This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)
Module ECON1051: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS
Department: Business School (Economics and Finance)
ECON1051: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 1 | 20 | Available in 2016/2017 | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- GCSE Mathematics at grade A.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- 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
- The Economy and the environment.
- Welfare economics
- Environmental valuation
- Analytical tools, eg. cost-benefit analysis, cost effectiveness.
- Economic efficiency and markets, market failures, externalities.
- Instruments of pollution control policy: bargaining, environmental standards, taxes and tradable permits.
- Criteria for evaluating environmental policies.
- Resource economics: renewable and non-renewable.
- Energy economics
- Global environmental problems
- Topics in environmental economics and policy
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 two short essays, one in each term; and a contribution to a group presentation.
- 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 | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 21 | 1 per week | 2 hour | 42 | |
| Tutorials | 7 | 2 in term 1, 5 in term 2 | 1 hour | 7 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 151 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 100% | One written examination | 2 hours 30 minutes | 100% | Same |
Formative Assessment
Two short essays, one in Term 1 and one in Term 2, and a contribution to a group presentation
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.