ECON42570 Behavioural E'mics:Policy App

Academic Year 2023/2024

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).

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Curricular information is subject to change

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
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

80
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 Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Group Project: Working in groups of 2 you will produce a 5000 word document that would guide behaviourally-informed policy in your key area of interest. Week 11 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

40
Examination: A 2 hour exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

60

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
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 11:00 - 12:50