Environmental Economics and Natural Resources

The Environmental Economics and Natural Resources group (ENR) analyses the relationship between human activities, economic development and environmental problems. We focus on the economic analysis of national and international environmental and natural resources problems such as global warming, loss of biodiversity, pollution, exhaustion of natural resources, deforestation, water scarcity and many others. The aim is to improve understanding of the link between economic development and environmental problems and identify possible solutions and policy recommendations.

More about this thesis track

The research programme aims at integrating knowledge and insights from natural sciences and technology with economic expertise. The programme focuses on the information and methods needed for assessing impacts, cost-effectiveness and efficiency of policy options which is needed to improve environmental decision making. Much of our research focuses on the application of modeling approaches such as computable general equilibrium models (CGE), bio-economic and spatial models, and game theoretic models for analysing real world environmental or resource problems. Methodological and applied research is carried out in the areas of environmental valuation, natural resource management, international environmental agreements and institutional economics.

Students can learn more about the education and research related to this discipline by visiting the website of the Environmental Economics and Natural Resources group.

Courses

The following courses are part of the MSc programme Environmental Sciences when selecting the thesis track Environmental Economics and Natural Resources. Besides these courses, for the common part of the programme several supporting courses are available which have to be taken if your study adviser deems it necessary (these are not listed in the table below, but summarized in the programme outline). Also, there is room for optional subjects which you may use to broaden your scope or to deepen your knowledge on a topic in your specialisation. For more information visit the study handbook or contact the study adviser.

The common part
Subject Code Period* Phase
Compulsory unless advised otherwise
Environmental Quality and Governance ENP-35806 2AF, 5AF M1
Principles of Environmental Sciences ESA-20806 1AF, 4WD M1
Research Methods in Environmental Science YRM-20306 1MO, 2MO M1
Restricted optional: select one out of these three options**
European Workshop Environmental Sciences and Management ESA-60312 1WD, 6WD M1
Environmental Education and Learning for Sustainability and Teaching, Learning and Capacity Building for Sustainable Development ELS-31806+ ELS-32806 6WD M1
Academic Consultancy Training and Modular Skills Training (MOS) YMC-60809+ YMC-60300 1WD, 2WD, 3WD+4WD, 5WD,6WD M1
Thesis track-related subjects
Subject Code Period* Phase
Compulsory unless advised otherwise
Environmental Economics for Environmental Sciences ENR-21306 2MO, 5AF M1
MSc Internship Environmental Economics and Natural Resources ENR-70424 1,2,3,4,5,6 M2
MSc Thesis Environmental Economics and Natural Resources ENR-80436 1,2,3,4,5,6 M2
Restricted optional: select (at least) two
Economics and Management of Natural Resources ENR-31306 4WD M1
Advanced Environmental Economics and Policy ENP-32306 5AF M1
Theories and Models in Economics YSS-35306 4WD M1
Cost-Benefit Analysis and Environmental Valuation AEP-32306 6WD M1
*MO = morning; AF= afternoon; WD = whole day
**The restricted optional subjects have to be selected in consultation and agreement with the study adviser.
This course overview is based on the Wageningen University study handbook. The study handbook is guiding in case of any discrepancy.

Below you can see how your schedule might look like:

MSc Environmental Sciences - Environmental Economics and Natural Resources.jpg