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Water Resource Economics and Management


Course Description

Economic concepts and tools relevant to water allocation and use; connections between hydrologic cycle, economic activity, and ecological health. Research project analyzes spatial and temporal dimensions of water use, economic growth, population growth, legal institutions. Models of water use and crop growth provide insight into economic decisions of agricultural producers.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students do extended readings focusing on technical aspects of theoretical and empirical models. They also do a directed research project guided through individual meetings with the professor. Projects are designed to complete, within the course of the semester, original research on water resources that employs advanced analytical tools such as econometrics, non-market valuation, welfare analysis, and geographic information systems. The goal is for graduate students to submit their projects for presentation at professional conferences and/or for publication in peer- reviewed journals.


Athena Title

Water Resource Econ and Mgmt


Prerequisite

Third or fourth year standing and (AAEC(ENVM) 3020 or AAEC 3020E) and (AAEC 2580 or AAEC 2580E or ECON 2106 or ECON 2106E or ECON 2106H)


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Student Learning Outcomes

  • By the end of this course, students will understand the interactions between human activity and the environment at local, regional, or global scales.
  • By the end of this course, students will understand the ethical, cultural, economic, and political forces that affect environmental problems and policies.

Topical Outline

  • Economic Concepts, Water Supply, and Water Use Trends
  • Water Demand (Final and Derived Demand) and Forecasting
  • Institutional Arrangements Related to Water Allocation and Use
  • Water Pricing and Valuation
  • Economic Issues Related to Water Quality

Syllabus