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 unit introduces the theory and practice of founding a successful startup. It is designed to equip students with the skills and culture required to bridge the gap from academia to identifying and solving real market opportunities. Students learn about the process of taking a concept to market.

Throughout the unit, students work in teams and immediately apply the theory to create new startups and build real businesses with real customers. Students develop disruptive ideas and validate a business model around them and have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to investors at the end of the unit.

Students continuously engage with industry mentors helping to foster collaboration and linkages with individuals and companies outside of the academic setting.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) develop a disruptive hypothesis for a business opportunity; (2) develop multiple business model options using lean startup tools; (3) validate business models in the market using customer development and manual testing tactics; (4) prototype products without the need to program to validate a customer solution; and (5) adapt business models when core ideas are not validated in the market.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) two individual assignments and (2) group assignment. 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)
TBA
Unit rules
Prerequisites
completion of at least 72 points in a bachelor's degree
Approved quota: 80—academic merit
Contact hours
lectures: 1 hour per week over 13 weeks
workshops: 2 hours per week over 13 weeks
Hackathon: 3 hours (face-to-face)
  • 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.