Economics BA (C), Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, 7.5 credits

Aim

The aim of the course is to explore the interdisciplinary nature of environmental problems and links between natural resource and economics.

To give students a clear and thorough understanding of current theory and policy issues in the field of environmental and natural resource economics.

Course objectives

After successfully completing the course, the student should:

Understand the connection between economics and environmental issues, externalities and management of public goods

Identify the current environmental problems and the importance of sustainable development.

Determine the optimal extraction of non-renewable and renewable natural resources

Determine the monetary values of environmental goods and services.

Understand the connection between national income accounting and environmental accounting

Content

The course will focus on theory of externalities, the management of public goods, and resource allocation over time, environmental valuation, and cost-benefit analysis. Economics theory and optimal extraction of renewable resources such as forest ecosystems and fisheries and non-renewable resources such as minerals will be discussed.

Another important contribution of economics to the environmental discussion is to incorporate in the analysis the impact to future generations. Therefore, issues related to dynamic efficiency and sustainable development will be discussed. The course will also introduce various econometric methods for assigning monetary values to non-market environmental goods and services. The course ends with a more in-depth discussion of national income and environmental accounting.

Entry requirements

NA018G Economics Ba (B), Microeconomics and Industrial Organization, 7.5 credits

or

IG038G Industrial Engineering and Management Ba (B), Microeconomics and Industrial Organization, 7.5 credits

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Lectures and seminars.

Examination form

1000: Individual written exam, 5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

2000: Assignment, 2.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

The examination will be a take home examination at the end of the course. The examination will be accompanied by exercises.

Link to subject-specific grading criteria www.miun.se/gradingcriteria

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

Other information

This course is given in English.