The Centre for Census and Survey Research’s short course programme at the University of Manchester continues in the spring 2014. A small number of places are still available on certain courses.
Demographic Concepts and Methods – 12-13th May 2014
This course is delivered over two consecutive days and is aimed at those with no demographic training. The focus will be on the basic components of demographic change through measures and data sources to calculate and illustrate population structure, fertility, mortality and migration. Thus included are population pyramids, sex ratios, dependency ratios and fertility rates. The calculation of age-sex standardised ratios are also included in the course.
Multilevel Modelling – 14th May 2014
This one-day course begins with a description of some examples where multilevel models are useful in statistical analysis and some examples of multilevel populations. We then cover the basic theory of multilevel models and a brief introduction to software that has been written specifically for fitting multilevel models: MLwiN. No prior knowledge of multilevel modelling is assumed. Participants will get some experience of using MLwiN software.
Population Estimating and Forecasting – 14th May 2014
This course is aimed at those with a working knowledge of demography but having a need to expand this into the use of estimation and forecasting. The morning sessions will focus on relatively simple methods of estimating subnational populations. We then move onto more complex cohort-component methods. In the afternoon we learn how to forecast future populations and experiment with varying our assumptions about future demographic trends.
Demographic Forecasting with POPGROUP – 15th-16th May 2014
The course introduces the standard methods of forecasting population, households and the labour force, each with age and sex detail, through use of the POPGROUP software. Most time is spent on the more complex tasks of preparing population forecasts. The focus is on sub-national forecasts for districts of England and Wales, but the principles transfer directly to national forecasts, to sub-national forecasts of other areas, and to social or ethnic groups, each of which are discussed. The emphasis is on hands-on learning through practical sessions that take the participants through the preparation of inputs, running a forecast, analysing results, and adjusting forecasts to implement a range of scenarios or assumptions.
Longitudinal Data Analysis 21st-23rd May 2014
The importance of longitudinal analysis is becoming increasingly recognized across the social and medical sciences. The 3 days of intensive training will be made up of lectures and computer-lab examples and exercises implemented with appropriate statistical software. Participants will develop the skills needed to design longitudinal research and conduct appropriate analyses using longitudinal data including the use of random effects models for repeated measures data and event history analysis.
Causal Modelling in Stata – 5th June 2014
Many analysts move from simple regression to more complex causal modelling. This course introduces basic techniques that are helpful for making statistical inferences in the intermediate level models: using a ‘long’ format panel data set; applying regression to panel data; drawing out causal interpretations. The course will also cover some causal concepts, describe statistical approaches to causal inference, give worked examples of regression models, and give hands-on experience in applied causal analysis using STATA.
There are a number of other courses available as part of the CCSR Short Course programme. For more information and to book please go to the course list
New courses are likely to be added throughout the year.
Photo Credit: University of Manchester by René Clausen Nielsen