KGA207 Systems Thinking is delivered fully online. To get the most out of this unit, you are required to attend the live online workshops, as they provide essential opportunities for collaboration, discussion and hands-on practice with systems thinking tools. Recordings of presentations and materials will be available, but the interactive workshops cannot be replicated asynchronously and are therefore a core expectation of enrolment.
Introduction
This unit takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding complex adaptive systems and developing practical skills in systems thinking. It is structured into five inter-related modules, beginning and ending with philosophical reflection on the human capacity to think about systems. Students are introduced to the history, concepts and tools of systems thinking, including methods such as causal loop diagrams, and explore case studies in natural systems, human health and the economy before examining different leverage points for intervening in complex systems. By critically engaging with ‘wicked’ sustainability challenges, students develop the mindset, skills and humility required to manage complexity - abilities that are widely applicable and transformative, fostering new ways of thinking, decision-making and leadership across disciplines and professions. The unit will be delivered online, combining interactive presentations, guided activities, and live collaborative workshops to create an engaging and supportive learning environment.
Summary
| Unit name | Systems Thinking |
| Unit code | KGA207 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences|Philosophy |
| Coordinator | Doctor Vishnu Prahalad |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Intermediate |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the characteristics of systems across scales using appropriate tools and skills for a given system challenge
- Apply systems thinking to societal problems to identify leverage points for transformative change
- Critically reflect upon the strengths and limitations of systems thinking to solve complex problems in society
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | This unit is delivered fully online through a combination of interactive presentations (one lecture per week), guided learning activities (one tutorial per week), and live collaborative workshops (one workshop per fortnight, beginning in week 1). Students are expected to engage with online materials each week and attend all scheduled workshops, particularly from week 3 onward, as these are essential for applying systems thinking tools, building teamwork skills, and preparing for assessment tasks. Learning activities include short presentations, group discussions, system mapping exercises, and opportunities for philosophical reflection. |
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| Assessment | Philosophical reflection journal (20%)|System description report (22.5%)|System model and intervention presentation (27.5%)|Presentation (30%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
The required text for this unit is:
This text is available as an ebook through the UTAS Library. In addition, other required reading materials (journal articles, book chapters, reports) and audiovisual resources (videos, podcasts, etc.) will be provided fortnightly as part of the weekly webpage. |
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| Recommended | Recommended readings for this unit will be made available on a weekly basis through the MyLO unit webpages. These will complement the required text and support students in extending their understanding of systems thinking concepts and applications. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.