Resources, economics, and markets
The course starts by discussing the role of forests in sustainable development and continues by explaining how economic principles affect the management of natural resources, particularly forest resources. Supply and demand for forest raw materials, both timber and biomass, are then discussed, along with the supply and demand for forest-based products. Questions that are analyzed are fore example how the demand for sawn timber products affects the supply of biomass for, e.g., bioenergy. The course then analyzes how markets are influenced by market failures, such as monopolies, and how this affects the supply of forest-based products. Finally, the course analyzes and evaluates the trade-offs that forest owners need to make between different types of ecosystem services using numerical optimization and simulation methods.
The course includes lectures and exercises where the student analyses and assess real cases, as well as tasks to communicate their conclusions both orally and in writing.
Further the course includes active participation in seminars and guest lectures.
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
NA0200 Resources, economics, and markets, 7.5 Credits
Resurser, ekonomi och marknaderSubjects
Forestry Science EconomicsEducation cycle
Master’s levelAdvanced study in the main field
Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsMaster’s level (A1N)
Grading scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
Knowledge corresponding to 120 credits15 credits in one of the following subjects:
- Forestry sciences
- Forest science
- Forest management
- Agricultural science
- Biology
- Technology
English 6
Objectives
After completing the course, the student will be able to
- explain and discuss the multiple roles of forest resources for sustainable development;
- explain the economic principles of natural resource management;
- explain and discuss supply of and demand for forest-based materials and final forest products;
- describe and explain common forms and effects of market failures; and
- analyse, discuss and evaluate trade-offs between ecosystem services, and multiple-use forest management.
Content
The course starts by discussing the role of forests in sustainable development and continues by explaining how economic principles affect the management of natural resources, particularly forest resources. Supply and demand for forest raw materials, both timber and biomass, are then discussed, along with the supply and demand for forest-based products. Questions that are analyzed are fore example how the demand for sawn timber products affects the supply of biomass for, e.g., bioenergy. The course then analyzes how markets are influenced by market failures, such as monopolies, and how this affects the supply of forest-based products. Finally, the course analyzes and evaluates the trade-offs that forest owners need to make between different types of ecosystem services using numerical optimization and simulation methods.
The course includes lectures and exercises where the student analyses and assess real cases, as well as tasks to communicate their conclusions both orally and in writing.
Further the course includes active participation in seminars and guest lectures.
Grading form
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.Formats and requirements for examination
Approved examination
Passed assignments
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Additional information
SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. A large part of our courses cover knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for the education. Students are welcome to suggest actions regarding the course’s content and implementation that lead to improvements for the environment. For more information, see webpage www.slu.se.SLU is certified in accordance with PRIME-principles, Principles for Responsible Management Education (http://www.unprme.org/). This course concerns understandings, models and methods for sustainable development.
Responsible department
Department of Forest Economics