Environmental, Agricultural and Resource Economics
About the major
A major in Environmental, Agricultural and Resource Economics provides a valuable analytical understanding of how our environment and economy interact, including solutions to a wide range of environmental and climate change problems, and an understanding of the economics of energy, natural resources, and agricultural markets. The major also provides valuable quantitative skills for students interested in economic management of agriculture and other natural resource and energy systems, environmental economics, fishery and forestry economics, ecosystems, conservation and sustainability. Focus is placed on the development of analytical, quantitative and communication skills. It adds considerably to the prospects of students interested in working as applied economists in energy and environmental consulting companies, in commodities and futures markets, merchant and trading banks, public sector regulators and the government, large agribusiness firms, corporate farms, and in the media as economic journalists.
Mathematics assumed knowledge
Mathematics is an essential tool in the study of economics. Students entering this major/minor are assumed to have prior knowledge of mathematics equivalent to a minimum result of Band 4 in the NSW Higher School Certificate course, Mathematics Advanced. Students who do not possess the assumed knowledge are strongly advised to enrol in ECON1003 Quantitative Methods in Economics prior to or concurrently with ECON1001 Introductory Microeconomics.
Mathematics prerequisites and Mathematics Learning Support
In 2024, some mathematics prerequisites for undergraduate students commencing in Semester 1 2025 were removed.
It has been identified that this curriculum component (Program, Major or Minor) has been affected. To ensure success, make sure you are aware of the required level of mathematics (assumed knowledge) for this curriculum component. Visit the mathematics learning support webpage, to understand your pathway to success, including the sequence of units you should complete and the support services available.
Requirements for completion
The Environmental, Agricultural and Resource Economics major and minor requirements are listed in the Environmental, Agricultural and Resource Economics unit of study table.
Overlapping core units of study
An overlap in core units of study occurs with certain combinations of majors. For example, the core unit ECON1001 Introductory Microeconomics is common to the Environmental, Agricultural and Resource Economics and Economics majors. This situation also arises between the Environmental, Agricultural and Resource Economics major and majors offered by the Business School. For example, the 1000-level core unit in the Finance major (Business School), BUSS1040 Economics for Business Decision Making, is equivalent to ECON1001 Introductory Microeconomics. Bachelor of Economics students are required to complete the core units specified for the Bachelor of Economics rather than equivalent units offered by other faculties.
- 1000 level: Up to two overlapping 1000-level core units may count towards the requirements of two majors. To make up the credit points for the overlapping unit(s), students must complete elective units as appropriate.
- 2000 level: An overlapping 2000-level core unit cannot count towards the requirements of two majors. Students are required to substitute the overlapping core unit in one of the majors with a 2000- or 3000-level selective unit from the same major.
Advanced coursework
Students enrolled in the final (fourth) year of a Bachelor of Advanced Studies combined degree are required to complete a minimum of 24 credit points of Advanced coursework. Details of advanced coursework units of study in Economics can be found on the Advanced Coursework units of study page.
Contacts and further information
