BEX5660 Macroeconomic theory
Faculty of Business and Economics
BEX5660 Macroeconomic theory is a level 5, 0-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Business and Economics, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 0
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BEX5660
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After BEX5660
No unit lists BEX5660 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
You must be enrolled in course 0029 or 3194 to undertake this unit.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
This unit explores neoclassical macroeconomic theory, emphasising rigorous microfoundations, rational decision-making, market clearing, and the roles of technology and preferences in shaping aggregate outcomes. The first part of the unit focuses on growth theory, covering the Solow–Swan model, the Diamond overlapping-generations model, the Ramsey model, and New Growth models. These frameworks provide tools to analyse long-run growth, steady-state analysis, transition dynamics, and the effects of fiscal and/or monetary policies. The second part of the unit examines short-run fluctuations and business cycles, beginning with the fundamental building blocks of consumption–saving behaviour and expectations formation. These foundations support the analysis of Real Business Cycle and New Keynesian models, linking theoretical insights to macroeconomic policy and real-world applications.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Blended |
Assessment
- Quiz / Test26%
- Exercise24%
- Examination50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
understand the basic theoretical structures common to modern dynamic macroeconomics. In particular, critical analysis of the economic reasons underlying the formation of policy and movements of various macro-aggregates
- 2
understand the key determinants affecting economic growth and fluctuations
- 3
enhance understanding of the basic theoretical approaches employed in specialist fields such as international economics, economic development/growth, applied general equilibrium and financial economics.
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions12 hours
- Workshops48 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachResearch activities
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.
This unit includes problem-based learning approaches, where you engage in research, integrate theory and practice and apply knowledge and skills to develop viable solutions in response to a problem or set of problems.
This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.
This unit allows you to develop your research skills by engaging in structured inquiry using a systematic approach and discipline-specific methodologies.
Learning resources
Technology resources
There may be an additional cost associated with purchasing a physical and/or virtual calculator. Specific details will be provided in the Learning Management System by commencement of Orientation week.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Solmaz Moslehi
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BEX5660?
BEX5660 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is BEX5660 offered?
In 2026, BEX5660 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is BEX5660?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does BEX5660 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.