ECON 372 : Energy and Environmental Economics

Business and Economics

2023 Semester Two (1235) (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 discusses the energy trilemma; examines the economics of climate change, including associated global, regional and national policies; evaluates energy policies with respect to efficiency, equity and security; describes and analyses electricity markets, renewables, and the phasing of oil and gas; and considers behavioural aspects of the energy transition and transport electrification. 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. Critically examine 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 collaboratively to prepare an essay on an energy economics topic and present to class. (Capability 1, 2, 4.1, 4.2 and 6)
  4. Define theoretical concepts underlying carbon emission mitigation and electricity markets, and critically evaluate market design issues and policy questions. (Capability 2)
  5. Apply the economics of climate change and energy transition to the ethical questions that arise. (Capability 4.3, 5.2 and 6)
  6. Apply theoretical and practice-based principles of environmental economics to propose solutions to real world problems. (Capability 1 and 3)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Assignments 30% Individual Coursework
Coursework Group work - essay and class presentation 20% Group Coursework
Tests 40% Individual Test
Policy report 10% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6
Assignments
Coursework Group work - essay and class presentation
Tests
Policy report

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, 1 hour tutorial, 3 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 3 hours of work on assignments, policy report and/or test preparation.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is [required/expected] at scheduled activities including [labs/tutorials/studios/clinics] to [complete/receive credit for] components of the course.
Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including [seminars/tutorials/labs/studios] will [be available/not be available] as recordings.
The course [will/will not] include live online events including [group discussions/tutorials].
Attendance on campus is [required/not required] for the [test/exam].
The activities for the course are scheduled as a [standard weekly timetable/block delivery].

Learning 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.

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.

The course works well. No major changes will be introduced based on feedback from students.

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.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

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 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.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

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 students may be asked to submit 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. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 17/07/2023 08:07 a.m.