ACE 2006:  AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS (10 credits)

[last update: 11th December, 2012]

NOTICES
TIMETABLE: SEMESTER 1: 
MONDAYS, 1500 - 1600, BEDSON Bldg. 2.76; 
TUESDAYS, 1600 - 1700, AGRB, CSLT.
Final Exam Timetable: Friday 25th January, 09.30, venue: Sports Centre Multi Purpose Room Level 1
DEADLINE FOR TRIAL ANSWERS: FRIDAY 4th JANUARY, 5.00pm.

AIM: "To understand the economics of agricultural and rural resource sectors in the UK context."

SYLLABUS
  1. Current economic condition and history of UK agriculture
  2. Some history lessons
  3. Principles and gains from trade (and the Forex Market)
  4. Policy development & world markets - some history;  & the 2008 food 'crisis'
  5. GATT and the WTO
  6. CAP Progress, Dairy Quotas and subsequent reforms.
  7. Competition  & Competitiveness (+ some revision notes on "perfect" competition)
  8. Market failures and reasons for government intervention
  9. Capital and Asset (Stock) markets
  10. Sustainability & Climate Change.
Assessment & Appraisal
Formal assessment for this course is a University 2 hour examination at the end of the Semester, counting for 100%. The final examination questions will be provided to the class well before the end of the module, and students are invited to submit draft answers (via e-mail) to these questions prior to the formal examination for comment and appraisal, rather than assessment purposes. 

NOTE:  The assessment will take into account the fact that you have had the opportunity to think about and develop your ideas and analysis of these questions prior to the exam - so do so!


NOTE:  You will find links or references to all reading material in these notes, which are essential to this course.


MODUS OPERANDI: This is a 10 credit module with an associated 100 hours of work & effort from you.  Of this, there are 20 hours of lectures and 2 hours of exam. So, there are a remaining 78 hours which you are supposed to devote to private study, thinking and learning.  Accordingly, your exam answers will be assessed assuming that you have put in this work - simply regurgitating lecture notes will NOT be enough to earn you a good mark.  Every effort will be made to make time for discussion and comments in the lecture classes - which is up to you, and questions etc. by e-mail will be answered, and general responses circulated and/or discussed in class. Otherwise, it is up to you.  Good luck and I hope we can also enjoy the course.


Return to DRH Lecture Site.