HEC5980 Health economics
Faculty of Business and Economics
HEC5980 Health economics 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 50%
- and 3 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review HEC5980.
Overview
This unit provides an understanding of the microeconomic approach to resource allocation in relation to the health sector. It introduces you to the use of economic tools in the analysis of the 'market' for health care in terms of efficiency and equity. It also provides an analytical framework for the assessment of the health care systems, and health policy from an economic perspective.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Caulfield | Flexible |
Assessment
- Quiz / Test10%
- Exercise10%
- Written30%
- 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 basic microeconomic concepts and their application to the health sector
- 2
understand role, limitations and usefulness of economic analysis and economics as a way of thinking, when applied to the health care sector
- 3
understand organisation and delivery of health services from an economic perspective
- 4
understand health care systems from an economic perspective
Workload and teaching
- Seminars24 hours
- Tutorials12 hours
- 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 engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.
Learning resources
Technology resources
Where it fits
HEC5980 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Johannes Kunz
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for HEC5980?
HEC5980 has no prerequisites.
When is HEC5980 offered?
In 2026, HEC5980 runs in Semester 1 at Caulfield.
How much work is HEC5980?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does HEC5980 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include HEC5980?
HEC5980 is part of Economics and health; and Policy studies.