Population processes have contributed to many changes in Australian society in recent years, including smaller families and households, increasing ethnic diversity, labour force and population ageing, urban growth and declining rural communities. The course examines the demography of the indigenous population; recent trends in Australia's fertility and mortality rates, family formation patterns, internal and international migration; and their implications for the size, structure and distribution of Australia's future population and for policy. 

1. Describe recent trends in Australia's fertility and mortality rates, internal and international migration and how they affect Australia's population size, growth, composition and distribution;
2. Explain how population processes have contributed to the many changes in Australian society in recent years such as smaller families, increasing ethnic diversity and population ageing;
3. Interpret statistical and demographic data and information relating to Australia's population;
4. Discuss the policy implications of the observed population trends in Australia.

2,000 word essay (35%), oral tutorial presentation (10%), final examination (50%) and tutorial participation (5%).

24 hours of lectures and 10 one-hour tutorials.

Any one of: 12 units of first-year courses in Anthropology or Archaeology (ARCH or PREH) or Geography or Sociology or Economic History or History or Political Science or Economics, or a later-year course of a Population Studies major, or with the permission of the lecturer.

Khoo, S and McDonald, P, (Eds), The Transformation of Australia's Population 1970-2030, UNSW Press, 2003.