Course coordinator
Associate Professor Anthony Angwin
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (31/03/2025 - 30/05/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
Advanced clinical practice in speech pathology with a clinical placement in speech pathology practice contexts.
This course is the penultimate practice education experience in the speech pathology program. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) program, students will be eligible for membership with the Speech Pathology Association of Australia. It is therefore important for students to use this course to consolidate their clinical skills.ﾠIn this course, students will be rostered to a block placement. This allows each student to immerse themselves in practiceﾠand to view speech pathology services within the broader context of the workplace.
This course also includes an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), focusing on the management of adult swallowing, speech and language. All students will engage in a practical workshop during the semester to assist with preparation for this OSCE.
Please note: Practice Educators will be provided with student email addresses. Students must regularly check their student email.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are required to read important information about preparation and completion of clinical placements in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Guidelines for Completion of Clinical Placements. These are available in the Policies & Guidelines section of this course profile.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Completed all of Year one to three of BSpPath(Hons)
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SL405
Restrictions
BSpPath Students
Course contact
Course coordinator
Dr Adriana Penman
Practice education liaison
Ms Daniella Cain
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Aims of the course:
- For students toﾠdemonstrate entry level competency on the majority of units in relation toﾠclinical reasoning, communication, lifelong learning and professionalismﾠ[Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2020) (SPA PS) Domains/Standards 1.1-1.7, 2.1-2.7, 3.1-3.6].
- For students toﾠdemonstrate entry level competency on the majority of units in the assessment, analysis, interpretation, and planning and implementation of evidence-based speech pathology practiceﾠ[SPA PS Domains/Standards 3.2-3.5].
- For students to demonstrate competency in caseload management, service delivery, professional and reflective practice, and promotion of the professionﾠ[SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 2.2, 3.2-3.6].
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate awareness of the organisational, legislative, and professional standards impacting the provision of safe and evidenced-based speech pathology services within the clinical setting [Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2020) (SPA PS) Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5].
LO2.
Reflect on your professional abilities and limitations to inform your scope of practice and professional development needs [SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3].
LO3.
Demonstrate effective communication skills which are appropriate to the clinical setting and the audience [SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6].
LO4.
Demonstrate entry-level skills in speech pathology practice, including selecting and administering appropriate assessments and analysing and interpreting data to diagnose communication and swallowing disorders with guidance from a Practice Educator in more complex or novel practice education situations [SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 2.5, 3.2, 3.3].
LO5.
Select and administer appropriate assessments and analyse and interpret data to diagnose communication and swallowing disorders with guidance from a Practice Educator in more complex or novel clinical situations [SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 2.5, 3.2, 3.3].
LO6.
Provide evidence-based, person- and family-centred management plans by engaging in interprofessional collaborative practice [SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 3.4, 3.5].
LO7.
Implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions in the majority of clinical situations, seeking guidance from the Practice Educator for complex or novel situations [SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.5].
LO8.
Demonstrate knowledge of culturally responsive practice when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities [SPA PS Domains 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6]
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance, Role play/ Simulation |
Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)
|
Pass/Fail (MUST PASS) |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Students will be allocated to a specific time and date to complete the OSCE. This information will be released to students in week 13 of semester. |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
COMPASS(R) Midway Clinical Evaluation
|
Formative assessment | |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
COMPASS(R) Final Clinical Evaluation
|
Pass / Fail, MUST PASS |
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
Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Performance, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- Pass/Fail (MUST PASS)
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Students will be allocated to a specific time and date to complete the OSCE. This information will be released to students in week 13 of semester.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05, L07
Task description
In this 'ready to enter the profession' assessment, students will complete two (2) separate sessions with an adult client (i.e., a standardised patient) within a hospital context (i.e., within the simulation ward in the therapies building). Students will be required to interpret the provided case information and demonstrate assessment and/or intervention skills to support the client's communication/swallowing needs. A preparatory workshop will be provided during the semester.
Deferred exams can be requested for 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.
Hurdle requirements
Students must pass the OSCE to pass SPCH4105. Further details relating to passing criteria will be made available on Blackboard.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
COMPASS(R) Midway Clinical Evaluation
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Formative assessment
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Your COMPASS(R) clinical evaluation will be completed with your practice educator at the midway point of your block placement. Please ensure that you have completed self-evaluation using COMPASS(R) prior to your meeting with your practice educator at the midway point of your placement.
