PSYC4729: Semester 2, 2025

Units PSYC4729 Semester 2 2025 [Online]

Unit outline_

PSYC4729: Groups, Teams and Systems

Semester 2, 2025 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Coaching always takes place within the context of human systems, be they family, social networks, or workplace organisations. This unit of study considers both the theory and practice of working in human systems. At the theoretical level, students undertaking this unit will consider the major theoretical advances which aid our understanding of groups and complex human systems. These will include General systems theory, cybernetics and complex adaptive systems theories. In addition, major research findings in group and team dynamics will be covered. Students will also consider the practical implications of these theoretical approaches to coaching within organisations. Issues surrounding self organisation, leadership and control, and the management of change in complex adaptive systems will also be discussed. Students will undertake a small group project and presentation. Critical reflection upon this group work will form a key element of the assessment for this unit.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Psychology Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	PSYC4721 and PSYC4722
Corequisites ?	PSYC4724
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Cavanagh, michael.cavanagh@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person written or creative task	Final Exam Multiple choice, multiple response, short answer, and essay questions.	20%	STUVAC Due date: 11 Nov 2025 at 16:00 Closing date: 11 Nov 2025	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group Assignment Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.	30%	Week 08 Due date: 28 Sep 2025 at 00:00 Closing date: 26 Oct 2025	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Major Assignment Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.	50%	Week 13 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 07 Dec 2025	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Major Assignment: This is a compulsory task which you need to attempt, or you will receive an absent fail, but no minimum mark is required.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Groups, teams and systems - an introduction.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Bowens’ Systems Theory and Executive Coaching	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Introduction to Complexity Theory I	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to Complexity Theory II	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Leadership and Complexity	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Social Network Analysis: Implications for coaching	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Coaching Leaders in Complex Systems	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	High Performing Work Teams	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Working with Senior Management Teams	Simulation laboratory (6 hr)
Week 10	Group and Team Coaching	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Virtual Teams	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Presentations	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Review and Presentations	Lecture (3 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

It is strongly recommended that students read:

Boulton, J.G, Allan, P.M, Bowman, C. (2015) Embracing Complexity: Strategic Perspectives for an age of turbulence. Oxford, Oxford University Press.

See Canvas for other related readings.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Recognize core psychological processes in group development and dynamics
LO2. understand a range of systemic approaches to groups including Bowen’s systems theory, complexity theory and complex adaptive systems theory
LO3. identify the key features of complex adaptive systems
LO4. develop coaching models that incorporate the insights gained from complex adaptive systems theories
LO5. understand the implications of systems theories for coaching practice with individuals and groups.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The content of this unit is being further streamlined in order to facilitate student learning.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links