Course syllabus spring 2015
Course syllabus spring 2015
Title
Environmental Economics and Ecological Economics
Swedish title
Environmental Economics and Ecological Economics
Course code
MV104E
Credits
15 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2014-06-25
Syllabus valid from
2015-01-19
Entry requirements
General entry requirements + Civics 1b / 1a1 +1a2. Or: Civics A, English B.
Merit rating is calculated based on Swedish upper secondary grades achieved, according to specific entry requirement 6/A6.
Level
Basic level
No main field.
Progression level
G1N
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course is part of the bachelor programme Environmental Science and also given as an independent course
Course objectives
The aim of this course is for the student to develop basic knowledge in environmental economics and ecological economics. The students should develop an understanding of the relation between sustainable resource utilization, economic and ecological balance.
Course contents
- basic economic theory with a special focus on microeconomic theory
- introduction to environmental economics and ecological economics
- methods used for environmental economic analysis
- globalization and the environment
- sustainable development
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
After finishing the course the students shall be able to demonstrate:
1. basic knowledge of environmental and ecological economics
2. an understanding of economic driving forces and their consequences on society and ecology
3. knowledge of how different economic institutions and actors influence the environment
4. knowledge of environmental policy instruments and their effect on sustainable resource allocation
5. knowledge of different definitions of sustainable development and how the different definitions can be used
6. knowledge of instruments for deciding the goals of sustainable resource allocation
Skills and abilities
After finishing the course, the student shall be able to:
7. analyse environmental problems from an environmental economics perspective as well as from an ecological economics perspective
8. apply models from environmental economics and ecological economics on environmental problems
9. conduct a simple cost benefit analysis on an environmental problem
Assessment skills and approach
After finishing the course, the student shall be able to:
10. assess an environmental problem from an environmental economics perspective as well as from an ecological economics perspective
11. evaluate and critically assess economic support documents for policy decisions
Learning activities
The course activities consist of lectures, compulsory seminars, and a project group assignment. Students will express their knowledge in written reports, written exams and through oral presentations.
Assessment
- Individual written exam in environmental economics I (5 credits) (UA) (1-8)
- Individual written exam in environmental economics II (5 credits) (UA) (1-8)
- Project assignment, Cost Benefit Analysis (2,5 credits) (UA) (9,11)
- Literature seminars with assignments (2,5 credits) (UG) (7, 10,11)
Course literature and other study material
- Dasgupta, P. (2007). Economics: A very short introduction, Oxford University Press.
- Hanley, N., Shogren, J., White, B. (latest ed.). Introduction to Environmental Economics, Oxford University Press
- Additional literature (mainly scientific articles) of about 1000 pages will be provided mainly electronically.
Course evaluation
The University provides students who participate in or who have completed a course with the opportunity to make known their experiences and viewpoints with regards to the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarize the results of course evaluations as well as informing participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures initiated in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).
Interim rules
If a course is no longer offered or has undergone major changes, students will be offered two re-take sessions based on the syllabus in force at registration during a period of one year from the date of the implementation of the changes.