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

In this unit students will consider the two foundational pillars of contemporary Australian commercial law: secured transactions in personal property and e-commerce. The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA) tackles the first pillar of secured transactions and is relevant to a broad range of everyday commercial transactions, such as bank lending, inventory financing, retail and consumer sales. Throughout the unit, students will learn not only the black-letter rules of PPSA and the relevant case law, but also commercial and policy considerations that underpin PPSA's rules. E-commerce is the second pillar of this unit and represents another vastly important aspect of contemporary commercial activity. Topics may include: online contracts, online defamation, Electronic Transaction Act, privacy, anti-spam legislation, and jurisdiction.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 core unit in the Business Law major sequence
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) compare between the various types of security interests over property; (2) compare how the various types of security interests are created and perfected under the PPSA rules; (3) describe the registration requirements under the PPSA rules; (4) describe the priority of security interests under the PPSA rules; (5) assess the operational basis of traditional contract and torts doctrine in relation to online contracts and online defamation; (6) describe the main features of the Electronic Transaction Act and anti-spam legislation; and (7) assess the difficulties involved in the application of the traditional privacy and jurisdiction doctrines to the Internet sphere.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation; (2) test; and (3) examination. 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 Sagi Peari
Unit rules
Prerequisites
LAWS1104 Introduction to Law
or LAWX1104 Introduction to Law
or LAWS1120 Australian Legal Principles and Institutions
Contact hours
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.
  • 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.