APME77-Environmental Economics

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: e.j.robinson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module, based on microeconomic foundations, provides students with the skill set needed to analyse environmental problems, and to understand how to apply these techniques to environmental policy making. The module combines economic theory with applied material and computer-based exercises. In this module we will explore the relationship between ecological and economic systems; important market failures (such as environmental public goods and environmental externalities) and policies aimed at solving them. We will consider, for example, the efficient level of pollution and under what conditions tradable permits, taxes, or subsidies might be most effective at controlling pollution; and how to deal with international environmental problems. Because environmental policy making variously requires a good understanding of the environmental impact of economic activities, or the economic valuation of both market and non-market goods and services provided by nature, the module ensures that students can apply techniques used by environmental economists such as environmental valuation. For this, there are practical sessions in the computer lab which enable students to apply various techniques. 

Aims:

To provide students with the basic tools necessary to understand and demonstrate how and why economic activity and policy affect the natural environment. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students will be able to: 

1. Analyse environmental problems from an economics perspective


2. Apply at least one environmental valuation method


3. Put into practice environmental modelling skills

Additional outcomes:

Students will learn through a set of tutorials some of the main applied techniques in environmental economics using statistical software and developing basic programming knowledge (e.g. Gretl, Excel Solver and R).

Outline content:

The module will first contextualise the study of environmental economics, exploring concepts of sustainability, the interdependence of the economy and the environment, and ethical and equity considerations. The module will then focus on environmental pollution, exploring policy instruments designed to ensure an efficient level of pollution. We will spend some time addressing cross-border environmental problems, such as acid rain and global warming; why these environmental problems are so tricky to deal with; and what policies instruments are available to address these issues. The problem of accounting for the value of environmental goods and services will be discussed.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will be delivered through a series of 2-hour lectures, which will include also opportunities for students to work in groups and discuss specific issues. A series of computer-based practical sessions will help students familiarise themselves with environmental valuation techniques and simple dynamic optimisation. Material from different textbooks and various articles will be used during this module.

Though a variety of textbooks and articles are used during this module, the key texts used in this module are:

1. Perman, R., Ma, Y., Common, M., Maddison, D. and McGilvray, J., 2011. Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, 4th edn (Harlow, UK.


2. Sterner, T. and Coria, J., 2013. Policy instruments for environmental and natural resource management. Routledge.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Autumn Term:

In-class test (50%) 

Practical assignment (50%)

Formative assessment methods:

Sample test questions will be put in Blackboard

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

By new assignment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 September 2019