Systems Thinking unit (KGA207)

Online

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

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
020305	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,919.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

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.
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: Meadows, D. (2008). Thinking in Systems: A Primer. Chelsea Green Publishing. 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.
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.