Course coordinator
Dr Brooke-Mai Whelan
Please post all questions pertaining to course content and assessment on the SPCH2213 Ed Discussion Board, accessible through the course Blackboard site.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
This course provides comprehensive instruction in the assessment and management of acquired communication and swallowing disorders in adults, with a particular emphasis on complex neurological conditions and clinical skill development. Students explore psycholinguistic models of language processing and develop specialised skills in assessing and treating aphasia across all modalities including spoken word processing and production, reading/dyslexia, writing/dysgraphia, and sentence-level comprehension and production. The course covers evidence-based approaches to adults with dementia and its subtypes, neurodegenerative conditions, and head and neck cancer, while also addressing service delivery in specialised contexts such as residential aged care facilities and palliative care settings. A distinctive feature of this course is the integration of practical clinical experience through sessional placements, interprofessional simulation clinics.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PHYL7068, SPCH7112
Restrictions
MSpPathSt students only
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- SPCH2213
Students in the Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) program undertaking SPCH2213 are also required to gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of acquired communication and swallowing disorders in adults. As such, SPCH7122 students may attend some jointly taught learning activities with students undertaking SPCH2213.
Course contact
Lecturer
Dr Brooke-Mai Whelan
Please post all questions pertaining to course content and assessment on the SPCH2213 Ed Discussion Board, accessible through the course Blackboard site.
Tutor
Dr Brooke-Mai Whelan
Please post all questions pertaining to course content and assessment on the SPCH2213 Ed Discussion Board, accessible through the course Blackboard site.
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Anthony Angwin
Ms Daniella Cain
Tutor
Associate Professor Anthony Angwin
Professor Elizabeth Ward
Dr Rebecca Packer
Ms Daniella Cain
Practice education liaison
Ms Daniella Cain
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
A detailed course outline is provided on the course Blackboard site within the 'Learning Resources' content area.
Aims and outcomes
This course is a follow-on course from SPCH7112 and aims to develop students' advanced expertise in the assessment and management of acquired communication and swallowing disorders in adults with neurological conditions, dementia, neurodegenerative diseases, and head and neck cancer. Students will develop sophisticated clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills through authentic case-based learning, sessional placements, and interprofessional simulation experiences, building their ability to independently assess, differentially diagnose, and implement evidence-based, person- and family-centred speech pathology interventions. The course focuses on developing competencies in clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and collaborative practice within interprofessional teams across diverse healthcare settings. Through supervised practice experiences with moderate to low support, students will demonstrate readiness for independent clinical practice by integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical skills, while developing proficiency in monitoring treatment outcomes and adapting interventions to meet complex client needs in real-world healthcare environments. Through a combination of pre-recorded lectures and interactive tutorials, students will engage in independent, small group, and large group inquiry-based/ practical learning activities that foster critical thinking and evidence-based practice in the specialised area of acquired neurological communication disorders and oncological conditions. Although this flipped approach to learning provides students with more flexibility, the associated workload is similar to that of a traditional course.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Critically analyse complex interrelationships between normal aging processes, age-related health conditions, and their multidimensional impacts on communication and swallowing function in older adults. (SPA PS 1.1, 1.3, 1.6, 1.7, 3.1, 3.2).
LO2.
Select and interpret comprehensive assessment protocols to evaluate communication and swallowing disorders in adults across a range of contexts, demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning (SPA PS 1.5, 3.2, 3.3).
LO3.
Demonstrate understanding of evidence-based intervention approaches for managing communication and swallowing disorders across a range of contexts and populations, including stroke and neurodegenerative disease (SPA PS 1.1, 1.3, 3.4, 3.5).
LO4.
Identify the principles of person and family-centred care when working with adults and their support networks in various healthcare settings (SPA PS 1.4, 1.6, 3.4).
LO5.
Discuss ethical considerations in providing speech pathology services to adults, including in palliative care contexts (SPA PS 1.1, 1.2, 1.6).
LO6.
Lead and evaluate interprofessional collaborative approaches in the management of adults with communication and/or swallowing disorders, addressing team dynamics and strategies for enhancing interprofessional practice. (SPA PS 1.3, 1.4, 1.7, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5).
LO7.
Demonstrate clinical competencies across diverse areas of speech pathology practice, reflecting critically on practice, identifying knowledge gaps, and developing strategies for continued professional growth. (SPA PS Domains 1-3; relative to opportunity).
