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10160-01 - Lecture: Introduction to Environmental Economics (3 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers |
Frank Christian Krysiak (frank.krysiak@unibas.ch, Assessor)
Benjamin Weggelaar (benjamin.weggelaar@unibas.ch) |
| Content | In this course, we use economic concepts and theories to analyze environmental policy. After a brief introduction to concepts for policy evaluation, we will discuss how instruments of environmental policy (taxes, standards, emissions trading, subsidies) alter the behavior of economic actors, how these instruments should be designed, and we will compare the instruments. In addition, we will consider the question of how environmental policy influences green technological change. The course will use the examples of climate policy, the energy transition and (to a smaller extent) the transition to a circular economy as examples. The course consists of lectures and exercise sessions that will mostly alternate; you will receive a schedule (which week we have lectures or exercises) at the start of the term. |
| Learning objectives | After taking this course you will know how to analyse environmental policy using the tools of economics. You will know economic concepts for understanding the causes of environmental degradation and for setting the objectives of environmental policy. You will be able to apply microeconomic theory to analyze the mechanisms via which different policy instruments influence the environmental behavior of firms. Finally, you will know for which type of environmental problem which type of environmental policy is likely to work well. |
| Bibliography | R. Perman, Y. Ma, J. McGilvray, M. Common and D. Maddison (2011), "Natural Resource and Environmental Economics", 4th edition, Pearson Education. |
| Weblink | Weblink |
| Admission requirements | Students should either have passed 10130 (Grundlagen der VWL) or 48981 (Intensive Introduction to Intermediate Economics). If you have done 10130, it is recommended (but not required) to also do Intermediate Microeconomics (10134) before starting Environmental Economics. Students who already have passed the lecture 10160 Environmental and Resource Economics (6 ECTS) can't take this course again. |
| Course application | Registration: Please enroll in the Online Services (services.unibas.ch); Eucor-Students and mobility students of other Swiss Universities or the FHNW first have to register at the University of Basel BEFORE the start of the course and receive their login data by post (e-mail address of the University of Basel). Processing time up to a week! Detailed information can be found here: https://www.unibas.ch/de/Studium/Mobilitaet.html After successful registration you can enroll for the course in the Online Services (services.unibas.ch). Applies to everyone: Enrolment = Registration for the course and the exam! |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Course auditors welcome |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Tuesday | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 17.02.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 24.02.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Fasnachtsferien |
| Tuesday 03.03.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 10.03.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 17.03.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 24.03.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 31.03.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 07.04.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 14.04.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 21.04.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 28.04.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 05.05.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 12.05.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 19.05.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Tuesday 26.05.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 118 |
| Modules |
Modul: Aufbau Economics (Bachelor's Studies: Business and Economics) Modul: Wahlbereich in Wirtschaftswissenschaften (Bachelor's degree subject: Business and Economics) Modul: Wirtschaft in Osteuropa (Bachelor's degree subject: Eastern European Cultures) Modul: Wirtschaft in Osteuropa (Bachelor's degree program: Eastern European Studies) Module: Complementary Knowledge in Economics (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) Specialization Module Global Europe: Environment and Sustainability (Master's Studies: European Global Studies) |
| Assessment format | record of achievement |
| Assessment details | There will be a written examination at the end of the term. The date will be published during the first week of the lectures. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,1 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Business and Economics , studiendekanat-wwz@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Faculty of Business and Economics |