Checking date: 29/04/2025 13:39:13


Course: 2025/2026

Demographic Analysis Techniques
(14486)
Bachelor in Sociology (Study Plan 2018) (Plan: 402 - Estudio: 208)


Coordinating teacher: SANCHEZ BARRICARTE, JESUS JAVIER

Department assigned to the subject: Social Sciences Department

Type: Compulsory
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
Basic knowledge of algebra.
Objectives
Students will learn the main methods and techniques of demographic analysis and how to interpret the main social and demographic indicators, rates and indexes. Students will also be trained on how to use the most important available data sources to produce their own tables and graphs that describe relevant demographic trends and to carry out population forecasts.
Learning Outcomes
K2: To know of basic humanistic contents, oral and written expression, following ethical principles and completing a multidisciplinary training profile. K8: Identify the objectives of social and political analysis as well as the populations subject to social research K9: Understand and synthesize the plurality of approaches and concepts of the subdisciplines linked to sociology. S1: To know of basic humanistic contents, oral and written expression, following ethical principles and completing a multidisciplinary training profile. S2: Use information interpreting relevant data avoiding plagiarism, and in accordance with the academic and professional conventions of the area of study, being able to assess the reliability and quality of such information. S3: Identify and apply interpersonal skills on responsibility, negotiation and emotional intelligence. S5: Develop personal autonomy in the work and professional sphere in order to identify one's own learning needs. S7: Apply the knowledge acquired to identify the sociological perspective in the analysis of social, political and economic processes. S9: Be able to formulate, debate and defend critical reasoning, using precise terminology of the discipline and methodologies of the discipline. S10: Be able to manage, identify, gather and interpret relevant information on the economic, political and social field of teaching and research. S11: Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research techniques, and the ability to discern the most appropriate ones to apply in the specific field of the discipline. C1: Know and be able to handle interpersonal skills on initiative, responsibility, conflict resolution, negotiation, etc., which are required in a professional environment. C2: Know and apply sampling and field work techniques for the different fields of sociological research
Description of contents: programme
The course will enable the student to analyze mortality, construct life tables and calculate the life expectancy of a population. Students will also learn how to analyze fertility and its dependency on birth control and the processes of formation and dissolution of couples. Furthermore, students will be trained on the analyses of migration and mobility. Finally, students will learn the use of basic forecasting techniques. 1. Introduction: What is demography? The beginning of demography 2. The sources of demographic information 3. Basic demographic measures (rates, odds, specific rates, etc.) 4. The Lexis diagram, population momentum and generational replacement 5. Mortality: basic measures and indicators 6. The life table: interpretation and use 7. Fertility: basic measures and indicators 8. The formation and dissolution of the couple 9. Mobility and migration 10. Demographic projections 11. Indirect methods of demographic analysis
Learning activities and methodology
The theoretical component is comprised of classes taught by lecturers regarding the main demographic measurement techniques and corresponds to 2 ECTS. The practical component of the course, which corresponds to 2 ECTS, requires the completion of exercises consisting on the calculation and interpretation of the main demographic indicators and equations. The individual student work that is embodied in the study of the subject, attending tutorials, query library texts and exams will correspond to 2 ECTS.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination/test 60
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 40

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations
Basic Bibliography
  • Carey, J. y Roach, D.. Biodemography: An Introduction to Concepts and Methods. Princeton University Press. 2020
  • Henri Leridon y Laurent Toulemon. Demografía. Enfoque estadístico y dinámica de las poblaciones . El Colegio de México; CEDUA . 2014
  • Kenneth W. Wachter. Essential Demographic Methods . Harvard University Press. 2014
  • LIVI-BACCI, MASSIMO (1993), . Introducción a la demografía,. Barcelona: Ariel Historia.. 2003
  • SANCHEZ BARRICARTE, JESUS JAVIER. El crecimiento de la población mundial. Tirant lo Blanch. 2008
  • Yusuf, Farhat, Martins, Jo. M., Swanson, David A. Methods of Demographic Analysis. Springer. 2014
Additional Bibliography
  • Reques Velasco, Pedro. Geodemografía. Fundamentos conceptuales y metodológicos. Santander: Universidad de Cantabria.. 2006
  • TAPINOS, GEORGE (1988), . Elementos de demografía,. Madrid: Espasa Universidad.. 1988
  • VINUESA, JULIO (Editor) (1994),. Demografía. Análisis y proyecciones.. Madrid, Editorial Síntesis.. 1994

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.