An Introduction to Demography

Overview: This short course provides a gentle introduction to selected key concepts, measures, and theories of demography. There is a particular emphasis on Australian demography, data sources, and practical issues relevant to government professionals.

Who the course is for: government demographers, planners, and analysts; other professionals interested in learning about the fundamentals of demography

Presenter: Dr Tom Wilson

Mode of delivery: online live teaching via Zoom

Time commitment: 6 sessions of 1½ - 2 hours per week; plus a suggested 2-3 hours of personal reading time per session

Session overview: presentation on first topic of 25-30 minutes; questions and discussion; 5 minute tea break; presentation on second topic of 25-30 minutes; questions and discussion; plus overview of resources sheet listing readings and further information

Benefits of the course: After completing this course you will:

  • understand the drivers of demographic change in Australia

  • be in a better position to answer stakeholder and management questions about population

  • be better able to consider whether claims made using demographic arguments are valid

  • know where to find the demographic data you need

  • be aware of the strengths and limitations of data

  • be able to calculate and interpret key demographic measures.

All participants receive: (1) copies of the course slides; (2) Excel workbooks with worked examples, and (3) resources sheets with suggested readings and information sources.

Course outline:

Session 1

Introduction to demography

The age-time space of demographic change

Session 2

A guided tour of Australian demographic data

Population counts and estimates

Session 3

Fertility

Mortality

Session 4

Migration

Population projections and forecasts

Session 5

Population pyramids and other graphs

Demographic transition(s)

Session 6

Population ageing

Pitfalls and practical tips

Please note that the course content is subject to change.

Pre-requisites: undergraduate degree; interest in demography; Microsoft Excel skills

Dates: 1:30-3:00 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time on 20 February, 27 February, 6 March, 13 March, 20 March, 27 March 2025

How to register: Please email Tom at advanceddemographicmodelling@gmail.com with your name and email addresses, and if necessary any purchase order number or reference code for the invoice.

Cost: $550 per participant (includes GST). Payment is by bank transfer via invoice and must be received in advance of the course commencing.

Please note: (1) Registration must be made no later than 31 January 2025. (2) The course needs a minimum of 10 participants to run.