Course coordinator
Dr Monique Waite
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (07/07/2024 - 16/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
This is the final clinical placement course in the Master of Speech Pathology Studies program. Students attend a block placement in a workplace clinic to consolidate their case-based knowledge and integration, their clinical management skills and their professional role within clinical settings.
This is the final practice education placement course in the Master of Speech Pathology Studies program. Students are rostered to a paediatric or adult external clinic. During the semester, all studentsﾠwill engage in self-directed learning with a specific emphasis on reflection and application of knowledge, skills and experience gained in their placement and the development of professional and personal skills toward transition to the workforce, culminating in an oral viva examination in the end of semester exam period.
All students must achieve entry-level competency (as evaluated by Competency Assessment in Speech Pathology - COMPASS®2) and pass the end of semester oral viva examination to pass this course.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students have successfully completed all clinical courses in the first and second years of their Masters of Speech Pathology Studiesﾠprogram.
It is also assumed that students maintain currency with all enrolment requirements in regard to immunisation, Blue Card status, completion of First Aid requirements, Queensland Health Orientation checklist, Queensland Health student deed polls, the UQ Occupational Health and Safety form and the UQ Confidentiality Statement.
ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
SPCH7809, SPCH7819
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SPCH4206
Restrictions
MSpPathSt Students
Course contact
Practice education liaison
Mrs Anne Pearson
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Monique Waite
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Once your placement details are known, please ensure that you contact your practice educator to confirm your attendance at the placement.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this clinical course is for students to demonstrate entry level competency in speech pathology practice with clients across the lifespan presenting with communication and swallowing disorders and to reflect on their own clinical practice and service delivery requirements to meet the needs of individuals and communities.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate effective communication skills that demonstrate a high level of professionalism and are appropriate to the audience (SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.5; CBOS Unit 2).
LO2.
Critically reflect on your professional practice, clinical reasoning and communication skills to inform your ongoing professional development (SPA PS Domains/Standards 2.1, 2.2, 2.3; CBOS Unit 7).
LO3.
Demonstrate entry-level skills in speech pathology practice, including the assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of speech pathology services (SPA PS Domains/Standards 3.1 3.5; CBOS Units 1 - 5).
LO4.
Engage in interprofessional collaborative practice to achieve effective client and community outcomes (SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7, 3.1, 3.4; CBOS Units 2, 4, 5, 6, 7).
LO5.
Provide evidence-based rationales for the management approach for clients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties (SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.3, 2.2, 2.5, 3.4; CBOS Unit 5).
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Placement, Portfolio, Reflection |
End of Placement assessment
|
Pass/Fail (MUST PASS) |
COMPASS®2 Online will be used for this clinical course. Practice educators should complete their final assessments for students 1 week after the completion of the placement. |
| Examination |
Oral Exam - Clinical Viva
|
Pass/Fail (MUST PASS) |
11/11/2024 - 12/11/2024
A roster for the vivas will be released on the SPCH7816 Blackboard site in Week 13. |
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
End of Placement assessment
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Placement, Portfolio, Reflection
- Weight
- Pass/Fail (MUST PASS)
- Due date
COMPASS®2 Online will be used for this clinical course. Practice educators should complete their final assessments for students 1 week after the completion of the placement.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Student clinical competencies will be assessed using COMPASS®2 Online at the mid- and end point of the placement.
Students must pass the clinical placement evaluation according to COMPASS®2 criteria in order to pass the course. See the SPCH7816 Clinical Course Booklet on the SPCH7816 Blackboard site for criteria for a passing grade for this assessment.
Students are also required to complete a self-evaluation using COMPASS®2 online prior to their mid-way and end placement evaluation meetings with their Practice Educator.
