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Applied Economic Methods - ENV00101M

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

The module offers students the opportunity to use a range of micro- and macroeconomic analytical tools to study key aspects of environmental sustainability challenges, such as climate change and nature conservation.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

The module has the overarching aim of equipping students with the knowledge and skills to use widely-used micro- and macroeconomic analytical methods to examine major environmental problems, such as climate change and nature conservation. Students will recognise the principles of economic thinking underpinning the application of such techniques, as well as their characteristics and various uses. The module will place an emphasis on the economic valuation of non-marketed ecosystem services and the evaluation of environmental projects and policies. Following a solutions-based approach, students will have the opportunity to use specialised statistical and econometric software to apply a range of economic methods.

Module learning outcomes

After completing the module, successful students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the characteristics and use of a range of econometric and quantitative techniques.

  • Use quantitative analysis to examine relationships between variables of interest.

  • Apply economic concepts to the analysis, appraisal, and valuation of a range of environmental problems and policies.

  • Critically assess the strengths and limitations of different economic analytical tools.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Formative feedback will be delivered orally or in written form throughout the module. Written feedback on summative assessments will follow department guidelines.

Indicative reading

Perman R. et al (2011) Natural Resource and Environmental Economics. 4th edition. Pearson.

Kolstad C.D. (2011) Environmental Economics. 2nd edition. Oxford University Press.

Freeman A.M. et al. (2014) The Measurement of Environmental and Resource Values: Theory and Methods. 3rd edition. Routledge.

Champ P.A. et al. (2017) A Primer on Nonmarket Valuation. 2nd edition, Springer.

Khandker S.R. et al. (2009) Handbook on Impact Evaluation: Quantitative Methods and Practices. World Bank Publications.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.