Course coordinator
Dr Rebecca Packer
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
In this course students develop skills in identification, description and administration of assessments used for the evaluation of communication and swallowing abilities in adults. Practical activities in assessment, and analysis and interpretation of data are embedded into the course.
In SPCH7112 you will learn about assessment and management of communication and swallowing disorders in adults, with a focus primarily on the hospital context.. This involves the assessment and management of acquired communication and swallowing disorders in adults.ﾠStudents will gain understanding of the clinical features, behaviours and characteristics of adults with language, motor speech, fluency, voice and swallowing disorders. Online learning and lecture contentﾠis supplemented byﾠtutorials where students develop skills in applying key theories of language and speech processing, learning, and cognition to assess, diagnose and manage communication disorders in adults. Through active participation in tutorials, students will gain skills in describing assessments and interventions available for use with adults presenting with communication and/or swallowing disorders. Students will also develop skills in applying evidence-based practice to plan speech pathology assessments and management for adults. The tutorial activities will provide opportunities for students to administer assessments for adults, interpret, analyse data and apply clinical reasoning to differentially diagnose communication and/or swallowing disorders in adults. In addition, students will gain experience in planning for intervention of acquired communication and swallowing disorders. Students will also gain experience in working with diverse patients and families including First Nations families and families from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds.ﾠ
In this course, students are expected to engage in online learning resources before weekly tutorials. In the tutorials, students actively participate in authentic learning experiences with peers and teaching staff through independent, small group and large group inquiry-based learning activities.ﾠ
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANAT7002, SPCH7131
Restrictions
MSpPathSt students only
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Rebecca Packer
Professor Elizabeth Ward
Dr Kirstine Shrubsole
Associate Professor Stephen Wilson
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
A detailed course outline is provided on the SPCH7112 Blackboard site within the "Learning Resources" content area.ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
The focus of SPCH7112 is the assessment of communication and swallowing skills in adults. Students will gain understanding of the clinical features, behaviours and characteristics of adults with language, motor speech, and swallowing disorders. Lecture material is supplemented by practical tutorials where students develop skills in applying key theories of language and speech processing, learning, and cognition to assess and diagnose communication disorders in adults.
Through active participation in tutorials, students will gain skills in describing assessments available for use with adults presenting with communication and/or swallowing difficulties. Students will also develop skills in applying evidence-based practice to plan speech pathology assessments for adults. The tutorial activities will provide opportunities for students to administer assessments for adults, interpret, analyse data and apply clinical reasoning to differentially diagnose communication and/or swallowing disorders in adults. Students will gain experience in working with diverse families including First Nations families and/or families from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
This course offers students a flipped approach to learning. Students engage in online learning resources before weekly tutorials where they then participate in authentic learning experiences with peers and teaching staff. In the tutorials, students engage in peer-to-peer learning through active participation in independent, small group and large group inquiry-based learning activities. This provides students with more flexibility to learn, but the associated workload is similar to that of a traditional course.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe communication and swallowing disorders that can present in adults and explain how these difficulties impact on the adult client and their significant others (Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards [SPA PS] Domains/Standards 1.3, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3).
LO2.
Apply and evaluate the principles of person - and family-centred and culturally responsive practice to manage communication and swallowing disorders in adults (SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3).
LO3.
Explain the principles of culturally responsive practice to manage communication and swallowing disorders in adults from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds (SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2).
LO4.
Analyse and interpret assessment data to inform the differential diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing disorders in adults (SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.3, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3).
LO5.
Apply and systematically evaluate the different theories of speech and language processing, learning, and cognition to assessment, diagnosis, and management of communication and swallowing disorders in adults (SPA PS Domains/Standards 2.5, 2.6, 3.3).
LO6.
Explain the role of interprofessional teams in the overall management of communication and swallowing disorders in adults (SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 3.1, 3.2).
LO7.
Describe how to implement evidence-based practice and upload the Code of Ethics when managing the communication and swallowing difficulties in adults (SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.5, 3.1, 3.4).
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online Quizzes
|
20% |
8:00 am to 6:00 pm 31/03/2025 8:00 am to 6:00 pm 19/05/2025
This is an online, non-invigilated assessment. The quizzes will be completed in Inspera, with access using a link provided on the Blackboard course site.
|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique |
Case Study Assignment
|
40% |
28/04/2025 12:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Online Quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
8:00 am to 6:00 pm 31/03/2025
8:00 am to 6:00 pm 19/05/2025
This is an online, non-invigilated assessment. The quizzes will be completed in Inspera, with access using a link provided on the Blackboard course site.
- The first quiz will be made available for completion from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on Monday 31st March, 2025 (Week 6).
- The second quiz will be made available for completion from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on Monday 19th May, 2025 (Week 12).
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This assessment consists of two (2) online quizzes relevant to the content covered on UQ Extend and in tutorials in weeks 1 to 11 of the course. Each quiz is worth 10% for a cumulative total of 20% of the overall grade for SPCH7112.
