Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module ECON1051: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Economics and Finance)

ECON1051: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To facilitate students' understanding of the way in which economists analyse environmental issues and contribute to decision-making about the environment. The basic principles of economics will be applied to environmental topics. In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop key skills.

Content

  • What is environmental economics? The Economy and the Environment.
  • Basic analytical tools, eg.benefits and costs, supply and demand.
  • Economic efficiency and markets, market failures.
  • Optimal level of pollution.
  • Instruments of pollution control policy: bargaining, encironmental standards, Pigovian taxes, tradable permits.
  • Criteria for ecaluating environmental policies.
  • Renewable and non-renewable natural resources.
  • Environmental valuation.
  • Global environmental problems.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Understand how Economics can help to assess and solve environmental problems
  • Be able to formulate environmental policy recommendations
Subject-specific Skills:
  • How to use economic tools and mathematical and graphical analysis for the solution of environmental problems
Key Skills:
  • Written Communication. - e.g. through summative assessment.
  • Initiative e.g. by searching relevant literature and information in preparation for assessed work

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

  • Teaching is by lectures and tutorials. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in tutorial classes, and private study. Formative assessment is by means of a short-answer test. Summative assessment is by means of a written examination to test students' knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 35 2 per week 1 hour 35
Tutorials 7 1 every 2 weeks 1 hour 7 ■
Preparation and Reading 158
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written examination 2 hours 15 minutes 100%

Formative Assessment:

1 short-answer test and a contribution to a group presentation

■ 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