ECO2020 : Ecological Economics and Environmental Policy
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
- Module Leader(s): Dr Matt Walker
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ECO1017 | Introductory Economics |
| ECO1100 | Economic Analysis |
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To introduce the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of ecological and environmental economics and approaches to the economic analysis of environmental issues. Students will examine the economics of the biosphere, considering alternative schools of thought in which activity is either external or embedded in nature, with application to policymaking.
Outline Of Syllabus
An indicative list of topics that will be covered on this module is as follows (exact topics may vary from year to year): nature as an asset; market failure; common-pool resources; intertemporal fairness; scale limits; alternatives to GDP; design of environmental policy instruments (e.g., regulation, carbon pricing); attitudes toward climate policy; and global environmental problems (e.g., climate change and biodiversity loss).
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 14 | 1:00 | 14:00 | PiP lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 16:00 | 16:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 33:00 | 33:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Pip seminars. Seminars will be interactive and will enable students to apply their knowledge, critically discuss concepts, approaches and assumptions from the lectures and to analyze an environmental policy case study. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Pre-assessment clinic. Students are encouraged to discuss ideas and ask questions around the assessment. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 32:00 | 32:00 | N/A |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will provide a critical overview of key theoretical concepts, methods and empirical evidence.
Seminars will be interactive to gain a deeper understanding of the methodological debates involved, the application of policy instruments and will develop analytical and interpretive skills.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 100 | N/A |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | In-class feedback during seminar activities. Written feedback on an answer to one practice exam question. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The exam aims to assess students’ depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of the key concepts, methods and debates covered in the course. It also aims to test their ability to think critically about the differences in approaches, assumptions and frameworks used in the economic analysis of environmental issues, as well as to engage in reflective practice.
RESIT INFORMATION: If students are eligible to a second attempt resit will be an exam and the resit calculation will be based 100% on the completed exam.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ECO2020's Timetable