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UnitLevel 1Undergraduate

ECB1101 Introductory microeconomics

Faculty of Business and Economics

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ECB1101 Introductory microeconomics is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Business and Economics, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Peninsula. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 32 units, leading on to 76 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 1
Peninsula
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 ECB1101

Prohibitions

You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.

One of

After ECB1101

32 units list ECB1101 as a prerequisite or corequisite.

Show 24 more

Enrolment rules

To be successful in this unit, background knowledge and application of maths is required at the equivalent of VCE Year 11 level.  You may have satisfied this by completing relevant prerequisite unit/s, or you have covered relevant topics in your final years of secondary study.  You should self-assess your maths competency prior to enrolling in this unit.

Equivalent units

The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.

Overview

This unit introduces the fundamental principles of microeconomics and their application in real-world business contexts. Topics include opportunity cost, supply and demand, consumer and firm behaviour, market structures, and welfare analysis. You will also explore government policy impacts and critically examine sources of market failure. The unit builds essential economic literacy for informed decision-making and provides a foundation for further study in economics and related disciplines.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterPeninsulaOn campus

Assessment

  • Quiz / Test
    30%
  • Exercise
    20%
  • Examination
    50%

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. 1

    explain core microeconomic concepts and models, including opportunity cost, supply and demand, consumer and firm behaviour, and market structures

  2. 2

    apply microeconomic reasoning to analyse the impact of government policies and market outcomes, considering both efficiency and equity in business and social contexts

  3. 3

    evaluate the causes and consequences of market failures, and critically assess the role of policy interventions

  4. 4

    use microeconomic theories and diagrams to support clear and effective communication of economic insights in business contexts.

Workload and teaching

  • Seminars6 hours
  • Workshops24 hours
  • Teaching approachProblem-based learning
  • Teaching approachActive learning

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.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Dr Jackie So

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for ECB1101?

ECB1101 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after ECB1101?

ECB1101 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 32 units, including BFB2140, BFC2140, BFF2140, BFX2140, ECB2731 and ECB3143. Those lead on to 76 units in all.

When is ECB1101 offered?

In 2026, ECB1101 runs in Semester 1 at Peninsula.

How much work is ECB1101?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does ECB1101 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
1
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Economics
Organisational unit
Department of Economics
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 4
Study abroad
Available
Handbook years
20202021202220232024202520262027