Main Field of Study and progress level:
Economics: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Economics
Revised by: Rector of Umeå School of Business and Economics, 2021-10-28
Contents
The course aims to stimulate critical thinking about environmental and natural resource challenges and policies designed to overcome them. The course focuses on a range of environmental policy instruments available to attain sustainable environmental outcomes and on the mechanisms by which environmental policy instruments operate in attaining these outcomes.
The course encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects related to the design of environmental policy instruments to address important environmental challenges e.g. climate change, local air pollution, overfishing, soil erosion and degradation. The use of pollution taxes, tradable emission permit systems, market certification, and other voluntary and mandatory policy instruments are discussed in depth. Furthermore, the course will also examine criteria for assessing the relative merits of environmental policy instruments.
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students should:
be able to demonstrate in-depth understanding of theory and practice of policy instruments for environmental and natural resource management;
demonstrate a clear understanding of key criteria in terms of which environmental policy instruments can be assessed;
exhibit a firm grasp on evaluating available environmental policy instruments in practice; and
be able to analyse current environmental challenges and suggest policy instruments to help overcome them.
Required Knowledge
90 credits of which 75 credits in economics including 15 credits bachelor courses (G2F). Additionally, Mathematical Economics I D7 or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
Form of instruction
The course will contain lectures and seminars.
Examination modes
The examination consists of two parts: (i) a written assignment and (ii) a presentation based on said assignment.
The following grading system will be used: Pass with Distinction (Väl godkänd, VG), Pass (Godkänd, G), and Fail (Underkänd, U). The grade on the course is awarded when the student has passed all examinations.
A second exam opportunity is always offered within a short time span after the regular exam date for those students not achieving a Pass. The subsequent exam opportunity is normally the next time the course is offered.
It is normally not possible to do supplementary examinations to reach a higher grade. Exceptions can be made for a student with the grade Fail on any of the examinations if the examiner (not the lecturer) finds this appropriate. The task must be a minor undertaking, closely related to the learning outcome not reached, and performed in close proximity to the original examination.
When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the Dean of the Business School no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity. If required by specific circumstances, the Director of Studies may decide on other forms of examination.
Other regulations
Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.
Literature
Valid from:
2022 week 1
Policy instruments for environmental and natural resource management Sterner Thomas, Coria Jessica 2. ed. : Hoboken : Taylor and Francis : 2013 : 1 online resource (1285 p.) : ISBN: 9781317703877 Mandatory Search the University Library catalogue
