Unit Outline

Systems thinking is an approach to public health that allows us to understand and manage complex problems. The purpose of this unit is to introduce key systems thinking concepts and practical methods to address complexity to improve the health of populations. A selection of systems thinking methods will be considered and related to many disciplines across the health and community sector, from local to global contexts. The unit will also outline how systems thinking can contribute to policy decision making when addressing complex problems.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Define systems thinking and discuss its relevance to health
2	Describe the principles that underpin systems thinking methods
3	Describe and discuss a variety of systems thinking methods and the implications of their application
4	Select and apply appropriate systems thinking methods to address complex problems

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	A Literature Review on System Thinking Methods	Week 8	35 %	LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Discussion Board Participation	Week 14	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Report	Week 14	45 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: A Literature Review on System Thinking Methods

Task Description:

You are required to conduct a literature review to determine how systems thinking has been used to respond a public health topic (choosing one of two options).

Task Length:

2000 words (excluding references)

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe the search strategy used to undertake the literature review and present this as a Methods section. Include Boolean operators, MESH terms, appraisal, PRISMA & others where appropriate	LO2, LO3
2	Synthesise the literature found from the initial search in order to give readers an overview of the research literature on your topic of interest	LO2, LO3
3	Demonstrate ability in academic writing: •Expression and English conventions (spelling, punctuation, grammar) •Use of literature sources •Referencing of literature sources •Use of Endnote library	LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 2: Discussion Board Participation

Task Description:

The Discussion Board is an important forum that promotes interaction and discussion between you and your fellow students. Online studies can be isolating if there are no opportunities for interaction. For this unit you are required to undertake six (6) out of the 8 Discussion Board Activities. Students are encouraged to draw on their own professional experience and reflect on the topics being covered in this unit. MyLO is a public forum. Due levels of respect, professionalism and high ethical standards are expected of students at all times.

Task Length:

Discussion Posts x total 2000 words across the semester

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Engage in quality academic discourse	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
2	Demonstrate and apply knowledge to address the topic of the discussion board	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Develop and demonstrate well supported arguments	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
4	Expression and English conventions (spelling, punctuation, grammar), Respectful language is used to address and respond to peers, adherence to word limit	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
5	Correct referencing of literature sources	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 3: Report

Task Description:

Prepare a report that demonstrates the application of systems thinking methods to a complex problem of your choice

Task Length:

2500 words (excluding references)

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

45 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate a depth of reflection and reference to all tasks completed	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
2	Identify the required components for each task and provide supporting evidence	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Define the strengths & weaknesses of system thinking tools in your area of practice	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
4	Present the report in structured sequencing of module activities with clarity of writing and grammar	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
5	Apply the required format for recommended referencing style	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.