Submission guidelines
The mid-way clinical evaluation must be submitted via COMPASSﾮ2 Online.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
COMPASS(R) Final Clinical Evaluation
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Pass / Fail, MUST PASS
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Students will be assessed at the end of the block placement using COMPASS(R) online. Students are required to complete a self-evaluation prior to their meeting with their practice educator.
At the conclusion of the placement, students are required to: 1) submit their completed Portfolio Reflection; and 2) submit their Portfolio Showcase to their practice educator.
This assessment task evaluates 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.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this assessment to pass the course overall.Submission guidelines
The clinical evaluation must be submitted via COMPASSﾮ2 Online within one week of completion of the practice education placement.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Pass/Fails | Description |
|---|---|
| P |
Course grade description: Students will be awarded a PASS grade for SPCH4105 based on receiving a PASS for: A) the adult OSCE B) the block placement. Details regarding the block placement passing criteria are provided below. 1. Evidence from the Practice Educator that the student has demonstrated behaviours consistent with performance atﾠEntry levelﾠon the majority of competencies in COMPASSﾮ (see Behavioural Descriptors of Student Competency in the COMPASSﾮ2 Assessment Booklet). A more detailed outline of these descriptors is available in the COMPASSﾮ2 Resource Manual (Speech Pathology Australia, 2006); and 2.ﾠEvidence of progressﾠover the course of the placement in the development of professionalﾠcompetencies 1 to 4 andﾠCBOS competencies 1 to 7 on COMPASSﾮ2 (relative to opportunity); and 3. Aﾠdecision by the Course Coordinatorﾠbased on all available evidence. |
| F |
Course grade description: Students will be awarded a FAIL grade for SPCH4105 if they have: A) failed the adult OSCE B) failed the block placement. Failing criteria for the block placement are provided below. 1.ﾠConcern expressed by the Practice Educatorﾠthat students have not demonstrated behaviours consistent with performanceﾠat Entry levelﾠon the majority of competencies. 2.ﾠA high degree of variabilityﾠin ratings on units of competency. 3.ﾠEvidence of lack of progressﾠover the course of the placement in the development of professional competencies 1 to 4 andﾠCBOS competencies 1-7 on COMPASSﾮﾠ(relative to opportunity). 4. Aﾠdecision by the Course Coordinatorﾠbased on all available evidence. ﾠ **If a student is unable to attain a passing grade for SPCH4105, the student will be awarded a fail for the course. Failure to pass SPCH4105ﾠwill impact on the student's progression through the program and thereforeﾠfinal graduation will be delayed** Please Note: The removal of, or failure to place, materials in files or resources can result in anﾠunsatisfactory OVERALLﾠperformance being awardedﾠretrospectivelyﾠ(i.e., after the PracticeﾠEducator has already given the student a pass). |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) is eligible for a Supplementary Assessment.
COMPASS(R) Midway Clinical Evaluation and COMPASS(R) Final Clinical Evaluation contain placement components and are therefore not available for Supplementary Assessment.
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
A resit or resubmission of assessment items is not available for this course.
If you are unwell/unable to attend the OSCE assessment, go to my.UQ and apply online for a deferred examination. This application must be submitted no later than five (5) calendar days after the date of the original examination.
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Required Learning Resources for this Course are available on the eLearning Blackboard Community Speech Pathology Practice Educationﾠsite.
Other learning resources will be determinedﾠby consultation with your PracticeﾠEducator and would usually include your course notes, supplementary readings, and textbooks relevant to assessment and treatment for the specific caseload(s) that will be encountered on placement. Pleaseﾠadd to your Showcase Portfolio additional readings from journals and resources specific toﾠyour expected clientﾠcaseload (s)
A discussion board within the SPCH4105 Blackboard site is also available to all students. This forum is available to post questions, comments, and feedback relating to SPCH4105. It will be checked once a weekﾠby the Course Coordinators. In the interest of equity, students are asked to use this forum to post questions relating to the course.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Fieldwork |
Practice Education Placement Students will participate in a block placement within a speech pathology practice education environment for 5 days per week for 6 weeks or 4 days per week for 8 weeks. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Lecture |
Preparation for the Practice Education Placement This lecture will provide students with an opportunity to revisit the course aims, learning activities and assessment requirements in preparation for their block placement. During the lecture, students will have an opportunity to discuss any concerns or ask questions of the course co-ordinator and clinical education liaison manager (CELM). Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 6 |
Practical |
OSCE preparation workshops In Weeks 5 and 6 of the semester, students will participate in a 2-hour interactive preparatory workshop. This practical workshop will provide students with an opportunity to understand the OSCE assessment requirements and practice related skills. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L07 |
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: