The course examines the role of energy in the economy, economic methods of assessing and modelling energy, the economics of various sources of energy, electricity markets, and other key topics in energy economics. Fossil fuel, renewable, and nuclear energy sources will each be studied, as will energy efficiency, security, and sustainability. The course will examine key challenges and opportunities in the energy sector in Australia and overseas.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand energy markets and the role of energy in the economy.
- Identify and apply a knowledge of methods to assess energy projects, technologies, and policies.
- Examine the economics of energy production and consumption.
- Evaluate and communicate research in energy economics.
Research-Led Teaching
The course will build off the research of the course convenor and others in the field of energy economics. The presentation and essay components provide a research focus to the assessment structure.
Required Resources
Textbook: Zweifel, P, Praktiknjo, A & Erdmann, G 2017, Energy Economics: Theory and Applications, Springer.
Recommended Resources
Supplementary reading: Schwarz, PM 2018, Energy Economics, 1st edn, Routledge.
A list of suggested readings for each topic will be provided on Wattle.
Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.
ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- written comments
- verbal comments
- feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.
Other Information
CRAWFORD ACADEMIC SKILLS
The Crawford School of Public Policy has its own Academic Skills team dedicated to helping students to understand the academic expectations of studying at Crawford and succeed in their chosen program of study. Through individual appointments, course-embedded workshops and online resources, Crawford Academic Skills provides tailored advice to students keen to develop their academic reading, thinking, planning, writing, and presentation skills.
Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | Introduction to energy economics | |
2 | Energy and economic growth | |
3 | Energy evaluation and modelling | |
4 | Energy efficiency | |
5 | Oil | |
6 | Coal and natural gas | |
7 | Renewables and nuclear power | |
8 | Electricity markets | |
9 | Natural gas and hydrogen markets | |
10 | Energy security and sustainability | |
11 | Collecting and managing revenues from the energy sector | |
12 | Challenges and opportunities in developing countries |
Tutorial Registration
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.Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Group problem set | 5 % | 25/08/2023 | 28/08/2023 | 1,2,3 |
Essay | 30 % | 23/10/2023 | 06/11/2023 | 1,2,3,4 |
Group presentation | 15 % | 27/10/2023 | 30/10/2023 | 1,2,3,4 |
Contribution to class discussion forum | 5 % | 27/10/2023 | 30/10/2023 | 1,2,3,4 |
Final exam | 45 % | 18/11/2023 | 01/12/2023 | 1,2,3,4 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
- Code of practice for teaching and learning
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Participation
Active participation in lectures and tutorials is expected.
Examination(s)
The course includes a final exam.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3
Group problem set
During the first five weeks of semester, students will form into groups of two to complete a problem set in advance of a weekly seminar being held.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Essay
A list of essay topics will be distributed during Week 1. The topics will invite students to apply economic techniques and/or principles to analyse an energy issue or policy. Please choose one topic and write a 2,500-word essay on it. The limit applies to the main text and excludes the abstract, references, graphs, and data tables. Your essay should have a title and an abstract of a maximum of 100 words.
Your essay should not exceed the word limit. Penalties will be applied if it does. Concise writing is an important, and rewarded, skill.
Plagiarism will be treated extremely seriously, in keeping with ANU policies. Note that your essay should not be similar to any essay you write for any other course.
The following criteria will be used to assess the essays:
1) Relevance to the topic.
2) Soundness and clarity of argument and economic thinking.
3) Clarity of structure.
4) Familiarity with relevant literature.
5) Accuracy.
6) Originality and independence of thought.
7) Clarity of communication (requires good spelling, grammar, punctuation).
8) Appropriate referencing.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Group presentation
10-minute presentation on a journal article in energy economics, plus about 5 minutes of questions and answers. A list of journal articles will be provided. Presentations should communicate the key points of the paper and make productive extension comments (examples: critique; suggestion for future use of the ideas; new research directions springing out of the article).
Additional details will provided during the early weeks of semester.
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Contribution to class discussion forum
Discussion questions will be posted on Wattle. Students will be expected to actively contribute to the online discussion, making a minimum of 3 posts during semester.
The grade will be based on each student's overall contribution in terms of high-quality and timely posts. Provided that the threshold of 3 posts is met, the grade will be based on quality and timeliness only.
Assessment Task 5
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Final exam
Will involve problem solving and written-form answers, covering concepts and material covered in the course.
Writing time = 120 minutes.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.
The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.
The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.
The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.
Online Submission
You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.
Late Submission
Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:
- Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research Interests |
Prof Paul Burke
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Prof Paul Burke
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