Systems Thinking for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction to the Course

Course Objectives

• Understand the principles of systems thinking and how they can be used to address sustainable development challenges.
• Learn how to apply systems thinking concepts to identify feedback loops, leverage points, and dynamic interconnections in sustainability challenges.
• Acquire skills to analyze complex sustainability challenges and develop holistic solutions to achieve the SDGs.
• Develop expertise in the ability to design systems interventions that incorporate environmental, social, and economic dimensions in the context of the SDGs.
• Investigate tools and methodologies that can be used to apply systems thinking to practical projects and SDG goals.
• Develop the ability to evaluate the impact of systems-based solutions on sustainable development.

What Will You Learn (Modules)

Module 1: Foundations of Systems Thinking

• What is systems thinking?
• Key concepts: stocks, flows, reinforcing & balancing loops, mental-model traps
• The complexity of SDGs: feedback loops, delays, and ripple effects between goals

Module 2: Tools & Frameworks for Systems Practice

• Introduction to causal loop diagrams and stock-flow models
• How to build, simulate, and iterate on models to uncover insights

Module 3: Action Design & Application

• Exploring leverage points and system archetypes
• Using Meadows’ 12-point checklist to assess system health and design interventions.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for:

• Sustainability professionals and policy makers working on SDG-related projects
• Development researchers and academics interested in systems thinking methodologies
• NGO workers and social entrepreneurs focused on creating impactful, sustainable solutions
• Students in environmental studies, international development, or sustainable engineering
• Business leaders and corporate sustainability officers aiming to align their organizations with SDGs

Job Opportunities

After completing this course, learners can pursue roles such as:

• Sustainability Consultant (Systems Thinking)
• SDG Analyst
• Social Impact Manager
• Environmental Strategy Specialist

Why Learn With Nanoschool?

At NanoSchool, we focus on career-relevant learning that builds real capability—not just theory.

• Expert-led training: Learn from instructors with real-world experience in applying skills to industry and research problems.
• Practical & hands-on approach: Build skills through guided activities, templates, and task-based learning you can apply immediately.
• Industry-aligned curriculum: Course content is designed around current tools, workflows, and expectations from employers.
• Portfolio-ready outcomes: Create outputs you can showcase in interviews, academic profiles, proposals, or real work.
• Learner support: Get structured guidance, clear learning paths, and support to stay consistent and finish strong.

Key outcomes of the course

Upon completion, learners will be able to:

• In-depth knowledge of the principles of systems thinking and the ability to apply them to sustainable development issues
• Practical skills to identify feedback loops, leverage points, and system connections in the context of the SDGs
• Confidence to develop comprehensive sustainability solutions that address social, environmental, and economic considerations
• Skills to develop models of system dynamics to assess the impact of the SDGs and interventions
• A project that is ready to be included in your portfolio to demonstrate your skills in applying systems thinking to real-world SDG problems