Ecological Economics

Subject 316-325 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Three hours of lectures/seminars per week (Not offered 2008)
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 316-208 Economics of the Environment or 316-324 Environmental Economics and at least one environmental studies subject from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Subject Overview:

This subject gives an understanding of the relationships between ecosystems and economic systems and why they are central to many of humanity's current problems and to building a sustainable future. Ecological economics is a new transdisciplinary approach to understanding and managing the ecology and economics of our world for sustainability, on local, regional and global scales. This subject will focus on the basic world view of ecological economics; accounting, modelling and analysis of ecological economic systems; and necessary institutional changes to achieve sustainability. Use will be made of the tools for conventional economics and ecology as appropriate, and new approaches will be introduced where needed. It should be noted that no prior knowledge of ecology is assumed.

Assessment: A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (45%), an essay of approximately 4000 words (45%) and seminar presentation and participation (10%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • High level of development: oral communication; written communication; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information.

  • Moderate level of development: collaborative learning; problem solving; team work; statistical reasoning; accessing data and other information from a range of sources; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts

Download PDF version.