58吃瓜

EC4405 Economics of the Environment

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

When confirmed, check online https://timetables.st-andrews.ac.uk/.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr E Lauw

Dr E Lauw
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Erven Lauw

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module examines the application of economic theory to environmental issues, focusing on the causes of environmental problems and the evaluation of policy responses. It introduces key concepts of the circular economy and sustainability before developing the economic foundations of environmental market failure and efficiency. Students are equipped with analytical tools to assess environmental policies, including environmental cost鈥揵enefit analysis and issues of valuation, discounting, uncertainty, and distribution. The module explores policy instruments for pollution control, such as taxes, regulation, and market-based mechanisms, and evaluates their performance. It also addresses global environmental challenges and critically examines the relationship between economic development and environmental outcomes. Ethical considerations are integrated throughout the course.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

PERMISSION OF THE ECONOMICS HONOURS ADVISER

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

20 hours of lectures over 11 weeks, 1-hour tutorial (x 5 weeks).

Scheduled learning hours

25

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

175

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate understanding of core concepts relating to the circular economy and sustainability.
  • Apply economic theory to analyse efficiency and market failure in relation to the environment.
  • Critically apply environmental cost鈥揵enefit analysis to policy appraisal.
  • Critically evaluate environmental policies and instruments for pollution control.
  • Critically analyse the links between the environment and economic development.