Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
1. Course
Code
C21EN
2. Course
Title
Environmental and Energy Economics
3. SCQF 11
4. Credits
Level
6. Course
Mark Schaffer (SML)
Co-ordinator
15
5. School
Management and Languages
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem…..
Sem…….
Sem………..
Sem……..
Sem….
Name…………………….....Sem..…...
Name …………………………………Sem………..
8. Pre-requisites
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
11. Replacement Courses
Code:
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
Date Of Replacement:
13. The course may be
delivered to:
UG only
PG only
UG & PG
MSc Carbon Management in the Built Environment
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes
No
15. Aims
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the core concepts and methods of modern economics and environmental and energy economics in particular.
It will:
- demonstrate how particular analytical techniques may be applied to understanding energy markets and environmental issues, and carbon emissions and
climate change in particular;
- enable students to apply the tools of analysis to a range of models;
- enable students to use the results from this analysis to understand, critique, and formulate policy relating to environment issues and carbon emissions in
particular, and to energy markets.
16. Syllabus




Core concepts of macroeconomic and microeconomic analysis: scarcity, incentives, markets, competition, price theory, producers and consumers, externalities,
natural resources, international trade, investment, discounting, economic growth.
Core concepts of environmental economics: externalities, pollution, Pigovian taxation, permits, standards, measuring environmental damage.
Core concepts of energy and natural resource economics: renewable and non-renewable resources, energy markets, energy networks and demand, regulation.
Applications to carbon emissions and fossil/renewable fuels; carbon taxes; cap-and-trade; discounting; climate change; national vs. global policy; economics and
political economy of climate change; national policy and international cooperation; energy efficiency policies.
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Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
 Ability to understand the core concepts of modern economics
 Ability to understand how these core concepts are applied in
the analysis of environmental externalities and carbon
emissions and the analysis of energy markets and natural
resources.
Personal Abilities
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
 Knowledge of economic principles which
lead to legislation, guides and commercial
benchmarks and targets.


Ability to analyse economic principles and communicate these
within the construction sector.
An ability to analyse and communicate how economic activity
is related to sustainable activities.
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others

Communication, Numeracy & ICT

The ability to understand the conflicting
issues prevalent throughout the
construction team in response to economic
drivers and legislation.


18. Assessment Methods
Method
19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
Examination
Coursework
Understanding and analysis of
graphical data required.
Report writing skills, including
critical appraisal, discussion
and argument.
Information finding and
appropriate referencing of
cited materials.
2 hours
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
70%
30%
-
Examination
2 hours
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
Version
Number
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Diet(s)