Overview

This unit aims to demonstrate to students the important contribution economics can play in managing the environment so they can appreciate the multidisciplinary aspects associated with modern environmental problems, which have the potential to threaten human survival on Earth. Issues in environmental economics and environmental policy making (e.g. global warming, environmental pollution, and sustainable use of resources) are discussed. Through this students learn how to determine the ‘efficient level of pollution’ as well as learn about appropriate instruments that help to reach policy goals. We also discuss the role of externalities and public good in environmental policy making.

Requisites

Prerequisites
ECO10004 Economic Principles
Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  1. Describe and demonstrate the fundamentals of key environmental economic concepts, and alternative policy implications
  2. Discuss and debate socio-economic, social and political factors and their interconnectedness in relation to environmental matters
  3. Analyse issues relating to environmental economics demonstrating the ability to take stakeholder viewpoints
  4. Work independently and collaboratively and critically reflect on individual performance

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
On-campus
Class		2.00 12 weeks 24
Online
Lecture		1.00 12 weeks 12
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning		9.50 12 weeks 114
TOTAL150

OUA

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Online
Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning		12.50 12 weeks 150
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
AssessmentIndividual 40 - 60% 1,2,3 
Online TestsIndividual 20 - 30% 1,3 
Research ReportGroup 20 - 30% 1,2,3,4 

Content

  • Introduction to environmental economics
  • Market efficiency
  • Market failure
  • Valuing the environment
  •  Instruments for environmental management
  • The macroeconomics of the environment
  • The environmental movement and regulatory process in Australia; corporate sustainable development
  • Contemporary issues – for example energy, waste, water, global warming

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.