The processes of birth, death and migration shape the size and structure of a population in constantly changing ways. This course covers the methods used to project the structure of the population, and the way inputs about the future of demographic processes, such as fertility and mortality, are provided. Population dynamics involve understanding and interpreting the changing population structure by analyzing the interplay between demographic processes, themselves depending on socio-economic and other factors. However, population dynamics also transform many aspects of social and economic life, thus creating a process of permanent renewal. Topics that will be covered in this course are: population models, epidemiological transition, ageing, lowest low fertility, demographic dividends and other specific aspects of population dynamics.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- generate justifiable future series of demographic processes;
- demonstrate and interpret how fertility, mortality and migration affect population change;
- review and critique research on population projections and population dynamics; and
- prepare demographic calculations using the R software program.
Indicative Assessment
- Weekly class R programming exercises (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research Project (a): Title + Abstract (FP). Maximum 500 words (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research Project (b): Introduction + Data description. Maximum 1000 words (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research Project (c): Methods + Preliminary results. Maximum 1000 words (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research Project (d): Results and Discussion. Maximum 1000 words (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research Project (e): In class presentation. 15 minute presentation with 7 minute question and discussion. (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Submission of Final Research Project (revised a-d). Maximum 4000 words. (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 3 hours of computer lab
b) 94 hours of independent student research, problem solving, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Readings will be provided via the course Wattle site.Preliminary Reading
Samuel Preston, Patrick Heuveline, Michel Guillot. 2000. Demography: Measuring and Modeling Population Processes. Wiley.Assumed Knowledge
Previous knowledge on R software is not a prerequisite, but students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with it, see for example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANMuuq502rE
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4050 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5760 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8165 | 27 Jul 2020 | 03 Aug 2020 | 31 Aug 2020 | 30 Oct 2020 | In Person | View |