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Course profile

Occupational Therapy Practice Specialisation (OCTY4208)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Health & Rehab Sci School

This capstone course will provide occupational therapy students with an opportunity to build upon their professional skills and knowledge within a specific contemporary occupational therapy practice area. Students will expand their professional skills to become proficient in the planning, delivery and evaluation of a clinical occupational therapy service. Teaching will involve four lectures, weekly tutorials and clinical experience in the management of clients within a clinical setting.

Graduate occupational therapists seek employment in a range of specialist practice areas. Regardless of the speciality, employers seek graduates who are able to articulate an approach to clinical practice that is occupation centred and informed by relevant theory, both from within and outside occupational therapy literature. They further expect graduates to apply systematic and evidence-informed clinical reasoning when making decisions in practice, and to work effectively within the organisational and funding contextᅠto optimise outcomes for clients and their families.

This course provides students with the opportunity to work with employers and clinical experts to deepen their theoretical understanding and clinical skills in a specialist area of practice. At the outset of the course, four lectures will set the scene for other learning activities by considering in depth:

  1. Students' post-placement reflection on occupation-centred, theory-informed practice and contextual factors impacting on clinical decision-making.
  2. The job application process as a new graduate practitioner and how students can best prepare to meet key attributes and workplace behaviours.
  3. Client centred practices when working within the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
  4. A final whole cohort session will occur in Week 12 to share information across the streams and help prepare you for your final viva exam.

Weekly tutorials will be conducted for each clinical stream alongside clinical placement within the specialised practice area. Tutorials will cover content on theory and practice relevant to each clinical area, but will also provide a forum for clinical discussion within a student community of practice. This will involve case presentations and group problem solving related to specific clients/cases seen during fieldwork experiences.

Course requirements

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

OCTY3208 OR OCTY4104

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

OCTY4236, OCTY4120, OCTY4250

Restrictions

BOccThy(Hons) students only

Jointly taught details

This course is jointly-taught with:

  • OCTY7840

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Each stream co-ordinator will contact students in that stream directly with detailed information on your placement timetable.

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to provide students with experience in planning, delivering and evaluating an occupational therapy service within a specialist area of practice. Students will learn to articulate and implement occupation-centred and theory informed clinical reasoning in their service provision with clients. They will further be able to communicate their employability, in relation to both clinical and professional skills, as part of the job recruitment process and transfer their learning to workplace performance.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of occupational therapy services in a specialist area.

LO2.

Apply a client-centred and occupation-centred approach to clinical service provision.

LO3.

Integrate and apply information from relevant legislative and organisational contexts.

LO4.

Apply systematic clinical reasoning, and theory-informed and evidence-informed practice, within a clinical service.

LO5.

Articulate skills and knowledge using professional communication.

LO6.

Develop key skills that support employability.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Paper/ Report/ Annotation Job application simulation (Assignment)
  • Online
15%

Part 1 of the Job application simulation. 15/08/2024 5:00 pm

Submit assignment via Blackboard link.

Examination Job application simulation (Interview/Exam)
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
30% (MUST PASS)

Part 2 of the Job application simulation. 21/10/2024 - 24/10/2024

Week 13

Placement, Practical/ Demonstration Clinical performance in placement experience
  • Hurdle
  • In-person
35% (MUST PASS)
Paper/ Report/ Annotation Client report
  • Hurdle
  • Online
20% (MUST PASS)

Your stream coordinator or clinical educator will advise regarding the due dates for the first and second draft of the report as relevant to your placement.

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Job application simulation (Assignment)

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
15%
Due date

Part 1 of the Job application simulation. 15/08/2024 5:00 pm

Submit assignment via Blackboard link.

Learning outcomes
L02, L04, L05, L06

Task description

This simulation involves two components - a job application assignment and a job interview viva exam. For the job application assignment (due in Week 4 - August 15th, 5pm, worth 15%), students complete a fictitious job application for a generic graduate occupational therapy position, including a letter addressing selection criteria and resume. A job application package including advertisement and selection criteria will be provided to students on blackboard.

