ECON4410 Environmental and Resource Economics
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) If this unit does not have an online alternative, then students who are presently unable to enter Western Australia and whose studies would be delayed by an inability to complete this unit, should contact the unit coordinator (details given on this page) to ascertain, on an individual case-by-case basis, if alternate arrangements can be made to support their study in this unit.
Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online. Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Online timetabled 100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. - Details for undergraduate courses
- Honours option in Economics [Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)]
- Honours option in Natural Resource Management [Bachelor of Science (Honours)]
- Content
- Managing the impact of production processes and human consumption of goods and services on the environment without reducing overall welfare is one of the most challenging issues facing society. This unit introduces students to both current and long-standing issues in natural and environmental resource management and policy. First, it presents basic concepts of natural and environmental resource management. Secondly, it examines economics of mining, fisheries and forestry with an extension to economics of ecosystem services and biodiversity. Thirdly, it examines the economics of pollution control. Finally, it explores non-market valuation techniques in relation to the management of environmental and natural resources. In analysing environmental and natural resource management issues, the unit extensively uses various economic models and valuation techniques.
- Outcomes
- Students are able to (1) understand economic concepts behind natural resource management and policy; (2) critically analyse basic techniques of non-market valuation and apply them in a variety of resource management contexts; and (3) assess the application of economic concepts and policies in environmental management and their growing importance in environmental management decisions.
- Assessment
- Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) laboratory assignments; (3) essays; and (4) pre-tutorial task. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit. - Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Ram Pandit
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites:
- enrolment in the Master of Professional Engineering Environmental Specialisation (62550) or the Master of Economics (42620) or the Master of Agricultural Science (72510) or the Master of Environmental Science (72530) or the Master of International Development (71550) or the Master of Agricultural Economics (73530) or the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BH004) or the Master of Ocean Leadership (62540) or the Master of Public Policy (coursework or coursework and dissertation) (42580)
- Advisable prior study:
- ECON3300 Agricultural Economics and Marketing or ECON4001 Agricultural Trade and Commodity Markets
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2 hours; tutorials: 1 hour; labs: 1 hour (4 hours/week for 12 weeks)
- Note
- This unit can be taken in the Master of Economics or the Master of Agricultural Economics.
- Texts
-
No textbooks are required for the unit.
- Reference books
-
Perman, R. et al. Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, 4th edn: Pearson Education Limited 2011
Hanley, N. and Barbier, E. B. Pricing Nature: Cost-benefit Analysis and Environmental Policy: Edward Elgar Publishing 2009
- 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.