This is an online, non-invigilated assessment. The quizzes will be completed in Inspera, with access using a link provided in the Blackboard course site.
- The first quiz will be made available for completion from 8:00am to 6:00pm on Monday 31st March, 2025 (Week 6).
- The second quiz will be made available for completion from 8:00am to 6:00pm on Monday 19th May, 2025 (Week 12).
Once commenced, students will have 60 minutes to complete each quiz within this timeframe. Students may only attempt to complete each quiz once. The quizzes will be made up of multiple-choice questions, multiple-response questions, and questions where you need to complete a diagram or identify information on a diagram.
If students experience any technical difficulties and are unable to complete either quiz, it is important to document the problem and contact the Library AskUs service for advice as soon as possible:
Chat: support.my.uq.edu.au/app/chat/chat_launch_lib
Phone: +61 7 3335 7047
Email: examsupport@library.uq.edu.au
Students should also ask for an email documenting the advice provided so that this can be provided to the course coordinator immediately at: rebecca.packer@uq.edu.au
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
If required, information regarding how to apply for a deferred examination can be found at: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/deferring-exam
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
Case Study Assignment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
28/04/2025 12:00 pm
Task description
This is an authentic assessment that allows you to bring together the theory from week 1 to week 8 and to integrate and apply it to a case. You will be provided with case information and case data for an adult hospital in-patient presenting with a communication and/or swallowing disorder. You will be required to 1) introduce the case and present the relevant case information and research literature regarding the client’s medical diagnosis and presenting communication/swallowing disorder; 2) integrate the available information and assessment results to provide a diagnostic summary; 3) outline your recommendations and management plan supported by an integration of case information and research literature; 4) develop an educational handout/resource to support the family’s learning.
Case data and detailed information relating to this assignment will be presented during week 4 of the semester.
Extensions can be requested 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
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 to develop responses is s
Submission guidelines
The case report is to be submitted through TurnItIn via Blackboard. Instructions for submitting your assignment through TurnItIn can be found at https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment/turnitin-assignments/submit-your-turnitin-assignment.
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.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This exam will be delivered in Inspera Assessment and will be completed on your personal laptop on campus.
The examination will be presented in a case-based and short-answer question format. This examination will require the integration of knowledge to respond to questions relating to a number of clinical cases. This exam will integrate knowledge gained from UQ Extend and tutorial content covered across the whole semester. Further information, including details of the format of the exam, and permitted materials will be provided on the SPCH2112 blackboard site in the second half of semester.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
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. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 0 - 34%. ﾠ |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 35 - 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 54 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 45-54%. |
| 4 (Pass) | 55 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 55 - 64%.ﾠ |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 65 - 74%. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 75 - 84%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 85 - 100%. |
Additional course grading information
Final marks falling between whole percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Tie-breaking will be conducted using the round half up method whereby half-way values are always rounded up, meaning, for example, that 89.5% and above will be rounded to 90% and 89.49% and below will be rounded down to 89%.
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.
Resubmission/Resit of Assessment Items
A resit or resubmission of assessment items is not available for this course.
Deferred exams
Students may be eligible 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 - https://my.uq.edu.au/node/189/0#0. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Submitting assessment in Blackboard and Turnitin
When the assessment is submitted throughﾠBlackboardﾠyou will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt. This information will also be sent to your student e-mail account. Please ensure you keep this email.
When the assessment is submitted throughﾠTurnitinﾠyou 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:ﾠhttps://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
A range of learning resources are available on the SPCH7112 UQ Extend site. Other lecture and tutorial materials are available on the SPCH7112 Blackboard site in the "Learning Resources" folder.ﾠ
Students are encouraged to use the SPCH7112 Ed Discussion Board linked through the Blackboard site. This forum will be checked by the Course Coordinator and students are encouraged to respond to each others' queries. All student questions regarding assessment will be addressed in class or on the relevant discussion board.ﾠ
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 |
Not Timetabled |
Online Self-Directed Learning Modules These interactive, self-paced modules will describe the communication and swallowing disorders that can present in adults in hospital settings and will cover key theoretical and practical aspects of the assessment and management of communication and swallowing disorders in the hospital setting. Students are expected to complete online learning activities prior to attendance and participation in the weekly tutorials. |
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introductory Lecture This introductory lecture will provide an overview of speech pathology practice in hospital settings. It will include an orientation to tertiary healthcare in Australia, common medical conditions that results in communication and swallowing disorders and describe the frameworks and standards that guide speech pathology practice in this setting. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Weekly On-Campus Tutorials The tutorials will be conducted from weeks 2-13 of semester and incorporate inquiry-based learning and small group discussion to further explore the assessment and management of communication and swallowing disorders in adults in hospital settings. Tutorials have been designed for experiential learning, therefore students are expected to attend and participate in all tutorials. It is essential that students prepare for weekly tutorials by completing the online, self-directed learning modules and associated preparation activities and bringing this information to their tutorial ready to share. As students will be working small groups during tutorials, tutorials will not be recorded. |
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: