Principal Aims

This module will provide a brief introduction to the meaning and scope of environmental economics. It will then outline key theoretical and methodological tools to study how to evaluate and manage natural resources. Key policy instruments to deal with contemporary environmental problems, such as climate change, sustainable development and pollution will be discussed offering an overview of the behavioural responses to environmental conservation and protection. The module will finally look at the linkage between environmental health and (in)justice to outline policy instruments and cutting-edge research that work towards improved justice and sustainability in the environmental health arena.

Principal Learning Outcomes

Subject knowledge and understanding: Acquire knowledge on how environmental issues affect our economy and health. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, reading and independent study. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Presentation; policy brief; and final exam.

Subject knowledge and understanding: Demonstrate knowledge of methods and tools used to value environmental resources. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, reading and independent study. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Presentation; policy brief; and final exam.

Subject knowledge and understanding: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of economic arguments to discuss environmental policy proposals and solutions. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, reading and independent study. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Presentation; policy brief; and final exam.

Subject knowledge and understanding: Understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental economics. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, reading and independent study. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Presentation; policy brief; and final exam.

Subject-Specific/Professional Skills: Demonstrate research skills, including using the library and internet as information sources. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, reading and independent study. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Presentation and policy brief.

Subject-Specific/Professional Skills: Communicate knowledge and understanding of key theories, methodological tools and empirical analyses in environmental economics, both verbally and in writing. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, reading and independent study. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Presentation; policy brief; and final exam.

Cognitive Skills: Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving when approaching environmental problems. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, reading and independent study. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Presentation; policy brief; and final exam.

Cognitive Skills: Demonstrate creativity to develop policy solutions for environmental problems. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, reading and independent study. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Presentation; policy brief; and final exam.

Syllabus

Context

Optional Module

L1P6 - Year 1, L801 - Year 1, L1P7 - Year 1

Pre or Co-requisites

The module is accessible to anyone with a good undergraduate background in economics, including intermediate microeconomics.

Assessment

Assessment Method

Coursework (50%) + Online Examination (50%)

Coursework Details

Group Policy Brief (40%) , Group Presentation (10%) , Online Examination (50%)

Exam Timing

May

Exam Rubric

NOTE: Please be aware this is a new rubric for 2023/24 and differs slightly to the rubric found on past papers.

Time Allowed: 2 Hours.

Read all instructions carefully - and read through the entire paper at least once before you start entering your answers.

There are THREE sections in this paper. Answer ALL questions in Section A (50 marks), ONE question in Section B (25 marks), and ONE question in Section C (25 marks).

Approved pocket calculators are allowed.

You should not submit answers to more than the required number of questions. If you do, we will mark the questions. in the order that they appear, up to the required number of questions in each section.

Previous exam papers can be found in the University’s past papers archive. Please note that previous exam papers may not have operated under the same exam rubric or assessment weightings as those for the current academic year. The content of past papers may also be different.