Systems Theory and Resilience Thinking

Learn about qualitative and quantitative approaches to systems theory, and how these approaches can be applied to analyze social-ecological systems. Regime shifts, the reorganization of the structure and processes shaping a social-ecological system, are explored from a theoretical and practical perspective, including investigation of a set of case studies.

• Course structure

  Modules

  The course consists of the following parts:

  1. Systems thinking (4 hp)

  2. Regime shifts and transformation (5 hp)

  3. Resilience thinking (6 hp)

  Teaching format

  The course will mix and combine formal lectures, seminars, field observations, and group- and individual project work. Most of these activities will be compulsory.

  Learning outcomes

  It is expected that the student, after taking the course, will be able to 1) understand basic systems concepts and be able to apply basic systems analysis approaches (part 1), 2) understand the concept of regime shifts and be familiar with a number of examples of regime shifts (part 2), 3) define and apply concepts of resilience, adaptive cycle and panarchy to social-ecological systems (part 1,2 & 3), and 4) apply the concepts practically by conducting case studies based on existing methods and tools (part 3).

  Assessment

  The different parts (1-3) will be examined separately. Assessments will be mostly based on project reports (written and verbal) produced in individual- and/or group work.

  Examiner

  Örjan Bodin (Part 1 and overall)

  E-mail: orjan.bodin@su.se

  Garry Peterson (Part 2)

  E-mail: garry.peterson@su.se

  Maria Tengö (Part 3)

  E-mail: maria.tengo@su.se

• Schedule
  The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.

  • Schedule BL8049 AU 2020 START

• Course literature
  Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

  Meadows, D. Thinking in Systems - A primer. Chelsea Green Publishing 2008.

• Course reports
  • Course report BL8049 AU 2020 Summary module 4 & 5
  • Course report BL8049 AU 2020 Summary module 6

• Contact
  Department of Biology Education

  Student office

  • info.big@su.se
  • 08-16 40 69
  • 08-16 48 25

  • Visiting address

  • E315, Arrheniuslaboratory

  • Svante Arrhenius väg 20C

  • Contact us for help with:

  • -registration

    -exams

    -certificates

    -much more

  • Irregular office hours

  • Restricted hours due to Corona

    Mon-Fri: 10-12 am

  Department of Biology Education

  Study counsellor (advanced level)

  • Ann-Christin Lindås
  • ann.christin.lindas@su.se
  • 08-16 19 98

  • Visiting address

  • E 315c, Arrheniuslaboratoriet

  • Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C

  • Contact me if you want:

  • -help choosing courses

    -to discuss career paths

    -have problems with your studies

  • Office hours

  • Enligt överenskommelse