Explore UCD

UCD Home >

ECON42570

Academic Year 2024/2025

Behavioural E'mics:Policy App (ECON42570)

Subject:
Economics
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Economics
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Orla Doyle
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module provides an overview of the application of behavioural economics in public policy and private organizations. The module reviews core concepts in behavioural economics with particular relevance to public policy. We examine a range of case studies in the application of behavioural economics in key areas such as health, regulation, labour, entrepreneurship, innovation, and education. We examine the key ethical aspects of policies based on behavioural evidence and provide detailed instruction on the key areas of thought on the debate about the deployment of different types of influence techniques in public policy.

Assessment for the module is based on a group project and final exam. For the group project, you will be randomised into pairs to write a report that would guide behaviourally-informed policy in your key area of interest, and present it at an in-class
seminar.

The module is delivered by a combination of lecturers including Vessela Daskalova (UCD), Liam Delaney (LSE), Orla Doyle (UCD), Laurence Knell (TCD) and Pete Lunn ESRI).

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module, we hope students attain the following learning outcomes:

- Knowledge of key case studies and policy applications of behavioural economics across key domains

- Knowledge of key debates on the merits and demerits of different approaches to behaviourally informed policy.

- The skills required to design a behavioural policy intervention.


Indicative Module Content:

1 Introduction
2 Innovation
3 Methods
4 Regulation
5 Education
6 Entrepreneurship
7 Labour
8 Failure
9 Ethics
10 Mental health
11 Health
12 Student presentations

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Lectures

24
Total

104

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will be delivered in the form of interactive lectures given by multiple lecturers providing students with overviews of key policy literatures.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): There are 6 questions on the exam paper and you will be required to answer 3 questions of your choice. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

60

 No
Group Work Assignment: Working in groups of 2 you will produce a 5000-word document that would guide behaviourally-informed policy in your key area of interest and present it in a class seminar. Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

40

 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive detailed group feedback on their project and exam preparation.

Name Role
Dr Vessela Daskalova Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Orla Doyle Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Print this page
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.