Note: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. 

Submission guidelines

Via Blackboard link.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Extensions (Learning Community Tutorial Exercises): Extensions can be requested for the learning community (group) submissions for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request via my.UQ > my.UQ Dashboard > my. Requests  and provide evidence of circumstance, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension is listed on the my.UQ website: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland.

Late submission

A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.

Job application simulation (Interview/Exam)

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral
Category
Examination
Weight
30% (MUST PASS)
Due date

Part 2 of the Job application simulation. 21/10/2024 - 24/10/2024

Week 13

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

The simulation involves two components - a job application assignment and a job interview viva.

The job interview exam (worth 30%) will occur in week 13, and be timetabled over three days (each student attends one half-hour exam). Students will complete an oral viva exam in the form of a job interview for a specialist position in the area of practice of their specialist stream. A separate job application advertisement and selection criteria will be provided to each stream on Blackboard. 


This viva exam will be recorded.

Hurdle requirements

You must pass this assessment to pass OCTY4208 overall.

Exam details

Planning time no planning time minutes
Duration 30 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted
Materials

Students are permitted to bring one page (single sided) of notes into the exam as a prompt if they choose to do so.

Exam platform Other
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

In-person on the UQ St Lucia campus.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Deferred Exams: Deferred exams can be requested for the submission of this assessment item. Please apply for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam. Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - Deferring an exam. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request. 

Alternative Exam Arrangements: Alternative Exam Arrangements can be made in specific circumstances. Please see information on circumstances and how to apply at Alternative Exam Arrangements (https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/alternative-exam-arrangements). Exam adjustments are separate to a Student Access Plan (Disability). Your SAP does NOT apply to exams. This only covers in-class participation, activities and assessment not under exam conditions. If you have approved Alternative Exam Arrangements and you have a course with school-based examinations (e.g. mid-semester exams, in-class quizzes, online quizzes, tutorial exercises etc.) then please advise the course coordinator and examinations of the adjustments and assessments respectively as soon as possible to increase the potential for arrangements to be accommodated. 

Clinical performance in placement experience

  • Hurdle
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Placement, Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
35% (MUST PASS)
Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

Students will be assessed on their clinical performance and professional behaviours using the OCTY4208 Clinical Performance Assessment (based on the domains of the Student Placement Evaluation Form - Revised 2). This will be based on clinical performance during placement experiences, including clinical discussion and debriefing in tutorials and reflections provided by students. Other written documents related to clinical services, including assessment or intervention plans, progress notes, etc, may be needed within a stream as relevant to the clinical area, and will be considered in evaluation of a student's clinical performance. The Stream Coordinator/Clinical Educator will provide information on these tasks, including the due date for each. There are no task sheets for these tasks, as they are considered part of clinical practice, rather than discrete assessment items.

Hurdle requirements

You must pass this assessment to pass OCTY4208 overall.

Submission guidelines

Assessment occurs by clinical educator throughout the placement.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

The placement experiences are organised with external organisations and fit with their availability to host students and provide clients for students to work with. Therefore, it is not possible to defer or extend these opportunities.

Client report

  • Hurdle
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
20% (MUST PASS)
Due date

Your stream coordinator or clinical educator will advise regarding the due dates for the first and second draft of the report as relevant to your placement.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

Students will be required to complete a clinical report that is relevant to the placement you complete in this course. The report should be aimed at the intended audience for that clinical area (clarify with your clinical educator who is the key audience for your reports). Further guidelines regarding the structure and content of these reports will be provided by your clinical educator or stream coordinator on blackboard.

Students will submit a draft report for feedback from your clinical educator or stream coordinator. You will then respond to this feedback and submit a second draft. The due date for the draft report will be provided by your stream coordinator according to when in the semester you complete your fieldwork. Both drafts are considered in assigning your mark for this assessment.

