Courses 2023

Fall 2023

This course provides an introduction into economic concepts of environmental regulations. Why can the regulation of certain economic activities be beneficial and necessary in a market economy? Which crucial role do institutions and property rights have in order to overcome the so-called “Tragedy of the Commons”? How can the efficacy and efficiency of regulatory interventions such as bans, standards, carbon markets, environmental taxes and disclosure regulations be assessed?


The course provides an introduction to applied empirical research methodologies. Students learn the tools that are necessary for conducting their own research projects. This module will cover the methodological background that will be helpful for the own research project in the module, for further empirical and data-driven oriented classes and tasks in professional life, as well for the bachelor thesis. The methods covered in this module are not only relevant for academic research. As today’s business environment is characterized by an increasing availability of and dependency on data, it becomes increasingly important to base decisions on empirical evidence. Business leaders therefore benefit from a good understanding of empirical methods that allows for own analysis of data and for a critical evaluation of results presented by others. 


Spring 2023

The course provides an introduction into concepts how economists think about sustainability. Students learn the concepts and tools to study sustainability problems from an economic perspective and how to assess the effects of economic activities on the environment. Students learn about the crucial role of institutions and property rights to overcome the so-called “Tragedy of the Commons” in general, and efficacy of regulation and policy instruments such as bans, standards, carbon markets and environmental taxes. Students learn also how economists value and measure environmental services and how optimal interventions should be designed.