- UCAS course code
- V136
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Environmental Economics
Unit code | ECON20101 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 2 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
The aims of this course are to explore the use of economic analysis to investigate the causes, consequences and possible solutions to problems associated with degradation of the environment due to economic activity. At the end of the course unit, students will be able to understand and explain:
- how neoclassical economics conceptualises environmental problems in terms of market failure;
- the theory and practice of valuing, in monetary terms, changes in environmental quality;
- cost-benefit analysis, including the discounting of future values;
- environmental regulation;
- climate change.
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Introductory Mathematics | ECON10061 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Advanced Mathematics | ECON10071A | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Principles of Microeconomic Theory 1: Consumers, Welfare, Production and Costs | ECON10171 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Microeconomics 1 | ECON10221 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Microeconomics 1 | ECON10331 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Advanced Mathematics | ECON10071B | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
(ECON10331 or ECON10221 or ECON10171) and (ECON10061 or ECON10071)
Aims
The aim of this module is to explore the use of economic analysis to investigate the causes, consequences and possible solutions to problems associated with degradation of the environment due to economic activity.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course unit, students will be able to understand and explain:
- how neoclassical economics conceptualises environmental problems in terms of market failure;
- the theory and practice of valuing, in monetary terms, changes in environmental quality and use of such values in cost-benefit analysis;
- the economics of alternative approaches to regulating local and global pollution such as direct controls, green taxes, subsidies, marketable pollution permits and voluntary agreements;
- the economics of climate change and its implications for policy design
Syllabus
Topic 1: Economics of Environmental Problems
Topic 2: Environmental Valuation and Cost-Benefit Analysis
Topic 3: Environmental Regulation and Pollution Control
Topic 4: Climate Change
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures and tutorial classes.
Intellectual skills
(i) problem-solving skills; (ii) ability to analyse and interpret empirical data; (iii) the evaluation and critical analysis of arguments, theories and policies.
Practical skills
(i) ability to analyse and interpret empirical data; (ii) ability to analyse economic mechanisms and policies
Transferable skills and personal qualities
(i) select and deploy relevant information; (ii) communicate ideas and arguments in writing and verbally; (iii) apply skills of analysis and interpretation; (iv) manage time and work to deadlines; (v) ability to work in a small group.
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Problem solving
Assessment methods
- Essay - 60%.
- Two Computer-Based Online Tests - 40%.
Feedback methods
- Tutorial feedback.
- Office hours.
Recommended reading
Main Text
Jonathan M. Harris & Brian Roach (2021) Environmental and Natural Resource Economics A Contemporary Approach (5th edition)
Routledge
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003080640/environmental-natural-resource-economics-jonathan-harris-brian-roach
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Daniel Rigby | Unit coordinator |