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Department of Economics, Unit Catalogue 2010/11


ES50059: Environmental valuation & resource economics

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Masters
Click here for further information Period: This unit is available in...
Semester 2
Click here for further information Assessment: EX 100%
Click here for further informationSupplementary Assessment: ES50059A - Resit Exam (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To provide a rigorous account of the modern economic analysis of natural resource use and of sustainable development.

Learning Outcomes:
To be able to critically appraise the theoretical models and empirical procedures used by economists to examine the time path of extraction and associated prices of natural resources; To have sufficient skill to begin to empirically model the usage of a natural resource; To be able to critically appraise and compare the analyses of sustainable development constructed by economists and others; To have sufficient skills to begin to empirically model the sustainability of an economy.

Skills:
Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and mathematical models (Taught/Facilitated/Assessed). Ability to select, summarise and synthesis written information from multiple sources (T/F/A). Ability to select and use appropriate ideas to produce a coherent response to a pre-set question (T/F/A). Comprehensive and scholarly written communication (T/F/A). Concise and effective written communication (e.g. briefings / written exams) (T/F/A). Effective oral communication (e.g. lecture question and answer) (F). Ability to apply theory to policy areas (T/F/A).

Content:
Introduction to the economics of exhaustible and renewable natural resources. Sustainable development: definitions and analysis: the Hartwick rule etc. Global problems, analysis and policy: climate change, bio-diversity. More complex models of resource use: alternative market structures, multi-species, etc. Integrating environmental and natural resources into formal growth models. Green national income accounting, sustainability indicators and the limits to growth debate.
NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.