The course “Introduction to Environmental and Resource Economics’ begins with an explanation of what economics is. In this explanation, a role for economics in the consideration of environmental matters is established. The potential for markets to solve environmental problems is explored and this is accompanied by an analysis of government, or ‘command and control’ mechanisms for dealing with environmental issues. Throughout the course economic principles and techniques are set out. These include opportunity cost, demand, transaction costs, property rights and benefit cost analysis.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to (1) explain how the discipline of economics, and economic tools such as cost-benefit analysis, can be used to analyse environmental and natural resource use issues, (2) describe the potential for market and government ('command and control) mechanisms to address environmental issues, and (3) appreciate the role of economics in the management of natural resources, including water, forests, energy, agriculture and wildlife, at local, regional and global levels. This course also provides the basic skills for further studies in environmental and resource economics.
Other Information
Delivery Mode:
1st semester; lectures and tutorials. On Campus.
Indicative Assessment
The course will be assessed on the basis of student performance in four modes of assessment:
- Two assignments randomly drawn at two different points in time during the semester from assignments set each week. (10% each)
- An oral presentation based on a written paper (10%)
- A mid semester test (closed book) (20%)
- A final examination (closed book) (50%)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
3 contact hours per week plus 5 hours preparation, assignements and revision per week.
Prescribed Texts
Tietenberg, T. and Lewis, L. (2010) Environmental Economics and Policy (6th edition). Boston: Pearson Addison-Wesley.
Preliminary Reading
Recommended reading
Bennett, J. (2012) Little Green Lies. Ballan, Vic.: Connor Court Publishing
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 3
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5700 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.