Unit Outline

Systems thinking is an approach that allows us to understand, navigate and intervene in complex real-world problems. This unit introduces contemporary systems thinking concepts and practical tools for working with complexity to improve population health and wellbeing. A selection of systems thinking methods will be considered and related to many disciplines across the health and community settings from local to global systems. The unit emphasises real-world application, demonstrating how systems thinking can inform effective policy design, decision-making, and sustainable solutions to complex health challenges.

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 and community settings.
2	Apply the principles that underpin systems thinking methods to address an identified complex problem.
3	Analyse a variety of systems thinking methods and the implications of their application.
4	Communicate appropriate systems thinking methods to address complex problems.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

In response to the feedback from previous student cohort, changes may have been made which may include adjustments to assessments and alignment of some of the timelines. As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2026, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s Unit Survey following your completion of the unit.

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:	Discussion Posts (online)	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Literature Review	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Applied Systems Theory Analysis and Intervention Design	Refer to Assessment Description	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Discussion Posts (online)

Task Description:

The Discussion Board is an important forum that promotes interaction dialogue, and shared learning between you, your fellow students and academic staff. Assessment expectations and standards will be discussed in each tutorial session.

In this unit, you are required to complete six (6) discussion activities. These activities are designed to encourage critical thinking, reflection, and application of concepts. Students are expected to draw on their own professional or lived experience, engage respectfully with the ideas of others, and provide constructive feedback on peers’ posts

Task Length:

Discussion Posts x total 2000 words across the semester

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Engage in quality academic discourse	LO1, LO2
2	Apply knowledge to address the topic of the discussion board	LO2, LO3
3	Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in appropriate format using standard academic language and referencing conventions. Respectful language is used to address and respond to peers, adherence to word limit.	LO3
4	Expression and English conventions (spelling, punctuation, grammar), Respectful language is used to address and respond to peers, adherence to word limit	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Literature Review

Task Description:

You are required to conduct a literature review of systems thinking (ST) approaches (a topic provided) outlining the current research trends and application of ST tools.

Task Length:

2000 words (excluding references)

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

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 to communicate effectively in appropriate format using standard academic language and referencing conventions.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Applied Systems Theory Analysis and Intervention Design

Task Description:

Prepare a report that demonstrates the application of systems thinking methods to a complex problem of your choice. Further information is provided in MyLO.

Task Length:

2500 words (excluding references)

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate reflection and critical engagement with systems thinking concepts, clearly justifying their use in addressing a complex problem	LO1, LO4
2	Identify the required components for each activity and provide supporting evidence	LO2
3	Define the strengths and weaknesses of system thinking tools in your area of practice	LO3
4	Present the report in structured sequencing of activities as provided within the unit	LO2
5	Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in appropriate format using standard academic language and referencing conventions	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.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.