Students
ECON717 – Ecological Economics
2019 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Rohan Best
4ER Room 451
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides an introduction to ecological economics - a trans-disciplinary approach to the application of economics to issues of environmental management, development and human welfare, stressing the complex nature of the ecosystem within which economic activity is embedded and the crucial constraints imposed on the scale of human economic activity. Topics covered include sustainability and sustainable development, limits to economic growth, the definition and measurement of welfare and economic progress, and the development of policy for a closed and rapidly-filling world. The course will be applied in focus, with significant use of case studies and an individual applied research component.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate competence in the design and evaluation of research analysing environmental issues from an ecological economics perspective.
- Determine the relevant ecological aspects of environmental problems including key stakeholders and important incentive effects, and the role of ecological constraints.
- Show advanced understanding of the major theoretical approaches to the ecological analysis of environmental issues, the assumptions on which they are based and their implications regarding the effects of changes in key parameters.
- Exhibit the capacity to assess and compare policy alternatives in relation to environmental issues from the perspective of ecological economics.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content quizzes | 20% | No | Week 2-13 |
| Written reflections | 20% | No | Week 7 & First day of Macquarie University’s Exam Period |
| Literature review summary | 20% | No | Week 10 |
| Research Assignment | 40% | No | Week 13 |
Content quizzes
Due: Week 2-13
Weighting: 20%
This task involves multiple choice quizzes on course content and readings. There will be weekly online quizzes (10 questions) held at the beginning of class from week 2-13. The best 8 of 12 results will count.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Determine the relevant ecological aspects of environmental problems including key stakeholders and important incentive effects, and the role of ecological constraints.
- Show advanced understanding of the major theoretical approaches to the ecological analysis of environmental issues, the assumptions on which they are based and their implications regarding the effects of changes in key parameters.
- Exhibit the capacity to assess and compare policy alternatives in relation to environmental issues from the perspective of ecological economics.
Written reflections
Due: Week 7 & First day of Macquarie University’s Exam Period
Weighting: 20%
This task involves two reflective blog entries on course content worth 10% each. Students are to identify what the key points for them are from particular sections of the course and explain why in 500 words (for each blog entry). The first blog entry is due in Week 7 and is based on Section 1 and 2 of the course. The second blog entry is due on the first day of Macquarie University’s Exam Period and is based on Section 3 and 4 of the course.
Blogs/essays must be submitted via Turnitin (see the website for this course). Late essays will be accepted up to 72 hours after the submission deadline. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks for each 24 hour period, or part thereof, that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission means a 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Determine the relevant ecological aspects of environmental problems including key stakeholders and important incentive effects, and the role of ecological constraints.
- Exhibit the capacity to assess and compare policy alternatives in relation to environmental issues from the perspective of ecological economics.
Literature review summary
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 20%
This task involves submitting a written abstract of 200 words for the major Research Assignment, along with a verbal presentation. More details will be provided during lectures and on iLearn.
Abstracts must be submitted via Turnitin (see the website for this course). Late abstracts will be accepted up to 72 hours after the submission deadline. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks for each 24 hour period, or part thereof, that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission means a 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate competence in the design and evaluation of research analysing environmental issues from an ecological economics perspective.
- Determine the relevant ecological aspects of environmental problems including key stakeholders and important incentive effects, and the role of ecological constraints.
- Show advanced understanding of the major theoretical approaches to the ecological analysis of environmental issues, the assumptions on which they are based and their implications regarding the effects of changes in key parameters.
Research Assignment
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%
The research assignment will include a 3000-word literature review of a topic in ecological economics. More detail will be available during lectures and on iLearn.
Essays must be submitted via Turnitin (see the website for this course). Late essays will be accepted up to 72 hours after the submission deadline. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks for each 24 hour period, or part thereof, that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission means a 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate competence in the design and evaluation of research analysing environmental issues from an ecological economics perspective.
- Determine the relevant ecological aspects of environmental problems including key stakeholders and important incentive effects, and the role of ecological constraints.
- Show advanced understanding of the major theoretical approaches to the ecological analysis of environmental issues, the assumptions on which they are based and their implications regarding the effects of changes in key parameters.
- Exhibit the capacity to assess and compare policy alternatives in relation to environmental issues from the perspective of ecological economics.
Delivery and Resources
Classes
Students are advised to check https://timetables.mq.edu.au for times and venues. This unit provides 3 hours face-to-face teaching per week consisting of lecture and tutorial components. It is recommended that students attend all lectures.
Recommended Texts
There is no required textbook. Some recommended references include:
Daly, H.E. and Farley, J. (2010). Ecological Economics: Principles and Applications, Second Edition.
Spash, C.L. (2017). Routledge Handbook of Ecological Economics.
Thampapillai, D.J. and Ruth, M. (2019). Environmental Economics: Concepts, Methods and Policies.
Technology Used and Required Unit Web Page
Lecture and tutorial material as well as up to date information concerning any aspect of the unit, including any changes to the schedule, will be available to students by logging on to the unit web page at http://ilearn.mq.edu.au. You are strongly encouraged to regularly visit the website and use it as a resource centre to assist with your learning.
Unit Schedule
There are four sections:
Section 1 (week 1-3): Introduction, key principles
- Introduction and definition of ecological economics
- Key ecological and economic principles
- Renewable and non-renewable resources
Section 2 (week 4-6): Microeconomics
- Markets
- Externalities
- Market failure
Section 3 (week 7-9): Macroeconomics
- Money
- Globalisation
- Measures of economic output and welfare
- Sustainable development and limits to growth
Section 4 (week 10-13): Policy
- General overview
- Carbon pricing
- Distribution and equity
Assessment schedule: Week 10: presentation of project summaries. Please see Assessment Task section above for further details.
Learning and Teaching Activities
Lectures
Independent learning
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate competence in the design and evaluation of research analysing environmental issues from an ecological economics perspective.
- Determine the relevant ecological aspects of environmental problems including key stakeholders and important incentive effects, and the role of ecological constraints.
- Show advanced understanding of the major theoretical approaches to the ecological analysis of environmental issues, the assumptions on which they are based and their implications regarding the effects of changes in key parameters.
- Exhibit the capacity to assess and compare policy alternatives in relation to environmental issues from the perspective of ecological economics.
Assessment tasks
- Content quizzes
- Written reflections
- Literature review summary
- Research Assignment
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate competence in the design and evaluation of research analysing environmental issues from an ecological economics perspective.
- Determine the relevant ecological aspects of environmental problems including key stakeholders and important incentive effects, and the role of ecological constraints.
- Show advanced understanding of the major theoretical approaches to the ecological analysis of environmental issues, the assumptions on which they are based and their implications regarding the effects of changes in key parameters.
- Exhibit the capacity to assess and compare policy alternatives in relation to environmental issues from the perspective of ecological economics.
Assessment tasks
- Content quizzes
- Written reflections
- Literature review summary
- Research Assignment
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Demonstrate competence in the design and evaluation of research analysing environmental issues from an ecological economics perspective.
Assessment tasks
- Literature review summary
- Research Assignment