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ECO292

Environmental Economics

This course introduces the fundamental principles of environmental economics. It explores the relationship between economic activities and the environment, covering topics such as resource scarcity, market failure, and environmental policy. The course examines the causes of environmental degradation and the economic valuation of environmental damage. It also discusses sustainable development and the role of international cooperation in addressing environmental problems.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
52 hours
Maths
Basic
Content
Theoretical
Practical work
No
Before you start
  • Basic Economics Principles
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

What you'll read

The real module and unit structure of ECO292, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

ECO292 · Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Economics

Environmental economics is concerned with the analysis of the impact of the economy on the environment, the significance of the environment to the economy and appropriate way of regulating economic activity so that balance is achieved among environmental, economic and other social objectives.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define environmental economics and explain its scope.
  2. Describe the structure of the environment and its components.
  3. Explain the relationship between the human economy and the natural environment.
  4. Apply microeconomic concepts to environmental issues.
  5. Analyze the causes of environmental degradation.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Sustainability Manager
  • Environmental Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Resource Manager
Where it is applied
  • Government Agencies
  • Environmental Consulting Firms
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Energy Sector
  • Agriculture

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Economics

    Unit 3: The Human Economy and the Natural Environment

    Understanding the interconnectedness between the economy and the environment requires grasping complex relationships and feedback loops.

  • Module 2: Some Microeconomic Concepts for Understanding Environmental Economics

    Unit 1: Scarcity and Resources

    Applying microeconomic concepts like scarcity and market equilibrium to environmental issues requires analytical thinking.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 52 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Economics
    • Unit 1: Environmental Economics: Meaning, Definition and Scope · 4 hours

      Read the introduction to environmental economics.. Define environmental economics and explain its scope.. Discuss the need for a special course in environmental economics..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Economics
    • Unit 2: Structure of the Environment · 4 hours

      Describe the air environment and its significance.. Explain the importance of the water environment for life and the economy.. Discuss the components of the land environment and their importance..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Economics
    • Unit 3: The Human Economy and the Natural Environment · 4 hours

      Define the natural environment and the human economy.. Explain the interlinkages between the human economy and the natural environment.. Discuss the material balance model and its implications for environmental issues..

  4. Week 4Module 2: Some Microeconomic Concepts for Understanding Environmental Economics
    • Unit 1: Scarcity and Resources · 4 hours

      Define scarcity and explain its economic implications.. Discuss the operation of a market-oriented economy.. Classify resources from traditional and environmental economics perspectives..

  5. Week 5Module 2: Some Microeconomic Concepts for Understanding Environmental Economics
    • Unit 2: The Concepts of Demand, Supply and Market Equilibrium · 4 hours

      Define demand and explain the law of demand.. Discuss the determinants of demand and supply.. Explain the concept of market equilibrium..

  6. Week 6Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Economics
    • Unit 1: Review of Module 1 · 4 hours

      Review Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Economics. Complete TMA 1. Prepare for Mid-Semester Examination.

  7. Week 7Module 2: Some Microeconomic Concepts for Understanding Environmental Economics
    • Unit 1: Review of Module 2 · 4 hours

      Review Module 2: Some Microeconomic Concepts for Understanding Environmental Economics. Complete TMA 2. Prepare for Mid-Semester Examination.

  8. Week 8Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Economics
    • Unit 1: Review of all Modules · 4 hours

      Read all materials. Revise all TMAs. Revise all Self Assessment Questions.

  9. Week 9Module 2: Some Microeconomic Concepts for Understanding Environmental Economics
    • Unit 1: Review of all Modules · 4 hours

      Read all materials. Revise all TMAs. Revise all Self Assessment Questions.

  10. Week 10Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Economics
    • Unit 1: Review of all Modules · 4 hours

      Read all materials. Revise all TMAs. Revise all Self Assessment Questions.

  11. Week 11Module 2: Some Microeconomic Concepts for Understanding Environmental Economics
    • Unit 1: Review of all Modules · 4 hours

      Read all materials. Revise all TMAs. Revise all Self Assessment Questions.

  12. Week 12Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Economics
    • Unit 1: Review of all Modules · 4 hours

      Read all materials. Revise all TMAs. Revise all Self Assessment Questions.

  13. Week 13Module 2: Some Microeconomic Concepts for Understanding Environmental Economics
    • Unit 1: Review of all Modules · 4 hours

      Read all materials. Revise all TMAs. Revise all Self Assessment Questions.

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Review all module learning outcomes and ensure you can explain each concept.
  • Practice applying microeconomic principles to environmental scenarios.
  • Focus on understanding the material balance model and its implications.
  • Create diagrams illustrating the relationships between the economy and the environment.
  • Review all TMAs and self-assessment questions to identify areas for improvement.

Questions students ask about this course

What is ECO292 about?

This course introduces the fundamental principles of environmental economics. It explores the relationship between economic activities and the environment, covering topics such as resource scarcity, market failure, and environmental policy. The course examines the causes of environmental degradation and the economic valuation of environmental damage. It also discusses sustainable development and the role of international cooperation in addressing environmental problems.

How many units does ECO292 have?

ECO292, Environmental Economics, has 2 units across 2 modules, over 50 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is ECO292?

ECO292 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Social Sciences.

Is ECO292 hard?

ECO292 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.

How long does ECO292 take to study?

About 52 hours of study, spread across its 2 units.

How is ECO292 assessed?

ECO292 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What do I need before starting ECO292?

Basic Economics Principles

What can I do with ECO292?

Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Manager, Environmental Economist, Policy Analyst and Resource Manager.

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