ECON 372 : Energy and Environmental Economics

Business and Economics

2020 Semester Two (1205) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

An overview of the theory and empirical practice of economic analysis as it is used in evaluating energy and environmental problems. Topics covered include natural resource economics, as well as electricity and oil markets. Other topics include environmental policy (pollution and economic efficiency); analysis of economic instruments, such as tradable property rights and pollution taxes; the allocation of non-renewable and renewable resources; and contemporary issues of growth, sustainable development and climate change.

Course Overview

The course is an introduction to Energy and Environmental Economics. It also covers the economics of climate change and natural resources. Electricity market theory is covered in detail and includes market design issues. Time permitting we will also have a few lectures on green growth. There will be a few guest lectures by Hayden Green who is an Energy consultant and will present on some of the work he has been involved with for the Australian Energy Market Commission. There will be a major group work project which will involve a written critical analysis of a contemporary topic as well as an oral presentation.  

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: ECON 201

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Commerce

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Understand the factors that influence world energy markets. (Capability 1 and 2)
  2. Apply the theory developed to analyse resource markets and understand the limitations of the models. (Capability 2)
  3. Work in team to prepare written report and present to class. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1 and 6)
  4. Understand the theory of electricity markets and critically engage with market design issues and policy questions. (Capability 1 and 2)
  5. Understand the economics of climate change and the ethical questions that arise. (Capability 1 and 6)
  6. Understand the basic economics of environmental economics and apply to real world examples. (Capability 1, 2 and 3)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Final Exam 40% Individual Coursework
Coursework 40% Individual Coursework
Coursework 20% Group Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6
Final Exam
Coursework
Coursework

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 3 hours of lectures, a 0.5 hour tutorial, 2.5 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 4 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 09/07/2020 12:16 p.m.