Fertility, Mortality and Social Change (GEOG20016)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject serves as an introduction to demography: the scientific study of human populations. The subject provides an overview of concepts, theories, and methodological approaches for understanding the changing patterns and determinants of population size, composition, and spatial distribution. Students will learn how components of population change – fertility, mortality, and migration – are interlinked with broader forces of development and social change in a comparative geographic perspective. Case studies will be used to discuss the socio-political and economic implications of population change in both developed and less developed regions of the world. In doing so, the subject highlights contemporary debates and policy challenges around demographic bonus, population ageing, immigration, marriage and family change, fertility and reproductive health, gender and work, urbanisation, poverty and inequality, and population and environment. Although the subject is non-technical, students will be introduced to online resources and tools for basic analysis and visualisation techniques of population data.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Identify major concepts and critically engage with theories related to population studies
- Identify different data sources, and understand methodological approaches used in demographic research
- Source and interpret quantitative data on patterns, determinants, and consequences of population change
- Recognise the interrelationship between population trends, development, and social change across different societal contexts
- Synthesise evidence, interpretations and debates around population, health, development, and social change
- Think and argue critically about contemporary issues relating to population, health development, and social change
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Critical thinking skills: Be capable of thinking critically and analytically
- Communication skills: Develop skills in oral and written communication
- Research skills: Be capable of approaching research problems in the field
- Problem-solving skills: Be capable of testing theories with evidence
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
This subject is a level 2 subject designed for students who have experience in writing essays of up to 1,000 words at University level. It is recommended that students have successfully completed at least 25 points of level 1 or level 2 subjects that include essay based assessment.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Contribution and participation in tutorial discussion (student's turn to lead reading-based discussion allocated in Week 2) | From Week 3 to Week 12 | 10% |
Take-home review 1 (1000-words equivalent consisting of multiple choice, short and long answer questions)
| Week 6 | 25% |
Take-home review 2 (1000-words equivalent consisting of multiple choice, short and long answer questions)
| Week 12 | 25% |
Research essay
| During the examination period | 40% |
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Ariane Utomo Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours (one x 2-hour lecture and one x 1-hour tutorial per week; some lectures/tutorials to be conducted in computer labs) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 April 2025