Applied Demography (GEOG3205)

Week 1

Introduction to demography

In this introductory lecture, we cover the basics of demography, the study of populations. We learn about key concepts such as how populations change through fertility, mortality, and migration. We differentiate between stocks (the population at a specific time) and flows (changes in population over time). We also examine age, period, and cohort effects to understand how different factors influence populations. We explore various population data sources, including censuses and surveys, and introduce important metrics used to measure population change over time.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05

Week 1

Demographic basics

In our first computer lab session, we will develop essential skills in demographic analysis. This includes calculating growth rates, accessing demographic data, and visualizing population age/sex structures using population pyramids. These foundational techniques will help you understand and analyze population dynamics effectively.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 2

Spatial heterogeneity in populations

In this week's lecture, we will incorporate geography into our understanding of populations. We will examine the spatial heterogeneity of key population characteristics and explore the reasons behind these variations. Additionally, we will delve into data sources available in Australia and learn about metrics that capture spatial differences. This will enhance our comprehension of how populations vary across space.

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 2

Accessing Census data

In this week's computer session, we will learn how Census data is applied in urban planning, consumer marketing, social service allocation, and the functioning of electoral systems, among other uses. We will explore the Australian Statistical Geography Standard and gain skills in accessing and presenting Census data. This knowledge is essential preparation for your first assessment task.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 3

Demographic applications in the public sector

This week, we're excited to host Queensland's Assistant Government Statistician, who will provide important insights into the utilization of demographic data to tackle pressing planning issues.

Learning outcomes: L01, L05

Week 3

Telling a story with demographic data

This week's lab session provides essential guidance for completing your first assessment item. You'll have the opportunity to explore exemplary demographic dashboards, gaining valuable insights. Additionally, you'll receive detailed instruction on visualizing demographic variables, including selecting appropriate graphs and utilizing mapping tools in ArcGIS Online.

Week 4

Fertility

Birth rates are rapidly declining in many parts of the world but remain persistently high in others. This week's lecture investigates fertility, including definitions, measurement, and trends across space and over time.

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 4

Measuring fertility

This week, we'll crunch the numbers to understand the number of babies being born in Australia and how it's been changing over time. We'll discuss how COVID-19 might have influenced recent trends and make some forecasts about what's next for fertility. This workshop's content provides a crucial foundation for your second assessment task.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 5

Mortality

Mortality studies contribute to our understanding of demographic trends and population dynamics. By analyzing mortality rates and life expectancy, demographers can make projections about population growth, ageing, and future healthcare needs and understand existing patterns of inequality. This week, we will learn about key metrics and models applied to mortality, including the life table and explore patterns and trends across space and over time.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 5

Measuring mortality

In this week's workshop, you'll calculate a range of mortality metrics to explore shifts in Australian mortality over time. Additionally, you'll construct a life table to deepen your understanding of its structure and function.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 6

Understanding migration

Migration has a profound impact on both individuals and the populations of nations and regions. However, it is also the most complex component of demographic change to measure. In this week's lecture, we will explore the concept of migration, its measurement, its spatial patterns and its links to individual life courses.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 6

Measuring migration

In this week's workshop, you will analyze migration data for Australia. You will learn how to calculate key summary migration metrics from origin-destination matrices and understand how to interpret them effectively.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 7

The demography of a housing crisis

Population growth has often been cited as a primary driver of the current housing crisis, but the reality is more nuanced. This week, we delve into the field of housing demography to gain insights into the current state of the Australian housing system.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 7

Understanding household statistics from the census

In this week's workshop, you'll explore spatial variations in Average Household Size using census data. Additionally, you'll analyze differences in the rate at which young people head households. We'll discuss the factors driving these trends and their implications for the current housing crisis.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 8 - Week 11

Population projections

Population projections are vital for policy, economic, and social planning. They inform resource allocation, policy development, and service provision in areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Businesses use projections to guide investment decisions and market strategies. Urban planners rely on them to anticipate spatial growth and plan infrastructure. Additionally, projections aid in natural resource management and environmental planning. By forecasting future demographic trends, societies can prepare for changing needs and challenges, ensuring sustainable development and effective allocation of resources. Over the next few weeks, we will develop our understanding of the projections process and use this to project the population of Greater Brisbane out to 2051.

Note that Week 8's lecture will be prerecorded. All other lectures will be face to face as usual.

Week 8 - Week 11

This module of work guides you through the production of small-area population projections for Greater Brisbane using the POPART model. This work forms the core of the second assessment task.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05

Week 12

Indigenous and Ethnic Populations

This lecture explores their Indigenous and ethnic demographies, highlighting challenges such as health disparities and socioeconomic inequality. We delve into the complexities of Indigenous identity and sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous perspectives in research and policymaking.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 12

The deficit model and Indigenous statistics

In this week's workshop, we'll explore the deficit model of Indigenous statistics, which wrongly portrayed Indigenous peoples as deficient and in need of external fixing. Using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, we'll generate various statistics on Indigenous populations. Through reflection, we'll assess whether our approach perpetuates the deficit model, aiming to shift towards more respectful and empowering methods of representing Indigenous communities.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 13

In this week's session we will review the course material and begin exam preparation.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05