Unit Overview

Description

This unit aims to provide an understanding of markets for energy and mineral commodities and especially how those markets differ from other sectors of the economy. The objective of the unit is to increase understanding of the basic economic factors shaping mineral and energy markets. At the completion of the unit, participants should also be able to apply basic economic concepts to analyse policy issues and business decisions arising in the mineral and energy industries.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationModeFirst year of offer
Not available in 2026OnlineOnline only
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain the major forces shaping the evolution of mineral and energy markets; (2) use economic concepts to analyse the issues arising in these industries or to improve the presentations on issues relevant to these industries; and (3) present a written, logically sound and persuasive argument for a particular course of action for a business operating in the mineral or energy industries.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation; (2) group assignment; and (3) Individual essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Allan Trench and John Sykes
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
4252Z Master of Business Administration - Minerals and Energy
Incompatibility
ECON5504 Global Energy and Mineral Markets
Contact hours
Synchronous sessions - 3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.