COMMLAW 7012 - Business and Corporations Law
North Terrace Campus - Trimester 1 - 2025
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code COMMLAW 7012 Course Business and Corporations Law Coordinating Unit Adelaide Law School Term Trimester 1 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 3 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Incompatible COMMLAW 7012AMELB, COMMLAW 7012BMELB Assessment Assessment for this course includes all of the following: Online Quiz, Online Quiz, Written Assessment (Individual or Group), Final Exam Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Colette Langos
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Identify fundamental aspects of the Australian legal system;
2. Apply correct legal methodology: apply IRAC (Issues, Rules, Argument, Conclusion) framework to legal problems;
3. Analyse legal themes relevant to business dealings critically;
4. Conduct basic legal research;
5. Utilise modern technology effectively;
6. Communicate legal argument effectively.University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1,2,3,4,6 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
2,3,4 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
2,3,4,5,6 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
1,2,3,4,5,6 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
3,4,6 Attribute 7: Digital capabilities
Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.
4,5,6 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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Learning Resources
Required Resources
The prescribed textbook is:
Jeffrey Fitzpatrick et al, Business and Corporations Law (LexisNexis, 5th ed, 2022).
Recommended Resources
Students may find the following textbooks helpful but are not expected to purchase them:
Giancaspro & Langos, Contract Law: Principles and Practice (2021), Lexis Nexis.
Latimer, Australian Business Law 35th (or any recent) edition, CCH.
Hanrahan Ramsey and Stapeldon, Commercial Applications of Company Law 17th (or any recent) edition, CCH.
The Corporations Act is available free at austlii.com.au/commonwealth legislation or at Commlaw.
Online Learning
Electronic copies of the lecture powerpoint slides, weekly seminar questions and assignment questions will be provided on MyUni.
Students are strongly encouraged to regularlay check myUni for updates and course communication such as Announcements. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
The trimester iteration of Business and Corporations Law will be delivered in alternating Lecture blocks and Seminar/Workshop blocks. Lecture blocks consist of online lectures available in Echo360. Seminars/Workshops will be run in person (on campus).
Monday 03/02 Online Lecture block 1 (Echo360)
Lecture 1 - Introduction to the Course and the Australian Legal System
Lecture 2 - Contract Formation (Focus on Offer and Acceptance)
Lecture 3 - Contract Performance (Focus on Express Terms)
Monday 10/02 5pm- 8pm Level 5 Ligertwood Building Seminar/Workshop block 1
Seminar 1 - Australian Legal System Practice Quiz
Seminar 2 - Legal Problem on Offer and Acceptance
Seminar 3 - Legal Problem on Express Terms
Monday 17/02 Online Lecture block 2 (Echo360)
Lecture 4 - Contract Termination
Lecture 5 - Australian Consumer Law: Misleading or Deceptive Conduct
Monday 24/02 5pm- 8pm Level 5 Ligertwood Building Seminar/Workshop block 2
Seminar 4 - Legal Problem on Contract Termination
Seminar 5 - Legal Problem on Misleading or Deceptive Conduct
Monday 17/03 Online Lecture block 3 (Echo360)
Lecture 6 - Business Structures other than Companies (Focus on Partnerships)
Lecture 7 - Companies (Focus on incorporation process and Company classification)
Lecture 8 - Pre-registration Contracts
Monday 24/03 5pm-8pm Level 5 Ligertwood Building Seminar/Workshop block 3
Seminar 6 - Legal Problem on Partnership
Seminar 7 - Legal Problem on Company types and incorporation Process
Seminar 8 - Legal Problem on Pre-regislation Contracts
Monday 31/03 Online Lecture block 4 (Echo360)
Lecture 9 - Directors Duties
Lecture 10 - Financial Reporting Requirements
Monday 07/04 5pm-8pm Level 5 Ligertwood Building Seminar/Workshop block 4
Seminar 9 - Legal Problem on Directors Duties
Seminar 10 - Legal Problem on Financial Reporting Requirements
Detailed discussion on Final AssessmentWorkload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
The University expects full-time students (i.e. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote a total of 48 hours per week to their studies. This means that you are expected to commit approximately 9 hours of private study in addition to your regular classes.Learning Activities Summary
Monday 03/02 Online Lecture block 1 (Echo360)
Lecture 1 - Introduction to the Course and the Australian Legal System
Lecture 2 - Contract Formation (Focus on Offer and Acceptance)
Lecture 3 - Contract Performance (Focus on Express Terms)
Monday 10/02 5pm- 8pm Level 5 Ligertwood Building Seminar/Workshop block 1
Seminar 1 - Australian Legal System Practice Quiz
Seminar 2 - Legal Problem on Offer and Acceptance
Seminar 3 - Legal Problem on Express Terms
Monday 17/02 Online Lecture block 2 (Echo360)
Lecture 4 - Contract Termination
Lecture 5 - Australian Consumer Law: Misleading or Deceptive Conduct
Monday 24/02 5pm- 8pm Level 5 Ligertwood Building Seminar/Workshop block 2
Seminar 4 - Legal Problem on Contract Termination
Seminar 5 - Legal Problem on Misleading or Deceptive Conduct
Monday 17/03 Online Lecture block 3 (Echo360)
Lecture 6 - Business Structures other than Companies (Focus on Partnerships)
Lecture 7 - Companies (Focus on incorporation process and Company classification)
Lecture 8 - Pre-registration Contracts
Monday 24/03 5pm-8pm Level 5 Ligertwood Building Seminar/Workshop block 3
Seminar 6 - Legal Problem on Partnership
Seminar 7 - Legal Problem on Company types and incorporation Process
Seminar 8 - Legal Problem on Pre-regislation Contracts
Monday 31/03 Online Lecture block 4 (Echo360)
Lecture 9 - Directors Duties
Lecture 10 - Financial Reporting Requirements
Monday 07/04 5pm-8pm Level 5 Ligertwood Building Seminar/Workshop block 4
Seminar 9 - Legal Problem on Directors Duties
Seminar 10 - Legal Problem on Financial Reporting Requirements
Detailed discussion on Final Assessment -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment item % of final mark Dates Length Individual or Group Activity? Redeemable in exam? Learning Outcomes Online Quiz on Australian Legal System 5% Opens 9am 11/2 and closes 9am 13/2 20 multiple choice Individual No 1,5,6 Online Quiz on Australian Consumer Law 5% Opens 9am 25/2 and closes 9am 27/2 20 multiple choice Individual No 1,5,6 Mid-Term Assignment 40% 17/3 at 2pm 2000 max Group No 1,2,3,4,5,6 Final Assessment 50% 5/5 at 2pm 2500 max Group No 1,2,3,6 Assessment Detail
The assessment components are as follows:
Online Quizzes: First Online Quiz (5%) Second Online Quiz (5%)
Details: Each Online Quiz will comprise of 20 multiple choice questions. Quiz questions for each individual student are drawn from a larger bank of questions and randomised.
