Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jessica Lazarus, jessica.lazarus@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Michelle Gerke-Duncan, michelle.gerke@sydney.edu.au
	Jaimie Polson, jaimie.polson@sydney.edu.au
	Damian Holsinger, damian.holsinger@sydney.edu.au
	Preethi Thiagarajan, preethi.thiagarajan@sydney.edu.au
	James Puterflam, james.puterflam@sydney.edu.au
	Edward Moody, edward.moody@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	End-semester exam Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 3 quiz - MCQ and SAQs #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	In-semester test Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions	30%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 09:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Written Reflection Task 400-word written reflective piece	10%	Week 10 Due date: 08 May 2026 at 23:59	400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Self-tests Multiple Choice Questions	10%	Weekly	10 minutes each	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Practical/Tutorial worksheet Multiple choice and short answer questions	10%	Weekly	10-minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessment title	Assessment category	Assessment type	Description of Assessment type	Individual or Group	Length / duration	Weight	Due date and time[1]
Early Feedback Task (EFT)	Early Feedback Task	EFT	Multiple Choice Questions	Ind	15 minutes	0%	11:59pm, (13 March 2026, Week 3)
In-Semester Test (IST)	Exam	In-semester exam	Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions	Ind	1 hour	30%	9am (2 April 2026, Week 6)
End-of-semester exam (ESE)	Exam	Final exam	Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions	Ind	2 hours	40%	TBC (Formal exam period: 9-20 June 2026)
In-semester	Reflection	Written reflection task	800-word written reflection piece	Ind		10%	11:59pm, (7 May 2026, Week 10)
Weekly quizzes (self-tests)	Online assessments	Small continuous assessment	Multiple Choice Questions	Ind		10%	Weekly
Worksheets	Paper-based	Small continuous assessment	Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions	Ind		10%	Weekly

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a superior standard, a credit competent work demonstrating potential for higher study, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level.
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level.
Credit	65 - 74	Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level.
Pass	50 - 64	Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level.
Fail	0 - 49	Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit.

For examples of how this pertains to Speech Science please refer to Canvas.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Any work submitted electronically after 11.59 pm on the due date will be considered to have been submitted late. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. Any work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Welcome and introduction to Anatomy & Histology; 2. Introduction to anatomy, joints and movement; 3. Skull and growth of face & skull	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 01	Dry lab: Introduction to anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Introduction to the Nervous System; 2. Nervous System Cells, Spinal Cord and Nerves; 3. Speech Physics 1	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Wet lab: Skull and joints + brain, spinal cord and nerves	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	1. TMJ and facial muscles; 2. Oral cavity and tongue; 3. Speech Physics 2	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Wet lab: Face, jaw and oral cavity + nervous system	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Resting membrane potential; 2. Action potential; 3. Speech Physics 3	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Dry lab: Face, jaw and oral cavity + nervous system	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Palate & Pharynx; 2. Swallowing and chewing; 3. Speech Physics 4	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Wet lab: Palate and Pharynx	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	1. Nerve propagation and NMJ; 2. Muscle physiology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Dry lab: Muscle EMG & nerve function	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	1. Larynx - framework + muscles; 2. Larynx mechanism; 3. Speech Physics 5	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Wet lab: Larynx	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	1. Reflexes; 2. Tongue physiology and speech; 3. Speech Physics 6	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Dry lab: Swallowing and chewing	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Respiratory anatomy 1; 2. Respiratory anatomy 2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Wet lab: Respiratory anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Live Q&A with a Speech Pathology expert	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 10	1. Innervation of head & neck; 2. Nerve lesions of head & neck	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Dry lab: Pulmonary function tests	Practical (1 hr)
Week 11	1. Cranial and spinal nerves in speech; 2. Blood supply of the head and neck; 3. Respiratory physiology 1	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Dry lab: Nerve supply of head & neck	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	1. Respiratory Physiology 2; 2. Respiration for speech 1; 3. Respiration for speech 2	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Dry lab: Speech tutorial 1	Practical (2 hr)
Week 13	1. Clinical case study activity; 2. Speech in context - case study discussion	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 states:
55 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work.

Please note that class rolls will be taken in each practical class and tutorial. Students must attend their own practical/tutorial at the time and place indicated.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available in the Canvas site for this unit.

JA Seikel: Anatomy and Physiology for speech, language and hearing 5th Edition

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

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.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
2.5		Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assessment weighting has changed to reduce heavy burden on ESE. A small test has been added early in semester to provide early formative feedback

Additional information

Work, health and safety

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstance. This includes all dry lab and wet lab spaces in the Anderson Stuart building and all dry lab and seminar rooms in the CPC.
Anatomy practical classes will be held in the Anatomy wet labs in the Anderson Stuart Building (F13) and there are specific respect and safety requirements that need to be understood and adhered to if the privilege of access into the Anatomy Laboratories and Wilson Museum of Human Anatomy is to be granted.
Students will not be allowed to enter any Anatomy Facility laboratory or the Wilson Museum of Human Anatomy until they have read and understood the Anatomy Act and the Anatomy Safety Policies offered through the “Our Expectations, Your Obligations” Quiz available on Canvas.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOS1163: Speech Science

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links