The length of the report submitted for assessment will be depend on the type of report submitted and the clinical stream.

If the report is to be sent to a real client or organisation, the student is required to finalise the report to the standard required by the stream coordinator/clinical educator and this forms a component of the student's clinical performance.


Note: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills, and knowledge. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, including ChatGPT, is strictly prohibited unless under the direct supervision/direction of your stream coordinator as per the learnings of your stream. Students are advised that unapproved use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

You must pass this assessment to pass OCTY4208 overall.

Submission guidelines

Directly to clinical educator or stream coordinator, to be advised by stream coordinator.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

As the report is provided to a client or organisation, deferral or extension is not available except on a case by case basis as possible within the timeframes of the service being provided.

Late submission

A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 1.9

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative mark from all assessment of 0 - 1.9.

2 (Fail) 2.0 - 2.9

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative mark from all assessment of 2.0 - 2.9.

3 (Marginal Fail) 3.0 - 3.9

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: A cumulative mark from all assessment of 3.0 - 3.9. A grade of 3 will be awarded to a student who achieves a final mark of 4.0 or higher but who does not pass the must pass assessment items.

4 (Pass) 4.0 - 4.9

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative mark from all assessment of 4.0-4.9 and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items.

5 (Credit) 5.0 - 5.9

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative mark from all assessment of 5.0-5.9 and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items.

6 (Distinction) 6.0 - 6.9

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative mark from all assessment of 6.0-6.9 and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items.

7 (High Distinction) 7.0 - 7.9

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative mark from all assessment of 7.0-7.9 and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items.

Additional course grading information

In this course, the overall result will be assigned based on the range in which the final score falls. For instance, a score of 4.5 would receive a grade of 4, as it falls within the range of 4 to 4.9. Only scores that are ended as .95 or above will be rounded to the next e.g., 4.95 will be rounded to 5, however this is unlikely to occur as score are typically only calculated to one decimal place.


IMPORTANT NOTE: You must pass ALL must pass assessment items to pass this course overall.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Use of Generative AI in Assessments

Assessment tasks in this course evaluate students' abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.


Use of Generative AI in Student Placements 

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) are increasingly used in society. In terms of clinical placements, students are not permitted to use AI unless explicitly indicated by the provider that this use is permitted, and the parameters of use are clear. If these are not explicit, students are expected to consult with their practice educators before implementation to determine the acceptability of generative AI use and ensure that any potential risks associated with the intended use are addressed. AI is not a replacement of, or substitute for, professional reasoning or clinical skills. Human oversight is essential in its use, and to employ generative AI effectively and responsibly, students must understand how AI works, including its functions, data storage methods, and its impact on adherence to professional codes of conduct. 

If used on placement, students are responsible for any outputs generated by AI, such as clinical notes and reports, and will be held accountable for the actions of any AI that is used in clinical practice. This responsibility includes ensuring adherence to the relevant profession's code of conduct and ethical standards. Transparency about generative AI use is essential in placement environments. Students must follow the relevant policies and procedures of their placement provider. Students are reminded that they need to demonstrate their ability to meet the inherent requirements of the relevant profession, operate within its scope of practice, and ensure that client/patient privacy and confidentiality are maintained at all times. Under no circumstances should identifiable clinical information be uploaded to open or external AI platforms, as it is unethical and irresponsible.


Resubmission/Resit of Assessment Items

The School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences supports the concept of resubmission or resitting of failed assessment items in specific and defined circumstances. In this course, the Job Application Simulation (both components) and the Client Report Assignment are eligible for consideration of the resubmission/resit option if the assessment item was submitted on time.

After resubmission, the maximum result is a pass mark for that assessment component. Students who are granted a resubmission for an assessment item and do not submit the scheduled date will not be permitted an extension.


Submitting assessment in Blackboard and Turnitin

When assessment is submitted through Blackboard you will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt. This information will also be sent to your student e-mail account.ᅠPlease ensure you keep this email.

