The Commonwealth Honors College thesis or project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to define and carry out in-depth research or creative endeavors. It provides excellent preparation for students who intend to continue their education through graduate study or begin their professional careers. The student works closely with their 499Y Honors Research sponsor to pursue research on a topic or question of special interest to them in preparation for writing a 499T Honors Thesis or completing a 499P Honors Project.

Honors Thesis expectations are high. The intended end-product is a traditional research manuscript with accompanying artifact(s), all theses: - are 6 credits or more of sustained research on a single topic, typically conducted over two semesters. - begin with creative inquiry and systematic research. - include documentation of substantive scholarly endeavor. - culminate in an oral defense or other form of public presentation.

Honors Project expectations are high. The intended end-product is a traditional project manuscript with accompanying artifact(s), all projects: - are 6 credits or more of sustained research on a single topic, typically conducted over two semesters. - begin with creative inquiry and systematic research. - include documentation of substantive scholarly endeavor. - culminate in an oral defense or other form of public presentation.

Transitioning our energy system to one that is supplied primarily by clean and renewable energy sources is arguably one of the most important challenges of the 21st century. Modern society depends on reliable and affordable energy supply and energy markets affect all economic sectors including corporations and households. The success of the energy transition will depend on the development and deployment of new technology, as well as market mechanisms and policies to support this transition.

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.

This course addresses advanced topics in environmental and natural resource economics. It applies tools from microeconomic theory and statistics to analyze a wide array of environmental issues, including energy efficiency programs, conservation initiatives, climate change mitigation, 'green' products and ecolabeling, and the impacts of pollution on human health. BS-ResEc majors can satisfy their Integrative Experience requirement by taking this course plus Res-Econ 394LI and 471.

An introduction to the use of laboratory experiments to better understand economic behavior. Topics include experimental design; markets and auctions; market mechanism design; bargaining; public goods, externalities and common-pool resources.

Rationale and structure of public policies that affect the operation of private markets in the U.S., with special emphasis on consumer goods industries. Focus on antitrust and competition policies (e.g., those covering collusive restraints of trade, monopolization, and mergers) and on policies that affect product quality and information (e.g., product standards, regulation of advertising and labeling). BS Managerial Economics majors can satisfy their Integrative Experience requirement by taking this course plus Res-Econ 394LI and 452.

Market structure models with application to various industries. Firm behavioral strategies under different market structures. The role of product differentiation, advertising, market power, mergers, barriers to entry, price and non-price rivalry. Market performance including welfare, costs, and profits. BS Managerial Economics majors can satisfy their Integrative Experience requirement by taking this course plus Res-Econ 394LI and 453.

Market structure models with application to various industries. Firm behavioral strategies under different market structures. The role of product differentiation, advertising, market power, mergers, barriers to entry, price and non-price rivalry. Market performance including welfare, costs, and profits. BS Managerial Economics majors can satisfy their Integrative Experience requirement by taking this course plus Res-Econ 394LI and 453.