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Course profile

Environmental Economics (ECON3700)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Economics School

Markets, market failures and externalities; economics of environmental pollution problems; economic measures for pollution control and environmental regulation. Environmental change, economic growth, natural resource depletion and population growth.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to basic concepts and principles in environmental economics, and to demonstrate how these concepts can be used to provide insights into the design of policies which go some way towards addressing environmental problems, both local and global.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Before attempting this course, you are advised that it is important to complete the appropriate prerequisite course ᅠlisted on the front of this course profile. No responsibility will be accepted by UQ School of Economics, the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or The University of Queensland for poor student performance occurring in courses where the appropriate prerequisite(s) has/have not been completed, for any reason whatsoever.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

ECON1010 or 1011 or 2011

Course contact

School enquiries

Student Enquiries, School of Economics

All enquiries regarding student and academic administration (i.e. non-course content information, e.g., class allocation, timetables, extension to assessment due date, etc.) should be directed to enquiries@economics.uq.edu.au.

Enquiries relating specifically to course content should be directed to econ3700@uq.edu.au .

Course staff

Course coordinator

Dr Suzanne Bonner

Tutor

Mr Zane Haster
Mr Arjun Mehrotra

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Lectures and tutorials will be delivered in person only. Lectures will be recorded, however tutorials are not recorded.

Tutorial Preferencing:

Please refer to My Timetable (available via your my.UQ dashboard) for more information on the tutorial preferencing and allocation process. Tutorials commence in Teaching Week 2.

Students should refer to the timetable prior to the commencement of classes to ensure that they have the most up to date information, as from time to time late room changes may occur.

Public Holidays: Wed 14 August (Royal Queensland Show), Mon 7 October (King's Birthday).

In-Semester Break: 23 - 29 September. Semester 2 classes recommence Mon 30 September.

Aims and outcomes

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to basic concepts and principles in environmental economics, and to demonstrate how these concepts can be used to provide insights into the solution of environmental problems.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Apply economic theories and frameworks to critical environmental problems within the interdisciplinary industry.

LO2.

Implement market and non-market tools and techniques to improve environmental quality and reduce environmental destruction.

LO3.

Distinguish various environmental problems locally and globally to propose appropriate responses using the economic theories and frameworks.

LO4.

Critically evaluate the environmental impact of decision-making using the economic approach and policy.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Presentation Podcast Presentation
35%

16/08/2024 3:00 pm

6/09/2024 3:00 pm

4/10/2024 3:00 pm

Quiz Online Quizzes 30% (3 x 10%)

23/08/2024 4:00 pm

20/09/2024 4:00 pm

25/10/2024 4:00 pm

Paper/ Report/ Annotation Applied Case Study
35%

4/11/2024 3:00 pm

Assessment details

Podcast Presentation

Mode
Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Presentation
Weight
35%
Due date

16/08/2024 3:00 pm

6/09/2024 3:00 pm

4/10/2024 3:00 pm

Other conditions
Peer assessment factor.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L02, L03, L04

Task description

Students will work in groups to complete a Podcast Presentation, which consists of three milestones: group formation (5%), due in Week 4; podcast proposal (10%), due in Week 7; and final podcast video submission (20%), due in Week 10. These nested assessment milestones are worth 35% in total and are incorporated into the assessment to ensure students keep on track with the assessment task requirements.

Groups of 3 or 4 students will be formed in the allocated tutorial class.

Buddycheck will be used as part of this assessment.

Refer to the task sheet for details. Further details for each milestone will be announced on Blackboard.

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.

Submission guidelines

Submission is via blackboard.

  • The group Podcast and Portfolio must be submitted electronically through the submission folder in the Assessment section of the course Blackboard site.
  • Only one submission is required. Please nominate ONE student to submit the assignment from your group.
  • For the individual reflection, each student must submit their own reflection.
  • Students should keep a list of their team members' full names and contact details.

Submissions via email will not be accepted. All assessment MUST be submitted via Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

No extensions are given for the group presentation, as extensions for group work will impact the group submission.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Online Quizzes

Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Quiz
Weight
30% (3 x 10%)
Due date

23/08/2024 4:00 pm

20/09/2024 4:00 pm

25/10/2024 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

Students are required to complete three (3) online quizzes covering both numerical and theoretical applications of environmental economic frameworks throughout the course. There will be three quizzes worth 10% each (total of 30% for the course).

·   Each quiz can contain multiple choice, short answer or numerical questions.

·   Students will have 120 minutes to complete each online quiz.

·   The quizzes will be conducted in weeks 5, 9 and 13.

Submission of the quizzes is via the Blackboard website. Details on the content of each quiz will be provided on the Blackboard website.

Access to each quiz on Blackboard will be blocked once the timer expires or as the quiz closes.

