Resource Scarcity and Allocation

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
SOCI 2302
Course ID icon
Course ID
200950
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
2
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course examines how society makes decisions about the allocation of scarce and uncertain resources when human desires for the use of the resources are limitless. The course discusses resource allocation criteria that can be considered when natural resource (re)allocation policies, projects or plans are evaluated. The course investigates the interpersonally, intertemporally efficient allocation of non-renewable and renewable natural resources, including water resources, marine resources, forests, minerals and energy sources, in an Australian context.

Course learning outcomes

  • Develop a sound understanding of the economically adopted paradigms about the efficient and sustainable use of natural resources
  • Develop an ability to evaluate the allocation of natural resources in terms of efficiency and equity amongst different stakeholders
  • Develop an understanding of social disputation over the use of natural resources, and the discrepancy between social efficiency and private efficiency
  • Develop ability to critically analyse natural resource management policies, by way of various case studies
  • Convey their ideas, using the knowledge gained through class participation

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A