ENR-21306 Environmental Economics for Environmental Sciences

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Preferably, a basic understanding of (micro-) economics

Continuation courses:

Advanced Environmental Economics and Policy, Economics and Management of Natural Resources, Cost Benefit Analysis and Environmental Valuation, Theories and Models in Environmental Economics

Contents:

The course provides an introduction to environmental economics and its applications. The course is especially developed for students with a non-economic background. After completing 'Environmental Economics for Environmental Sciences', students can participate in the other courses in environmental economics and a thesis on environmental economics can be written.

Aims:

The aims of the course are threefold. First, the course provides an introduction to the basic principles of micro-economic theory. Secondly, using these micro-economic principles, environmental economics is introduced as a useful tool to gain a clear understanding of environmental problems. Moreover, it is shown how environmental economics provides guidance to find solutions to those problems. Thirdly, the theory introduced in the course is applied to some specific cases (e.g. air pollution, water management, food safety, biodiversity).

Activities:

The theory dealt with in the lectures (twice a week) is applied to a number of case studies of important environmental issues, in which students will actively participate. To deepen the understanding of economic principles, review questions and exercises will be provided. Working out the answers as homework is strongly recommended.

Examination:

Written examination and case study report. More details will be provided in the course outline.

Literature:

Textbooks will be announced at a later stage.
Additional reading material on micro-economic theory will be made available at the beginning of the course. More details will be provided in the course outline.