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: 2020/1

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Develop the skill set needed to analyse environmental problems. Learn about environmental policy making. In the computer lab, apply key techniques used by environmental economists such as environmental valuation. In this module, based on microeconomic foundations, we will consider, for example, conditions under which tradable permits, taxes, or subsidies might be most effective at controlling pollution; and how to deal with international environmental problems.

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 tric ky 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 mo dule, 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: 30 September 2020