Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module BUSS2051: PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS LAW

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BUSS2051: PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS LAW

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to NN43
Tied to N200
Tied to N420

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • It is important for those students studying in the fields of business and accounting to have an understanding of the legal framework within which businesses operate and the requirements and restrictions imposed on a business by the different aspects of the law that are relevant to the operation of a business.

Content

  • Introduction to the English Legal Framework - statute and case law
  • The law of Tort
  • Contract Law - offer acceptance and consideration. Remedies for breach
  • Agency
  • Vicarious Liability
  • Types of Business entity
  • Company formation and administration
  • The veil of incorporation
  • The memorandum of the articles of association
  • Management of the company; the duties and responsibilities of directors
  • Criminal Law; insider dealing
  • Insolvency
  • Employment Law
  • Data Protection
  • Sale of Goods
  • Company Borrowings
  • European Law
  • International Law

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of the significant aspects of law as they appertain to the operation of a business.
  • Understand the regulatory framework with which companies must comply.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Be able to analyse and offer advice on common legal issues facing a business.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication - through summative assessment
  • Computer Literacy - by word-processing summative assignment

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars, and private study. Formative assessment is by means of multiple choice questions. Summative assessment is by a written examination and a written assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 16 1 weekly 1 hour 16
Seminars 8 4 in term 1, 4 in term 2 1 hour 8 ■
Preparation and Reading 176
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written examination 2 hours 15 mins 100%
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written assignment 1500 words max 100%

Formative Assessment:

Multiple choice questions.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University