- Docente: Francesco Scalone
- Credits: 6
- SSD: SECS-S/04
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Statistical Sciences (cod. 8873)
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student knows basic instruments to analyse structural and dynamic aspects of populations. Particularly, the student is able: - to measure population size, variation and distribution in time and space - to measure and analyse population structural characteristics - to measure and analyse demographic dynamics components
Course contents
Introduction to population studies.
Sources of demographic data.
Population composition and variation.Relations between
demographic dynamics and structures.
Basic elements of demographic analysis: crude and age-specific rates, standardization methods.
Age, period and cohort; Lexis diagram, managing data and processes on the diagram. Period and cohort analysis.
Life tables. Life tables conceived as a stationary population. Mortality by cause.
Fertility and reproduction measures.
Migration in population analysis.
The demographic transition (elements).
The demographic forecasts (elements).
Readings/Bibliography
Notes of the lectures will be given during the course. It is possible to download them from the web site of the IOL platform.
Suggested readings:
- Jennifer Hickes Lundquist, Douglas L. Anderton, David Yaukey,
"Demography: The Study of Human Population", Fourth Edition 4th Edition Waveland Press, Inc, 2015
- J. A. Palmore, R. W. Gardner, “Measuring Mortality, Fertility, and Natural Increase: A Self-Teaching Guide to Elementary Measures”, East-West Center, 1994
Teaching methods
All topics are illustrated with demographic data using some demographic software packages and Excel.
Assessment methods
The final exam aims at evaluating the achievement of the following educational targets:
- to know the main international sources of demographic
data
- to calculate the main demographic indicators
- to measure and analyze the components of population dynamics.
The exam consists of a practical test in the computer lab and an oral test. The final vote is an average of the marks obtained in the two tests.
Teaching tools
Video projector, computer lab.
Office hours
See the website of Francesco Scalone
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.