Ecosystem Services unit (BEA103)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit introduces students to the idea of ecosystem services by exploring the benefits that nature provides for people. Whether these benefits are traded in markets or occur in non-market settings, the ecosystem service framework is key to sustainable management of resources into the future. Students will analyse the use of economic tools to manage key ecosystem services such as the provision of water in a dry country, air and water quality, food, fibre or habitat provision for native flora and fauna in landscapes.

Summary

Unit name	Ecosystem Services
Unit code	BEA103
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
Discipline	Economics
Coordinator	Doctor Bassie Limenih
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Use economic concepts to describe natural capital and ecosystem services.
• Assess market and nonmarket valuation of ecosystem services as well as the methods for computing values.
• Analyse environmental and resource problems as failures of the economic system to properly coordinate people's incentives and actions.
• Effectively communicate economic arguments supported with appropriate evidence.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

BEA101

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Face to face workshops. 2 hours per week.
Assessment	Updated Workplan|Proposal Presentation (15%)|Presentation on Market Based Instruments (20%)|Component of the Ecosystem Services Assessment Group Report (25%)|Ecosystem Service Assessment Group Report (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.