetary Policy [Ch16]	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Topic 7: Stock Markets	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Topic 9: The Conduct of Monetary Policies: Strategy & Tactics [Ch17]	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Topic 8: Tools of Monetary Policy	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Summary and the Future of Money and Finance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Topic 9: The Conduct of Monetary Policies: Strategy & Tactics and Overall Reviews	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

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

The textbook for this unit is Frederic S Mishkin, The Economics of Money, Banking and Financial Markets, Global Edition, 11th, 12th or 13th Editions (2016, 2018, or 2022)

Required reading is as follows:

Mishkin Chapters 1-5, 9, 15, 20 and 16-17
Niall Ferguson (2008), 'The Ascent of Money', Allen Lane (Penguin), London.
Madura, J. 2018, Financial Markets and Institutions (12th ed.), Cengage Learning.
Kidwell, D. et al. 2019, Financial Markets, Institutions and Money (4th ed), Australian Edition, John Wiley & Sons Australia.
Macfarlane, IJ (2001) The movement of interest rates https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2001/sp-gov-180901.html
Macfarlane, IJ (1998) Australian monetary policy in the last quarter of the 20th century https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/1998/sp-gov-150998.html
Bank of England (2014) Money creation in the modern economy https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/quarterly-bulletin/2014/money-creation-in-the-modern-economy.pdf
BIS Annual Report 2009 Ch 2: The global financial crisis https://www.bis.org/publ/arpdf/ar2009e2.pdf
IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2009, Ch 1 Global Prospects and Policies, pp 1-10 http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/01/
RBA Statement on Monetary Policy (latest available) http://www.rba.gov.au/publications/
RBA Financial Stability Review (latest available) http://www.rba.gov.au/publications/
Final Report of the Murray Inquiry, Chapter 1: Resilience http://fsi.gov.au/publications/final-report/
Edey, ML (RBA, 2013) The financial stability role of central banks https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2013/sp-ag-010513.html

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. Explain various components of financial markets (bonds, stocks, money, capital, etc.) in channelling funds from lenders/savers to borrowers/investors, either directly or indirectly.
LO2. Define fundamental concepts of “money” and “interest” within financial markets and wider economies.
LO3. Compare and interpret key money functions, various levels of money aggregates and other monetary variables.
LO4. Examine the history of money and distinguish its evolutionary nature across monetary institutions, financial products, and innovations.
LO5. Analyse the inter-connections between money, interest rate, intermediary financial institutions (e.g., commercial banks), and the greater economy.
LO6. Apply the principles of demand and supply analysis and main monetary theories in financial markets and explain the behaviour of key variables (e.g., interest rate, inflation, aggregate output, etc).
LO7. Evaluate and criticise the actions of central banks (or reserve banks), the monetary policies, and their impacts on commercial banks and the wider economy.

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

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

Early feedback task

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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ECOS2004: Money and Banking

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links