Introduction to Environmental Economics and Policy
Instructor: Peter Berck
pberck@berkeley.edu
224 Giannini Hall
Course: Tues & Thurs 2-330 in 101 Barker
Sections: M 9-10A, 2030 LSB ; W 8-9, 2030 LSB W 4-5 P, 2066 LSB, F 23P, 2030 LSB
GSI's: Deirdre Sutula (9AM M and 8AM W) and Ryan Olver (4PM W and 2PM F)
Quiz: September 29 and November 5
Final exam group 5. Dec 15 at 8-11AM
Web Site Location
The web site contains a list of topics and readings.
http://are.berkeley.edu/~pberck/EnvEcon/EnvEconIndex.htm
Introduction
Envecon 1/ Econ 3 is an introduction to microeconomics, to the Environmental Economics and Policy
program, and to the economics of the environment, agriculture and resources. The course will emphasize
the application of simple concepts in microeconomics to current problems.
This course is not the same as Economics 1. They both cover elementary micro. Econ 1 covers elementary
macro while Enevecon 1 covers some environmental and resource economics. Since there is about a 50
percent overlap, taking both of these courses would be a waste of time and will only provide you with two
units of credit.
Registration
There is a waiting list for this course. Students who do not attend the first two lectures will be dropped from
the course to make room for those on the waiting list. If you must miss one of these lectures, notify me at
once.
If you need to change sections, do not try to drop and re-add the course. You will lose your place. Talk to
your TA and arrange with the TA to change sections. TA’s can only allow section changes within the limits
imposed by room size.
I have no influence at all on the waiting list.
Schedule Issues
The times for exams have been set and are in this memo and on the syllabus. You need to tell me in the first
week of class about any conflicts you have so that we can discuss possible accommodation.
Class Work
There will be 5 problem sets. The problem sets are actually due at the beginning of class or section on the
date specified. The answers to the problem sets will be promptly posted and late problem sets will not be
accepted. The problem sets are 20% of the grade.
Exams
There will be two quizzes and a final at the regularly scheduled time. There will be no "makeup" exams.
Your G.S.I. will be grading the exams. Grading mistakes—un-graded questions and other gross errors—
should be brought to the attention of the G.S.I. in the first instance. Questions about grading must be asked
within the first week after the exams are returned. The final exam will be 40%, the quizzes will be 20%
each and homework will be 20% of the final grade. The instructor reserves the right to assign higher grades
than this formula allows for those who do better on the final than on the earlier exams.
Bring two "blue books" to your exams. Also a straight edge and pens. No calculators.
Incompletes are assigned only for work incomplete for reasons beyond your control. Class work up to that
time must be of passing quality.
Working Together and Cheating
The problem sets are good practice for you. Please feel free to ask classmates, the TA's or me for help if
you are stuck. You may work together, but must write up the results by yourself. Copied work will receive
a grade of zero. Most of the points on the problem set will be given for turning in answers that show effort
on your part.
Cheating on exams is not acceptable. You may not have anything at your desk during exams other than
your blue books, a ruler, and pens. Exams will be proctored carefully. Please don't cheat.
Office Hours
The instructor will be available directly after class and on Friday, 10:30 a.m., in 224 Giannini or by
appointment. Mail me at: pberck@berkeley.edu
E-mailing
Please put “EEP1” in the subject line of all e-mail correspondence. E-mail should be reserved for questions
related to scheduling, appointments or administrative issues. We have found that it is not possible to answer
questions about class material by e-mail; please come to office hours or schedule an appointment if you
have any questions related to course material.
Prerequisite
Math 32 or equivalent is a prerequisite (yes, Math 1 or 16 which comes after Math 32 count, too.) Those
expecting to be Env Econ and Policy majors are strongly advised to take Math 1 (not Math 16) as soon as
possible.
Texts
Berck and Helfand. Environmental Economics. Addison Wesley 2011.
Letter of Introduction
For the first section meeting with your GSI, please turn in a typed or handwritten letter (no more than one
page!) introducing yourself. Include your name and anything about yourself that you would like to share.
For example, you could tell us why you decided to take this class, what kind of food you like, or whether
you are thinking about majoring in environmental economics. If you would like to include a picture of
yourself, that would help us to learn your names (but isn't necessary).