UnitLevel 5Postgraduate

ECF5360 The clean energy transition: Economics and policy

Faculty of Business and Economics

ECF5360 The clean energy transition: Economics and policy is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Business and Economics, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Caulfield. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points: 6
Offered in 2026: Semester 1; Caulfield
Assessment: Exam 40%; and 2 other tasks
Workload: 144 hours; per semester

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Overview

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and the global shift to cleaner energy is reshaping economies, industries, and everyday life. In this unit, you will explore the economic forces driving the energy transition and the critical policy decisions shaping its future. You will dive into how energy markets work, how they adapt to new technologies like renewables and storage, and how government interventions—from carbon pricing to subsidies—can accelerate or hinder progress. With a special focus on Australia and comparisons to other economies with power systems at different stages of development, you will gain the tools to analyse real-world energy issues and craft informed, impactful policy solutions. Whether you're passionate about sustainability, economics, or global development, this unit will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in one of the most urgent areas of our time.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching period	Campus	Mode
First semester	Caulfield	Blended

Assessment

Presentation
35%
Quiz / Test
25%
Examination
40%

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
explain advanced economic principles relevant to energy production and consumption
2
analyse the structure and dynamics of energy markets, including their unique characteristics and challenges
3
evaluate the economic implications of energy transition technologies and government interventions in energy markets
4
apply economic models and tools to assess and compare energy policies across economies with different power systems
5
formulate evidence-based policy recommendations to support an efficient transition.

Workload and teaching

Applied sessions12 hours
Workshops36 hours
Teaching approachResearch activities
Teaching approachProblem-based learning
Teaching approachEnquiry-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 allows you to develop their research skills by engaging in structured inquiry using a systematic approach and discipline-specific methodologies.

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 enquiry-based learning, where you will be encouraged to use your own knowledge to develop and engage in a process of enquiry, study and research to identify areas to be investigated and an approach to doing so.

This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.

Contacts

Chief Examiners: Guillaume Roger

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for ECF5360?

ECF5360 has no prerequisites.

When is ECF5360 offered?

In 2026, ECF5360 runs in Semester 1 at Caulfield.

How much work is ECF5360?

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

Does ECF5360 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.

More details

Credit points: 6
Level: 5
Study level: Postgraduate
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: 20262027