Study
Explore how economics can be applied to real-world sustainability challenges — from environmental policy and natural resource management to energy and transport systems — through a range of undergraduate and graduate study options.
Environmental Economics and Policy
Who is it for?
All undergraduate students
Pre-requisite
Introductory microeconomics
The goal of ECON20004 is to help students who are interested in sustainability formulate their arguments using the language and tools of economics. There is a strong focus on regulation: how to value environmental amenities, how to balance our desire for a healthy ecosystem with other priorities, and how to best achieve our environmental goals, while keeping in mind the equity implications of our policy choices.
Agriculture, Water and Forestry Economics
Who is it for?
Primarily BCom students
Pre-requisite
Intermediate microeconomics
Using concepts and analytical tools grounded in applied economics, ECON30031 studies agricultural, forestry, and water systems and the implementation and impact of policies that affect them. Topics include deforestation and the expansion of the agricultural frontier, property rights, sustainable forestry management, water allocation and water markets, salinity and other aspects of water quality, biodiversity and endangered species protection, carbon offsets and ecosystem services, pesticide use and organic production, biofuels, and food safety.
Economics of Energy and Transport Systems
Who is it for?
Primarily BCom students
Pre-requisite
Intermediate microeconomics
Energy and transport networks sit at the heart of modern economies — shaping how we power our homes, move our goods, and get to work. ECON30011 examines the economics of these interconnected systems: when markets function well, when they don't, and how governments design regulation and policy in response. Topics span market power, cost-reflective pricing, energy storage and infrastructure, renewable subsidies, oil cartels, road congestion and tolls, the value of travel time, and competition between transport modes. A recurring thread is the economic challenge posed by emerging technologies — from smart metres and rooftop solar to electric and autonomous vehicles — and what they mean for the future of regulation and environmental policy.
Energy Markets
Who is it for?
All graduate students including Master of Energy Systems and Master of Environment students
Pre-requisite
Intermediate microeconomics or equivalent
ECON90081 provides students with an understanding of the economics underlying the business strategies and public policy issues affecting energy markets. Through hands-on activities like oil cartel and electricity market trading games, you'll learn about today's key energy challenges — from adding renewables to creating effective environmental policies. We cover energy supply and demand, monopoly power, regulatory reform, energy trading, and the economics of transmission, battery storage, and the clean energy transition.