This module provides an examination of the role of economic factors in shaping the use of natural resources, and the ways in which the principles and theories of sustainable development may be accommodated within economic decision-making in natural resource management. A review of the different types of natural resources and means of classification is undertaken and the sustainable development perspective is reviewed from an economic perspective. Economic decision-making and its role in the sustainable use of natural resources (exhaustible / non-renewables and renewable); is examined and critically assessed. Examples and case studies, at local and international scales, are used as a method to review of policies influencing the economic decision-making in the resource use and development process. Specific issues are examined with respect to (a) the role of Property Rights in resource conservation; (b) the role and use of economic indicators of Resource Scarcity.

Two components:
(a) One portfolio of short tasks (not exceeding 2000 words in total) (2,3,4) weighted at 50%

(b) One essay (1500 words) (primarily related to 1 & 5, but can include topics related to 2,3,4) weighted at 50%

The module is, for the most part, electronically delivered by Blackboard VLE
There is a face to face element in the workshops (8 hours)
142 hours independent study through Blackboard

Tientenberg, T. (2003) Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Pearson Education (course text)
Turner, R. K., D. W. Pearce and I. Bateman (1994): Environmental Economics: An Elementary Introduction, Harvester Wheatsheaf, London.
R Perman., Y Ma., J McGilvray and M Common. (1999). Natural Resource and Environmental
Economics. 2nd edition. Harlow: Longman.

A networked computer for accessing Blackboard, web sites and electronic journals.
Course texts.
Learning Pack.
Electronic access to various academic journals