Applying Systems Thinking to the Food System

2 Credits.

Given the complexity of many public health problems, systems thinking is increasingly cited as an approach and competency needed to understand these problems. The field of obesity in particular has benefited from systems thinking, methods and modeling, however, the application of these methods remains in an inchoate stage. Students will explore various systems concepts such as leverage points, heterogeneity, complexity, adaptability, interdependence, and learn how those concepts have been applied in obesity and food system research. Students will learn which systems concepts are most useful for researching specific obesity topics and their limitations. Finally, students will explore how systems research concepts and models critically appraised and communicated with others so public health policy makers can exercise a greater degree of wisdom and insight.