Module Search

ECON3161: ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND POLICY

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type	Open
Level	3
Credits	20
Availability	Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location	Durham
Department	Economics

Prerequisites

Microeconomics (ECON2021) OR Economic Theory (ECON2291)

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

None.

Aims

To provide, by building on the skills and knowledge from level 2, an understanding of the contribution of economic analysis to the solution of environmental problems. In addition, it seeks to provide students with the skills necessary to analyse and discuss current policy issues concerning the protection of the environment.

Content

In addition to presenting the background to the problem of environmental degradation, externalities and public goods, topics are likely to be drawn from the following list:
Double dividends of environmental taxation
Voluntary agreements
International environmental problems
Economics of natural resources
Kuznets curves
Non-point source pollution
The political economy of environmental policy

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

At the end of the module the students will be able to:
Understand the contribution of economic analysis to the solution of environmental problems
Understand the role of free markets and/or government intervention to deal with environmental problems
Develop a critical knowledge of the protection of the environment from an economic standpoint

Subject-specific Skills:

At the end of the module, students will be able to:
make use of algebra and graphical analysis.
analyse environmental economics issues.
discuss current political strategies for the protection of the environment.

Key Skills:

Written Communication - through summative assessment.
Planning, Organisation and Time Management - by preparing for examinations.
Problem Solving and Analysis - e.g. by applying the necessary analytical and quantitative skills, as well as the ability to manipulate concepts in environmental economics and policy, in undertaking assessed work.
Numeracy - e.g. by applying core mathematical and statistical skills to answer a range of examination questions.

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

Teaching is by lectures, seminars and support for student-centred learning. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in tutorial classes, and private study. Formative assessment to help prepare for online examination. Summative assessment is by means of a online examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total	Monitored
Lectures	20	1 per week	1 Hour	20
Revision Lectures	2	1 per week	1 hour	2
Seminars	8	4 in term 1, 4 in term 2	1 Hour	8	Yes
Preparation and Reading				170
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
One written online examination	2 hours 3,000 words max	100	Same

Formative Assessment

One written piece of work to prepare students for the summative exam.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.