When the assessment is submitted through Turnitin you will receive a confirmation page displaying “Submission Complete!” and can then proceed to download your digital receiptᅠfrom yourᅠAssignment inbox.ᅠIt is suggested that you save a copy of the receipt for your personal records.

Instructions on how to submit assignments through Blackboard and Turnitin are available at: https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment. Please review this information so you understand how to successfully submit your assessment items.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Each individual stream coordinator will provide information to students in that stream regarding the required and recommended learning resources.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 12
(22 Jul - 20 Oct)

Lecture

Lectures

Three lectures in the first three weeks of semester will focus on theory-informed practice, the job application process and working within the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Another lecture in Week 12 will focus on job interview exam preparation.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Stream-based tutorials

Information specific to clinical speciality, case-based discussion and problem solving for clinical cases seen during placement. Participation in tutorials will also incorporate discussion on key journal articles/resources reviewed by students.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 13
(22 Jul - 27 Oct)

Practical

Clinical placement in speciality area

Students will undertake approximately 30-40 hours of placement , which may include direct service provision to clients, simulation, case discussion and follow up tasks relevant to the client service. Your placement will involve typical clinical placement activities, including reflections. Reflections will be due at a time that is most relevant to the clinical activities in which you are involved. Some placements will include intervention plans and progress notes or other observational clinical notes to be completed on a regular basis as required by the service within which the placement is completed. These activities are considered part of your clinical responsibilities, not discrete assessment tasks, and therefore do not have a task sheet. Instead, requirements for these activities will be explained by your clinical educator/stream coordinator.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Additional learning activity information

Using the course site on Learn.UQ

The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences uses the Blackboard (Learn.UQ) (https://learn.uq.edu.au) and you are expected to login daily as this system, along with email, will be the primary way the School communicates with you regarding the program. The Learn.UQ course site will provide course-specific announcements, lecture notes, learning resources and timetable information. Assessment is also required to be submitted electronically via the Learn.UQ course site and your grades/feedback will be provided online.

Statement Regarding Class Participation

As occupational therapists-in-training, occupational therapy students are required to develop a range of professional competencies that must be demonstrated as graduate therapists. OCTY coded courses aim to provide students with learning activities and experiences that support the development of these professional skills and behaviours. Thus, participation in workshops/tutorials and other practical sessions may be compulsory, and may therefore be monitored. Pass/fail criteria may be assigned for the quality of contributions and appropriate participation in workshops/tutorials or practical sessions (Refer to PPL 3.10.02 Assessment). Students who do not participate appropriately may be required to contribute additional work to demonstrate their understanding of this component of the course. Students should ensure that they check assessment details in the assessment section of their ECP to confirm whether or not they will be enrolled in courses for which this statement applies. In OCTY4208, a final year, final semester course, attendance at learning activities is expected. Students are required to exemplify the professionalism necessary for entry into the workforce. If unable to attend a stream tutorial, students must promptly inform the relevant stream coordinator via email. For practical sessions, in case of exceptional circumstances preventing attendance, students should notify the stream coordinator and provide supporting evidence (e.g., medical certificate) as soon as possible to mitigate any disruption to service delivery and the client/consumer/participant experience.

Statement Regarding Provision of In-Class Content

Course notes will be provided on or via Learn.UQ (Blackboard) prior to course workshops whenever possible. Additional material and information conveyed during class contacts (i.e., workshops) will not be supplied to students in electronic form after the class has finished, unless planned as part of course activities. It is expected that students will take notes during classes to supplement the notes provided on Learn.UQ, as note taking enhances learning and recall of information. It is the responsibility of students who are not able to attend a workshop and class contact to liaise with other students to obtain content from missed classes. The nature and structure of the tutorials and associated stream activities do not lend themselves to successful recording using centralised recording software, therefore recordings of these activities will not typically be made or provided to students.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.