Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The world currently faces numerous natural resource management problems including air pollution (e.g. climate change), water quality, over exploitation of fish, other fauna and flora, as well as controversies surrounding resource intensive economic activities such as mining and logging. This has resulted in a shift in attitudes to environmental and natural resource management policies. The ability to articulate the causes and identify regulatory and incentive-based solutions to problems is a highly sought-after skill in public and private employment. After taking the unit, students are able to think about environment problems and their solutions in logical and systematic ways.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 core unit in the Environmental Science and Management; Environmental Management major sequences
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental sources of market failure, economic models of resource management, and environmental problems faced by the society; (2) critically analyse the resource management models (biological and economic) and their implications in renewable and non-renewable resource management decisions; (3) formulate pollution control problems as resource allocation problems to achieve optimal outcomes, and demonstrate an understanding of pollution control policies and instruments; and (4) understand and use non-market valuation methods to value natural and environmental resources..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) assignments; and (3) a final two-hour examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr. Ram Pandit
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
one level 1 Unit(s) ECON
Contact hours
Lectures: 2 hours per week
tutorials or labs: 1 hour per week
Texts

Different journal articles are provided through the LMS (Learning Management System). The following textbooks have been recommended for this unit and the first one is the required text which has been ordered through the University Co-operative Bookshop as well.

1. Harris, J.M. and Roach, B. (2018). Environmental and Natural Resource Economics - A Contemporary Approach, 4th ed., Routledge, New York.

2. Tietenberg, T. and Lewis, L. (2015). Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, 10th ed (Global Edition): Pearson Education, Sydney.

3. Hanley, N., Shogren, J., and White, B. (2013). Introduction to Environmental Economics, 2nd ed., Oxford University Press, Oxford.

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.