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.


Submission guidelines

Submission is via blackboard. Refer to Blackboard for more details.

Submissions via email will not be accepted. All assessment MUST be submitted via Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The online quizzes have a maximum extension of 3 days (including weekend days) to ensure timely feedback to other students. Extension applications must be received before the deadline and you are required to email the course coordinator directly so they are aware of your application and can make arrangements for your extension within this timeframe.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Access to each quiz on Blackboard will be blocked once the timer expires or as the quiz closes. A penalty of 100% will be applied for non-submission unless an extension has been granted.

Applied Case Study

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
35%
Due date

4/11/2024 3:00 pm

Other conditions
Work integrated learning.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L02, L03, L04

Task description

Students are required to complete a take-home case study assignment. Students will have two weeks to complete the assignment. The assignment will be released at the end of Week 11.

The assignment will consist of a written report worth 30% and a reflection worth 5% for a total of 35% of your final grade.

The assignment must be submitted electronically through the Online Submission link in the Assessment section of the Course Blackboard site. Further details to be announced in Blackboard.

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.


Submission guidelines

Submission is via blackboard. Refer to Blackboard for more details

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Extensions may affect your ability to graduate in a given semester. While we allow a maximum 14-day extension, please be aware that if you wish to graduate on time, your extension may be for a shorter duration to ensure timely grade processing.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0% - 29%

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

2 (Fail) 30% - 46%

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

3 (Marginal Fail) 47% - 49%

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

4 (Pass) 50% - 64%

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

5 (Credit) 65% - 74%

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

6 (Distinction) 75% - 84%

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

7 (High Distinction) 85% - 100%

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Additional course grading information

A student's final overall end of semester percentage mark will be rounded to determine their final grade. For example, 64.5% rounds to 65%, while 64.4% rounds to 64%.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Plagiarism

The School of Economics is committed to reducing the incidence of plagiarism.ᅠFurther information on plagiarism and how to avoid an allegation of plagiarism is available in this course profile Policies & Guidelines. Please refer to the Academic Integrity Module (AIM). It is strongly recommended that youᅠcomplete the AIMᅠif you have not already done so.

Submission Assignments:

Unless otherwise specified, all assignments must be submitted electronically via Blackboard.ᅠThe instructions for submission are in their respective folders under Assessment on the course Blackboard site.ᅠAll assignments must be submitted by the due date and time stated in the course profile.

Referencing and Citing

APA is theᅠrequiredᅠreferencing style in this course.

Assignments must be substantially your own work. If you wish to report another author’s point of view you should do so in your own words, and properly cite the reference in accordance with the school style. Direct quotations should be used sparingly, form a small part of your work, and must be placed in quotation marks and duly referenced.

Any material taken from texts and other references, including electronic resources, CD‐ROMS, and the Internet, must be acknowledged using the accepted School style.

Students are encouraged to discuss issues that arise in this course together. However, the written work you submit must be entirely your own. Similarly, you must not help another student to cheat by lending assignments (present or past).

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Please refer to the course Blackboard site for further learning resources, including lecture slides, tutorial questions, and additional readings. ᅠ ᅠ ᅠ

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Lecture

Introduction to Environmental Economics

What is environmental economics?

Learning outcomes: L01

Multiple weeks

From Week 2 To Week 13
(29 Jul - 27 Oct)

Tutorial

Tutorial

Tutorials will run from week 2 - 13. During the tutorial, students will complete work examples from the relevant textbooks and prepare case study exercises including podcasts.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Lecture

Analytical Tools I

Benefits and costs, supply and demand; Markets, externalities, and public goods.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Lecture

Analytical Tools II

Economics of environmental quality;
Criteria for evaluating policies

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Lecture

Environmental Analysis I

Framework of analysis; Benefits-cost analysis: Benefits

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Royal QLD Show 14th August - public holiday

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Lecture

Environmental Analysis II

Benefits-cost analysis: Costs

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Lecture

Environmental Policy I

Decentralized policies, Command and control policices

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Lecture

Environmental Policy II

Emission charges and subsidies

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Lecture

Environmental Policy III

Market trading systems and comparing policy options

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Lecture

Environmental Policy in Australia

Australia's case study; Environmental information and data

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04

Mid Sem break

(23 Sep - 29 Sep)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Mid Semester Break

There will be no classes this week.

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

Lecture

Environmental Issues I

Climate change, energy efficiency, and the social cost of carbon

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Lecture

Environmental Issues II & Guest

Globalization; Economic development and the environment

Industry Expert will attend this lecture to introduce the Applied Case Study topic.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

King's Birthday Public Holiday 7th October

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Lecture

Environmental Issues III

Air pollution

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Lecture

Final Review

Guidelines to preparing an applied case study.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.