A Brief Introduction to Demography

Overview: This short course provides an 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 work with demographic data.

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: in-person only

Dates: Courses can be provided when required for organisations (subject to a minimum of 7 participants).

Location: at your premises.

Time commitment: three days, running 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on days 1 and 2 with a one hour lunch break, and 10:00 am - 1:00 pm on day 3.

Pre-requisites: keen interest in demography; high school maths; Microsoft Excel skills

What to bring: a laptop with a USB-A port (all course materials are supplied by USB stick), and with Microsoft Excel installed; notepad and pen if you would like to take notes; bottle of water

All participants receive: (1) copies of the course slides; (2) Excel workbooks with exercises and worked examples, and (3) suggested readings and information sources. Please note that refreshments and lunch are not included.

Cost: Please get in touch for a quote.

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 (such as those used in ABS demographic publications)

Course outline

Day 1

Introduction to demography

The age-time space of demography

Population counts and estimates

Fertility and mortality

Migration

Day 2

Demographic transitions and population ageing

Population projections and forecasts

Household demography

Selected demographic issues

Responding to stakeholder questions

Day 3

Potential traps and practical tips

Population pyramids and data visualisation

Questions/discussion

Please note that the course content and ordering may be subject to change.