The first Online Quiz will test student knowledge on the Australian Legal System.
The second Online Quiz will test student knowledge of the Australian Consumer Law.
Mid-term Assessment (40%)
Details: This task assesses student comprehension of the Business Law component of the course. It is based on content taught in Lectures 2-5 (Lecture Block 1 and 2) and Seminar/Workshop 2-5 (Seminar/Workshop Blocks 1 and 2). The assessment is comprised of two legal problem questions. Students are assessed on their ability to synthesise and apply correct law and think critically. Students will be working in self-selected groups (up to 4 people in a group) where all group members will be awarded the same mark. Instructions on how to place yourself in a group will be provided in Lecture 1 and will also be uploaded on the course webpage. The word limit for this assessment is 2000 words.
Final Assessment (50%)
Details: This task assesses student comprehension of the Corporations Law component of the course. It is based on content taught in Lectures 6-10 (Lecture Blocks 3 and 4) and Seminar/Workshop 6-10 (Seminar/Workshop Blocks 3 and 4). The assessment will contain a written research component and will also require the group to make and submit a short 3-minute video. Students will be working in self-selected groups (up to 4 people in a group) where all group members will be awarded the same mark. The groups can be the same as the groups for the Mid-term Assessment or can comprise of different members. The word limit for the written component is 2500 words.Submission
Students must retain a copy of all assignments submitted.
All assignments will be submitted electronically via the MyUni submission box.
Turnitin is a computer program that detects plagiarised work. All assessments will be submitted and monitored through textor code comparative software (e.g. Turnitin) where possible.
Where submissions exceed the maximum word count, a penalty of 5% will be imposed for every 100 words over the maximum word count. Late submissions will attract penalties of 5% per day for each day or part thereof.
Extensions will generally only be given for medical or other serious reasons. All requests for extensions must be emailed to the course coodinator before the due date.
Lecturers aim to mark online and marked assignments will be available within three (3) weeks of the due date unless there has been an extension granted.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
The course is constantly being updated and revised to reflect the evolution of the law, to respond to student feedback, and to engage with the latest teaching practices. Student feedback is collected each time the course is run, including through SELT reports. Previous SELT reports, and staff feedback on them, are posted on the course MyUni site for students to view and consider. -
Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
The provides academic learning and language development services and resources for local, international, undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students enrolled at the 成人大片.
The centre offers practical advice and strategies for students to master reading, writing, note-taking, time management, oral presentation skills, referencing techniques and exam preparation for success at university through seminars, workshops and individual consultations.Lex Salus Program
Lex Salus (law and wellbeing) is an initiative of the Adelaide Law School aimed at destigmatising mental health issues; promoting physical, mental and emotional wellness; building a strong community of staff and students; and celebrating diversity within the school. It also seeks to promote wellness within the legal profession, through the involvement of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia, the Honourable Chris Kourakis, as the official Patron of the program.
Students can participate in the Lex Salus program by attending barbecue lunches, pancake breakfasts, knitting and crochet circles, seminars, guest speakers, conferences and other activities. Our , and regular all-student emails promote upcoming events, and have tips and information on wellness.
Our Lex Salus YouTube channel also includes videos on topics like managing stress, and interviews with LGBTQ lawyers and their supporters which celebrate diversity and individuality. Students who commit to 10 hours of volunteering with Lex Salus in one year can have their service recognised on their academic transcript and through a thank you morning tea with the Chief Justice and law school staff.
Student Life Counselling Support
The University’s service provides free and confidential service to all enrolled students. We encourage you to contact the Student Life Counselling Support service on 8313 5663 to make an appointment to deal with any issues that may be affecting your study and life. -
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
Academic Integrity
All students must be familiar with the University’s Academic Integrity Policy. Academic Misconduct is a serious matter and is treated as such by the Law School and the University. Academic Misconduct (which goes beyond plagiarism) can be a ground for a refusal by the Supreme Court of South Australia to admit a person to practice as a legal practitioner in South Australia. Academic Integrity is an essential aspect of ethical and honest behaviour, which is central to the practice of the law and an understanding of what it is to be a lawyer. -
Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.
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