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77922-01 - Lecture: Energy and Environmental Economics (3 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers | Peiyao Shen (peiyao.shen@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | The course aims to introduce you to economic thinking regarding energy and environmental problems. It includes both theoretical economic concepts relevant for traditional energy markets and modern empirical research in energy and environmental economics, with an emphasis on behavioral response to energy and environmental policies. It will cover a wide range of topics, including market power in the oil and gas market, energy demand and pricing, policies related to energy efficiency, climate change, and the role of renewable energy. In addition, this course will discuss the health impact of energy consumption, the social cost of carbon emissions, and defensive investments in clean air and energy conservation from a behavioral economics perspective. The preliminary reading list may be updated throughout the semester. |
| Learning objectives | After successfully completing this course, you will be able to explain and apply core microeconomic concepts to analyze energy and environmental markets including topics such as market power and energy demand, and evaluate real-world challenges such as carbon markets and renewable energy policies. You will also be able to apply evaluation techniques and behavioral insights to assess environmental and health impacts, measure willingness to pay for cleaner energy, and interpret responses to pollution and conservation policies. |
| Bibliography | Textbook: Peter M. Schwarz (2022), Energy Economics, 2nd Edition, Routledge (Textbooks in Environmental and Agricultural Economics) Additional weekly reading materials will be provided and updated throughout the course. |
| Admission requirements | Completion of an introductory course in Principles of Economics is recommended. |
| 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 |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Thursday | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 19.02.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| Thursday 26.02.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Fasnachtsferien |
| Thursday 05.03.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| Thursday 12.03.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| Thursday 19.03.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| Thursday 26.03.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| Thursday 02.04.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Ostern |
| Thursday 09.04.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| Thursday 16.04.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| Thursday 23.04.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| Thursday 30.04.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| Thursday 07.05.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| Thursday 14.05.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Auffahrt |
| Thursday 21.05.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| Thursday 28.05.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| 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) |
| Assessment format | record of achievement |
| Assessment details | The final exam will include problem-solving, quantitative, and analytical questions in the form of short and long answer questions. Date: tbd |
| 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 |