Overview

This unit introduces students to the framework of the Australian legal system and to the business structures operating in Australia and to provide an overview of various areas of the law including Contracts, Torts, Consumer Protection, Intellectual property, Business entities, Business ownership and Employment issues.

Requisites

Teaching Periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Identify and explain the laws that impact upon business in areas relating to Contract law, Torts, Australian Consumer law, Intellectual property, Business entities, Business ownership and Employment issues
  • Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the laws (both statutory and common law) which impact upon different business organisations
  • Apply business law principles to everyday business activities, and hypothetical and real world problems
  • Recognise diverse viewpoints and synthesise arguments from multiple points of view

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
On-campus
Class
2.00 12 weeks 24
Online
Lecture
1.00 12 weeks 12
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning
9.50 12 weeks 114
TOTAL150

Swinburne Online

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Online
Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning
12.50 12 weeks 150
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
AssignmentIndividual 40 - 60% 1,3 
ExaminationIndividual 40 - 60% 1,2,3,4 

Content

  • Foundations: Introducing the law; Understanding the Australian legal system and studying law
  • Legal consequences: Causing harm – Torts (effects of negligence); Making deals – Formation of Contracts; Dealing with consumers – Australian Consumer Law; Protecting Intellectual property
  • Business ownership: Choosing a business entity (sole trader, partnership or corporation); Business ownership and employment

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.