| Semester 2, 2021 Online | |
| Short Description: | Sustainable Economies |
| Units : | 1 |
| Faculty or Section : | Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts |
| School or Department : | School of Business |
| Student contribution band : | Band 4 |
| ASCED code : | 091901 - Economics |
| Grading basis : | Graded |
Staffing
Examiner:
Other Requisites
Students are required to have access to a personal computer, e-mail capabilities and Internet access to UConnect. Current details of computer requirements can be found at .
Rationale
The tremendous improvements in our standards of living during the twentieth century are the fruits of economic growth. However, when considering environmental and other costs associated with growth, the question being raised is: are there limits to economic growth? Many believe that this is not an either/or choice; rather a balance between environment and development is both possible and is happening. Countries do not have to abandon their development potentials to preserve the environment. In fact economic development is essential to maintaining our standards of living. The notion of sustainable economies allows economic development not based on the exploitation of natural resources and the environment in a way that cannot be sustained. Policies and strategies can be designed and implemented to improve economic efficiency, and thus promote economic development, minimise adverse environmental effects and internalise the externalities into the decision making process.
Synopsis
This course introduces students to a way of thinking about environmental problems and achieving sustainable economic development, based on economic principles. The course provides a background to the study of resource and environmental economics by putting it in the context of economy-environment interdependence and sustainability concerns, and the fundamental characteristics of an economic approach to environmental problems and their assessment. Both macro and microeconomic principles and their application are covered, as is the essence of economic perspectives. Both regulatory and market-based approaches are explored in an effort to protect natural resources and improve environmental quality. General emphasis is placed upon the improvement of economic welfare through the application of economic principles in the search for sustainable economic development.
Objectives
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- explain the use of economic principles and policies in the achievement of sustainable economies;
- understand the basic economic concepts and the analytical tools for dealing with environmental and natural resource issues and demonstrate problem-solving skills through their targeted application;
- understand the working and effects of the price system, regulatory and market-based incentives, and economic valuation, impact assessment and appraisal methods;
- discuss the conditions for and requirements of sustainable economies;
- demonstrate academic and professional literacy skills through the comprehension, critical analysis and application of set texts to serve a designated purpose;
- demonstrate written communication skills using appropriate conventions and structure.
Topics
| Description | Weighting(%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Introduction to sustainable development and environmental economics | 20.00 |
| 2. | Modelling the market process | 10.00 |
| 3. | Requirements of sustainability: sustainable management of natural resources | 20.00 |
| 4. | Assessing sustainability: economic analysis of environmental mitigation strategies | 20.00 |
| 5. | Assessing sustainability: macroeconomic impacts | 10.00 |
| 6. | Economic growth, productivity and the environment | 20.00 |
Text and Materials
ALL textbooks and materials available to be purchased can be sourced from (unless otherwise stated). (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/textbooks/?year=2021&sem=02&subject1=ECO3030)
Please for alternative purchase options from USQ Bookshop. (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/info/contact/)
Reference Materials
Student Workload Expectations
| Activity | Hours |
|---|---|
| Assessments | 30.00 |
| Private Study | 135.00 |
Assessment Details
| Description | Marks out of | Wtg (%) | Due Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECT | 100 | 40 | 30 Sep 2021 | |
| ONLINE PARTICIPATION | 100 | 10 | 15 Oct 2021 | (see note 1) |
| ONLINE EXAMINATION | 50 | 50 | End S2 | (see note 2) |
Notes
- Students' online participation is organised into three main discussion topics with specific due dates for each respective discussion. This task will be assessed and counts towards the final grade. This assessment item is different from forum discussions conducted via the StudyDesk. Details including the specific due dates for each discussion topic will be provided via the StudyDesk.
- This will be an online exam. Students will be provided further instruction regarding the exam by their course examiner via StudyDesk. The examination date will be available via UConnect when the Alternate Assessment Schedule has been released.
Important assessment information
-
Attendance requirements:
There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. -
Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
To satisfactorily complete an individual assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks for that item. -
Penalties for late submission of required work:
Students should refer to the Assessment Procedure (point 4.2.4) -
Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course. -
Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course. -
Examination information:
An Online Examination is one in which candidates may have access to any printed or written material. -
Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
Deferred and Supplementary examinations will be held in accordance with the Assessment Procedure . -
University Student Policies:
Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene University policies and practices. These policies can be found at .
Assessment Notes
-
Referencing in assignments:
Harvard (AGPS) is the referencing system required in this course. Students should use Harvard (AGPS) style in their assignments to format details of the information sources they have cited in their work. The Harvard (AGPS) style to be used is defined by the USQ Library's referencing guide at .