This course develops and applies microeconomic models and theories to the analysis of contemporary public sector issues. Attention is given to the conceptual and practical problems associated with resource allocation decisions when there is conflict among efficiency, equity and limited information in policy making. The foundations of welfare economy and techniques and applications of cost-benefit analysis as they relate to specific policy areas and programs are examined as well.
Students study policy making though various perspectives on implementation.
The roles of major institutions including the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government, the bureaucracy and interest groups in this process are addressed. Integrated within this study of the process are various perspectives and interpretations of policy making, including incrementalism, rationalism, pluralism and elitism. Selected areas of public policy, including transportation, poverty, energy and the environment are used to illustrate both the process and the different perspectives. This course emphasizes the application of fundamental toxicological and microbiological concepts to problems which exist in the real world. The course should prepare the student interested in environmental problems with the necessary practical information to make sound judgements in assessing meaningful solutions to existing environmental problems.