Hurdle requirements
In order to pass this course, students must pass the end of placement clinical competency evaluation according to COMPASS®2 criteria. A student will be awarded a PASS grade for the Practice Education Module of SPCH7816 Clinical Management based on: 1. Evidence from the Practice Educator that the student has demonstrated behaviours consistent with Entry level performance (see Behavioural Descriptors of Student Competency in the COMPASS®2 Assessment Resource Manual). A more detailed outline of these descriptors is available in the COMPASS®2 Resource Manual (SPAA, 2013). 2. Evidence of progress over the course of the placement in the development of professional competencies 1 to 4 and CBOS competencies 1-7 on COMPASS® (relative to opportunity). 3. A decision by the Course Coordinator based on all available evidence. A student will be awarded a FAIL grade for the Practice Education Module of SPCH7816 Clinical Management based on: 1. Concern expressed by the Practice Educator that the student’s performance does not have sufficient Entry level performance across all competencies when considering the amount of support or guidance they need to perform competently, their ability to manage complex tasks independently, and their ability to develop and transfer knowledge of speech pathology theory to practice. 2. A high degree of variability in ratings on units of competency. 3. The removal of, or failure to place, materials in files or the late completion and submission of reports to an appropriate standard can result in an unsatisfactory OVERALL performance (and therefore a FAIL grade) being awarded retrospectively (i.e., after the practice educator has already given the student a ‘PASS’). 4. Evidence of a lack of progress over the course of the placement in the development of professional competencies 1 to 4 and CBOS competencies 1-7 on COMPASS®2 (relative to opportunity). 5. A decision by the Course Coordinator based on all available evidence. The decision to PASS/FAIL a student is made by the course coordinator based on all available evidence. If a student is unable to attain a passing grade, the student will be awarded a FAIL for the course. Failure to pass SPCH7816 will impact on the student’s progression through the program and therefore final graduation will be delayed.Submission guidelines
COMPASS®2 Online will be used for this clinical course. Practice Educators will complete their final assessments for students within approximately 1 week after the completion of the placement.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Oral Exam - Clinical Viva
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- Pass/Fail (MUST PASS)
- Due date
11/11/2024 - 12/11/2024
A roster for the vivas will be released on the SPCH7816 Blackboard site in Week 13.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This oral examination will be held at a date in the second week of the end of semester exam period. This will be an individual oral examination with two speech pathology staff members. Viva duration will be 35 minutes, including 15 minutes of planning time.
Students will receive written information about two unseen client cases, one paediatric and one adult. Students will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the written case details just prior to entering the viva. Within the viva, students will respond to questions relating to the cases and discuss their proposed assessment and management.
Further details about the case preparation, potential discussion points and the assessment of student performance in the clinical viva will be provided during semester (workshops).
Hurdle requirements
In order to pass this course, students must pass the clinical viva. Students who fail to achieve a 'Sound/Pass' on all criteria of performance for the clinical viva will fail the course. The marking criteria for this assessment is available on the SPCH7816 eLearning Blackboard site. Failure to pass SPCH7816 will impact on the student’s progression through the program and therefore final graduation will be delayed.Exam details
| Planning time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 20 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
A request for a deferral of an exam must be submitted by lodging the appropriate (online) form with supporting documentation via mySI-net > My Requests no later than five (5) calendar days after the date of the original exam. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the information on deferring an exam available on my.UQ (https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/deferring-exam). Deferral of the SPCH7816 clinical viva will impact on the student’s progression through the program and therefore final graduation will be delayed.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Pass/Fails | Description |
|---|---|
| P |
Course grade description: In order to pass the course, students must: 1. PASS the end of placement clinical competency evaluation according to COMPASS®2 criteria AND 2. PASS the clinical viva. See criteria for pass/fail for these assessments on the SPCH7816 Blackboard site. |
| F |
Course grade description: Students who fail to achieve Entry level performance on COMPASS®2 and/or fail to achieve a 'Sound/Pass' on all criteria of performance for the clinical viva will fail the course. See criteria for pass/fail for these assessments on the SPCH7816 Blackboard site. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Supplementary assessment is only available for the Clinical Viva. The clinical placement component of this course is not eligible for a supplementary assessment.ﾠ
Additional assessment information
Absentee Process
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.
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, no assessment items are eligible for resubmission or resit.
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 Education site.
Students are encouraged to use the Ed discussion board on linked from the SPCH7816 eLearning Blackboard site. This forum is available to post questions, commments and feedback relating to SPCH7816. The forum will be checked once per week by the course coordinator. In the interest of quity, students are asked to use this forum to post questions relating to the course. Students are encouraged to respond to each others' queries. All student questions relating to assessment will be addressed in class or on the relevant discussion board.
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 |
Block clinical practicum in external setting This is the final clinical placement course in the Master of Speech Pathology Studies program. Students are rostered to a paediatric or adult external clinic. Start and finish dates may vary as negotiated with student and practice facility in a speech pathology environment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
Workshop |
Clinical Viva preparation workshops In weeks 8 and 9 of semester, students will participate in 2-hour workshop sessions designed to prepare students for their clinical viva in the end of semester exam period. These workshops will provide students with an opportunity to gain further details about the viva, discuss the content and structure and practise with student peers. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
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.