1. Mathematical demography - syllabus
This course covers various advanced topics in formal demography, including stable population models, matrix population models, Markov chains, unobserved population heterogeneity and dynamic systems.
2. Statistical demography - syllabus
The course will deal with so called event history models. These are statistical techniques to analyze the occurrence of events in time, such as death, marriage, childbirth, entry into retirement etc.
3. Theories of demographic behaviour and change - syllabus
Theories of fertility and the family.
Theories of mortality and morbidity.
Theories of migration.
Historical demography.
4. Population data and summary measures - syllabus
Summary measures: The most often used basic summary measures are described, as well as their strengths and shortcomings.
Causes of death: Collection, classification and analysis of causes of death data
Data quality and comparability, qualitative research:
1. Quality of information from sources of demographic data such as censuses, registers and surveys.
2. Theoretical and practical aspects of the qualitative approach
Indirect estimation tecnhiques: Demographic estimation techniques for countries with incomplete data sources
5. Modeling, simulation and forecasting - syllabus
Modelling and simulation: Students get acquainted with the matrix notation, and learn about modelling and simulation of nonlinear-interacting populations. They have to program population projections in R and learn about the stable population model through numerical simulations.
Population forecasting: This is a “hands-on” module in which the students carry out, in groups of 2-3, a forecast of a chosen country, region, or sub-population.
Microsimulation: This module is designed as a series of lectures with special emphasize on “real life” examples and practical simulation exercises.
6. Consequences of demographic change - syllabus
The course discusses multifaceted impacts of demographic change on the society, the economy and social institutions. Students should receive both a general knowledge about main consequences of demographic change, making a distinction between developed and developing countries, and more detailed insights in policy responses in Europe, in particular policy reform across the EU.
7. Thesis Course - syllabus
At an early stage a supervisor will be allotted to the student on the basis of her/his area of interest. Well before the actual period of the thesis work a series of preparatory seminars will be held, where the students present ideas and plans for the research.
8. Research seminar / Colloquium Series