Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This is a course on agricultural commodity markets in general and specifically a commodity futures and options markets course. The emphasis will be on major commercial agriculture field crops and livestock markets relevant to Australia. The course will involve study of commodity price behavior. Attention will be paid to the role of futures markets as an institution in a market economy, as well as use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts in firm asset and risk management. Emphasis will be placed on the mechanics of futures and options trading, basic relationships between cash and futures markets, fundamental and technical behavior of commodity futures prices, hedging strategies, futures market regulation, and commodity futures market performance.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the institutions unique to commodity and futures markets, how these markets work, and who are the market participants.; (2) develop skills for measuring and managing market price risk in an agribusiness environment.

; and (3) understand how to conduct commodity market analysis using underlying economic fundamentals and using the tools from technical analysis..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) lab reports; and (3) quizzes. 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)
Dr Amin Mugera
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
two Unit(s) ACCT5432 Introductory Financial Accounting
and Unit(s) ECON5541 Economics for Business: Applications and Policy
or Unit(s) ECON3300 Agricultural Economics and Marketing
Advisable prior study
AGRI5402 Agribusiness
Contact hours
lectures: 6 x 15 minute online lecture modules per week for 12 weeks

practical classes: 1 hour per week for 12 weeks.
  • 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.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • 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.