Longitudinal studies of population data, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course gives an overview of population dynamics and societal challenges connected to them, such as population growth, ageing, inequality, poor health and urbanisation. The main theme revolves around understanding current research problems and the practical methodologies used to study them. The course provides knowledge on key demographic and social theories. The course also includes practical exercises in statistical population analysis, where students will apply demographic models and theories using advanced statistical software tools.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course the students will:

Knowledge and understanding

• have specialised knowledge about explanatory models and theories for demographic processes, such as mortality decline
• an understanding of the relationship between demographic change and societal challenges such as climate change or social inequalities in health, education and work 

Skills and abilities

• have the ability to perform basic demographic analyses using statistical software tools
• have the ability to use and evaluate basic statistical methods to analyse population data with relevant software applications
• have skills to select relevant and synthesise theoretical and empirical scientific works in written text and oral presentation

Judgement and approach

• compare, critically assess and evaluate scientific demographic texts, methods and results
• identify and discuss associations between population dynamics and societal challenges
• Value the relevance of different theoretical explanatory models for analysing population dynamics in different contexts

Required Knowledge

Courses of the amount of 90 ECTS credits with 60 ECTS credits in any of the subjects: human geography, geography, statistics, sociology, economics, history, economic history, epidemiology, psychology, demography, population studies or other related subjects. English A/6.

Form of instruction

All teaching will take place on-line. Tuition consists of lectures, obligatory seminars and workshops, where the students are expected to take active part. The instruction will also cover practical sessions focused on the use of statistical software for demographic data analysis, providing students with practical skills essential for conducting and interpreting population studies. The spoken and written language of the course is English.

Examination modes

Examination is based on written assignments that are orally presented at examining seminars and individually written reports. The grades Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U) are used. In order to pass the course and receive a grade, all examinations and assignments need to be completed and receive the grade Pass.

Examination based on the same syllabus as at the ordinary examination is guaranteed during two years after the first registration to the course.

Students who have passed an examination cannot redo the examination to receive a higher grade.

It is not possible to appeal against a received grade, i.e. to get it examined by a higher authority, but a student can always criticize the grading or ask another examiner to reconsider the examination.

When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the program coordinator.