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-semester exam
|
50% |
12/09/2025 9:00 am
The start time and location for this exam will be provided on the public timetable. |
| Placement, Portfolio, Reflection |
Professional Practice Portfolio
|
Pass/Fail (MUST PASS) |
Midway COMPASS and reflection 8/09/2025 - 29/09/2025 Final COMPASS and Portfolio 31/10/2025 - 31/10/2025
If you are unable to attend a compulsory clinical learning activity due to medical or extenuating circumstances, you are required to complete the SHRS Absentee Form. The completed form along with the required evidence must be emailed to the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Student and Academic Support Unit (enquiries.shrs@uq.edu.au) within three calendar days of the scheduled activity. The SHRS Absentee Form can be found on your relevant Course Blackboard site.
If your absence is due to a non-permissible circumstance (as per the SHRS Absentee Form), your attendance at the clinical activity is expected. Please note, it is expected that you will notify your practice educator prior to or on the day of clinical placement and as soon as is practical to notify of your absence, in addition to submitting the above information to SASU. Implications for lack of attendance A minimum of 90% attendance is expected at all compulsory clinical learning activities. This includes sessional clinical placement, block clinical placement, and simulations. This ensures that you can participate in all relevant learning experiences and allows your practice educator to observe sufficient clinical activities to complete relevant ratings and assessments. |
| Reflection |
Interprofessional Simulation Clinic: Reflection
|
MUST PASS (Pass/Fail) |
26/09/2025 - 17/10/2025 |
| Examination |
End of Semester exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
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
In-semester exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
12/09/2025 9:00 am
The start time and location for this exam will be provided on the public timetable.
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
Task description
This examination will be an in-person on-campus School based In-semester examination. The exam will include both short answer and case-based questions and will cover all content included from weeks 1-6 of the semester. Further information will be provided during the semester to assist with preparation.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Please select "In-semester" exam when submitting the deferred exam request.
Professional Practice Portfolio
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Placement, Portfolio, Reflection
- Weight
- Pass/Fail (MUST PASS)
- Due date
Midway COMPASS and reflection 8/09/2025 - 29/09/2025
Final COMPASS and Portfolio 31/10/2025 - 31/10/2025
If you are unable to attend a compulsory clinical learning activity due to medical or extenuating circumstances, you are required to complete the SHRS Absentee Form. The completed form along with the required evidence must be emailed to the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Student and Academic Support Unit (enquiries.shrs@uq.edu.au) within three calendar days of the scheduled activity.
The SHRS Absentee Form can be found on your relevant Course Blackboard site.
If your absence is due to a non-permissible circumstance (as per the SHRS Absentee Form), your attendance at the clinical activity is expected.
Please note, it is expected that you will notify your practice educator prior to or on the day of clinical placement and as soon as is practical to notify of your absence, in addition to submitting the above information to SASU.
Implications for lack of attendance
A minimum of 90% attendance is expected at all compulsory clinical learning activities. This includes sessional clinical placement, block clinical placement, and simulations. This ensures that you can participate in all relevant learning experiences and allows your practice educator to observe sufficient clinical activities to complete relevant ratings and assessments.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
There are four assessment components in relation to the Professional Practice Portfolio associated with this course.
Performance on placement will be assessed using the Competency Assessment in Speech Pathology (COMPASS®) tool:
1) At the mid-way point of the placement, students will receive a formative rating on the COMPASS® to assist with understanding of progress and plan goals for the remainder of the placement.
2) Mid-placement reflection (300 written words or 2-3 minute video; formative and required, with resubmission available):
Using the 5R framework students will reflect on their placement experiences so far during semester and the COMPASS units. Students will describe how they have developed as a future speech pathologist and explain the development needs they have identified.
Then, thinking forward to the remainder of their placement, students will identify skills, knowledge, and attributes they will continue to build, and outline how they will address their development needs and goals.
3) End-placement curation and reflection (400 written words or 3-4 minute video, summative and required, with resubmission available):
Students will collect at least 3 different examples of professional practice and add these to the Portfolio. These can include:
• De-identified session plans
• De-identified client reports
• Resources that you have developed
• References relevant to placement
Then, in a 3–4-minute video or written reflection, students will reflect on their placement experiences this semester and explain why they have selected these specific examples of their work and how they will use them in future practice (considering the transferability of these to different practice settings).
4) At the end of the placement, students will receive a summative rating on the COMPASS®. This will be a pass/fail assessment (please see criteria & marking for details for the expectations of a passing mark). This assessment must be passed to gain an overall pass for this course.
Under no circumstances should identifiable clinical information be uploaded to open or external AI platforms, as it is unethical and irresponsible. Given this assessment is related to a placement with clinical information please see more information on use of AI in student placements under additional assessment information.
