Unit of study_

BIOS1163: Speech Science

2026 unit information

This unit provides an understanding of the anatomy, physiology and physics of speech and sound. Students will gain a detailed knowledge of head and neck anatomy as well as functional activities involving swallowing and speech. The unit will also cover breathing and respiration mechanisms required for speech in normal and pathological conditions. This unit includes laboratory classes in which human body donors are utilised; attendance at such classes is required.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Medicine and Health

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Identify and describe the anatomical features of the skull and changes in structure during development.
  • LO2. Explain the anatomy, function and innervation of the head and neck, and their influence on communication and swallowing.
  • LO3. Understand and identify the sensory and motor nerve supply to the head and neck for communication and swallowing.
  • LO4. Outline the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and understand the process/role of respiration for communication and swallowing.
  • LO5. Explain the principles of physics associated with voice and speech production.
  • LO6. Distinguish common pathologies associated with head and neck structures, that may impact speech, voice and swallowing.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2026
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.

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