Key facts
UNE unit code: ECON329
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Many of the environmental problems that global society faces have economic causes. If we understand what those economic causes are, we may be able to change our economic systems to solve those problems.
This unit will equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand environmental issues from an economic perspective and allow you to critically evaluate environmental policy.
You will explore the economic origins of environmental issues such as pollution, the overexploitation of natural resources and climate change.
You will also examine how economists can value the environment and apply economic principles to choose between development and conservation and make optimal decisions about resource use.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a specialist understanding of the theory of environmental and resource economics;
- critically evaluate environmental and natural resource issues from the perspective of economic theory; and
- synthesise information and provide written reports on specific resource issues.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assignment 1: Quiz | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Multiple choice quiz (40 questions). |
Assignment 2: Essay | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Essay question/s No. Words: 2000 |
Assignment 3: Final Examination | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass (or better) in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: A Contemporary Approach
ISBN: 9780367634858
Harris, J.M. and Roach, B., Routledge 5th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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