Hurdle requirements
Students must pass the summative assessment at the end of their clinical placement (COMPASS) in order to obtain a passing grade for this course.Submission guidelines
ePortfolio tasks (reflection and curation) will be submitted via Anthology link(s) in assessment folder on Blackboard (learn.uq.edu.au). For all submissions / weeks, there will be a list on Blackboard showing you who you need to submit to.
Submitting assessment in Blackboard and Turnitin
When assessment is submitted through Blackboard you will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt.ﾠThis information will also be sent to your student
email account.ﾠPlease ensure you keep this email.
When 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/learnuqblackboardhelp/
learnuq-assessment. Please review this information so you understand how to successfully submit your assessment items.
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.
Note: extensions can be requested for e-portfolio assessment tasks and IP simulation reflection, but not COMPASS ratings.
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
Interprofessional Simulation Clinic: Reflection
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- MUST PASS (Pass/Fail)
- Due date
26/09/2025 - 17/10/2025
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
Task description
The interprofessional simulation clinic will be run over a three week period on a Thursday (2-6pm) from Week 9 (25th September) until Week 11 (16th October). Each Speech Pathology student will be assigned an Occupational Therapy student partner, and will be required to attend one (1) scheduled simulation session in Week 9 OR 10 OR 11. An associated reflection task will be submitted by each student online, the day after (Friday at 1pm) each student’s scheduled simulation session. The course co-ordinator will allocate students to these sessions and provide an allocation list on Blackboard.
Under no circumstances should identifiable clinical information be uploaded to open or external AI platforms, as it is unethical and irresponsible. Given this assessment is related to a placement with clinical information please see more information on use of AI in student placements under additional assessment information.
Hurdle requirements
Students are required to pass this reflection in order to pass SPCH7122.Submission guidelines
The IP simulation reflection task is to be submitted via the course eLearning Blackboard site.
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.
End of Semester exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Secure.
Task description
This exam will include both short answer and case-based questions and may cover all content included from weeks 8-13 of semester.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Deferred exam requests can be submitted for consideration in relation to this assessment.
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% |
| 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% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 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% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 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% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 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% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
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%.
This course contains MUST PASS assessment items. You must pass these items in order to pass the course overall (i.e., even if your final percentage mark is 55% or higher the individual MUST PASS assessment items must have been passed.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Resubmission/Resit of assessment items
A resit or resubmission of assessment items is not available for this course.
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.
Use of AI in Student Placements or assessment with direct client contact
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude) is 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 2 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.
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.
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 (O-Week to Week 13) Pre-recorded lectures providing preparatory information will be released in O week for student viewing prior to commencement of the course. Specifically, these lectures will provide an overview of the course and associated assessment, as well as an introduction to aphasia, psycholinguistics and cognitive neuropsychology. Pre-recorded lecture content will also be available on blackboard across weeks 2-13. It is expected that students will engage with this content prior to attending the weekly tutorials. |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Clinical Hours |
Clinical Placement Students will be placed in a sessional speech pathology (internal or external) clinic with a practice educator. Start/finish times of placements may vary depending on the placement allocated to each student. |
Week 1 |
Lecture |
Course work Lectures An on campus/ face to face lecture will be provided in week 1 of semester introducing a psycholinguistic model of language processing. |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Weekly on-campus tutorials Weekly tutorials will be held in weeks 2-6 and 8-13 of semester. Tutorials will be inquiry/ practically-based and will facilitate student understanding and application of the course content. |
Week 2 |
Tutorial |
Pre-placement Tutorial The tutorial will provide information and interactive activities to prepare students for their placements in SPCH7122. |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 11 |
Practical |
Interprofessional Simulation Clinic Students are required to participate in interprofessional simulation clinic with OT students and collaboratively manage an adult case with cognitive-communication impairment following brain injury. The clinic will take place in the Simulation ward, Level 6 of the Therapies Building. The interprofessional simulation clinic will be run over a three week period on a Thursday (2-6pm) from Week 9 (25th September) until Week 11 (16th October). Each Speech Pathology student will be assigned an Occupational Therapy student partner, and will be required to attend one (1) scheduled simulation session in Week 9 OR 10 OR 11. An associated reflection task will be submitted by each student online, the day after (Friday at 1pm) each student’s scheduled simulation session. The course co-ordinator will allocate students to these sessions and provide an allocation list on Blackboard. |
Week 10 |
Lecture |
PEP Lecture: Preparation for Block Placement 2026 |
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 for 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: