Outline

Overview

This unit introduces students to the foundational psychological and behavioural principles, and skills needed to provide services to individuals, families, and communities in health settings. Students will learn introductory concepts in human behaviour and counselling and gain an understanding of how these relate to communication and swallowing needs across the lifespan. Early psychological principles of behaviour change and responses to illness, and counselling techniques will be explored. Students will understand the ethics and role of counselling within the scope of practice of Speech Pathology, and the role of counselling and behaviour management within speech pathology and the Professional Standards (2020). The unit provides a foundational understanding for future clinical work in interdisciplinary health care environments. Students will also develop self-awareness as a health professional including the importance of maintaining their own wellbeing while helping others.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Communication Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BACH2143
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Lisa Vaccaro, lisa.vaccaro@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Lisa Vaccaro, lisa.vaccaro@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Anum Urooj, anum.urooj@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Case studies	Responding to the needs of patients and their family Students produce a structured response describing how they would support the parent or communication partner as a speech pathologist, demonstrating counselling principles, education needs, ethical considerations, and professional self-reflection.	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 16 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Nov 2026	1200 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Team Agreement and Individual Reflection Students submit their Team Agreement with a reflection on the implications of Week 1 & 2 content on their approach to team/group work and future clinical practice of speech pathology.	10%	Week 02 Due date: 16 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Aug 2026	Team Agreement + 300 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation Students will work in groups to research and present on a psychological concept and its relevance to Speech Pathology.	30%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Sep 2026	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Applying psychological/counselling principles to speech pathology scenarios Students produce a structured written response analysing psychological and contextual factors, identifying key issues, and proposing a supportive, person-centred response and engagement strategy.	30%	Week 11 Due date: 25 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Nov 2026	1200 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = 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

This unit includes four progressive assessment tasks designed to build your skills in applying psychology and counselling principles into your developing knowledge of speech pathology practice.

You will begin with a team agreement and individual short reflection (10%) in Week 2 to develop your approach to group work and professional communication. In Week 7, you will participate in a group presentation (30%), demonstrating acquired knowledge on a psychological concept and its relevance to speech pathology.

The second half of the unit focuses on two individual case study assignments (30% each), due in Weeks 11 and 15. These require you to analyse clinical scenarios, apply biopsychosocial and counselling principles, develop supportive responses, and reflect on professional practice when working with clients and their families or communication partners. Together, these assessment tasks support your development of practical, person and family-centred skills, essential for future clinical work.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Note: Students must complete all tasks to pass this unit of study. Failure to complete all assessments will result in a Fail grade, regardless of the cumulative total of marks.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (2021, Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates sophisticated and integrated understanding of psychological, counselling, and behavioural principles in speech pathology. Applies this understanding clearly to support patient/family/community needs. Incorporates appropriate ethical scope of practice, professional standards, self-awareness, interdisciplinary care principles, and practitioner wellbeing.
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64	Demonstrates basic understanding of relevant psychological, counselling, and behavioural principles. Identifies some links to speech pathology practice, patient/family/community needs, and ethical/professional requirements, but with limited depth, integration, or applied reasoning.
Fail	0 - 49	Does not meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see: Guide to grades

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:

Late submissions are not available for the in-class Group Presentation due in Week 7. Standard late penalties will be applied to all other assignments. Assignments more than 10 days late cannot be marked. Standard penalties apply for other assessments, as follows: • Assignments are due 11.59pm on the day outlined in Canvas. Submission after this time is deemed late. • 5% is deducted from the mark for each day it is late. • After 10 days the assignment is not marked. Any student unable to submit by the deadline should apply for Special Consideration. Further information can be found https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0

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	Unit Introduction Relevance of Psychology for Health Care	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Group formation (Forming) Relevance of Psychology for Speech Pathology	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Social Psychology & Group Processes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Group Norming & Team Agreement Reflective Practice	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Behaviour, Cognition & Emotion	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Behaviour, Cognition & Emotion	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Stress, Coping & Health Behaviour	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Stress, Coping & Health Behaviour	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Psychosocial Development Across the Lifespan	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Psychosocial Development Across the Lifespan	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Psychological Interventions Therapeutic Relationships Introduction to Counselling in Speech Pathology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Counselling Microskills – Role Plays	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Behaviour Change Models	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Group Presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Motivational Interviewing for Behaviour Change	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Motivational Interviewing - Role Plays	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Counselling in Complex Contexts	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Client Agendas Responding to Strong Emotions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Counselling Across Developmental and Lifespan Contexts	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Counselling Across Developmental and Lifespan Contexts	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Family-Centred Care Caregiver Support & Counselling	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Family-Centred Care Caregiver Support & Counselling	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Important Conversations: Grief and Loss	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Important Conversations: Grief and Loss	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Ethics Self-Care and Burnout Professional Reflection	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Ethics Self-Care for Burnout Prevention Professional Reflective Practice	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to engage with all online lectures and learning activities before attending their scheduled tutorials in Weeks 1–13. Weekly tutorials are designed to consolidate lecture content, support active learning, and provide opportunities to practise key skills. Attendance will be recorded.

Tutorial time will be allocated for assessable group work. All students are expected to participate actively during these sessions and contribute to their group’s progress. Students are responsible for organising and attending any additional group meetings required outside scheduled class time.

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

Textbooks used in this unit

Visser, R. D., & Ayers, S. (2025). Psychology for Medicine and Healthcare (4th ed.). SAGE Publications, Ltd. (UK)

Required chapters will be listed in Weekly Modules and available through the Reading List, on Canvas.

The book is also available to purchase:

as a paperback edition through Woodslane. Use the promo code SAGE20 to receive 20% off the list price. Purchase link: 9781529685091 [Also available from Amazon AU, Booktopia and other online retailers.]
as a digital copy they can do so through VitalSource, which offers both lifetime purchase and rental options. Purchase link: 9781036202033 [Also available from Amazon Kindle Google Play eBooks.com Kobo]

Hoepner, J. (2024). Counseling and Motivational Interviewing in Speech-Language Pathology. Taylor & Francis.

Required chapters will be listed in Weekly Modules and available through the Reading List, on Canvas.

The book is also available to purchase from the publisher as a paperback or digital copy: Counseling and Motivational Interviewing in Speech-Language Pathology.

Additional readings

All other key readings for this unit will be list in Weekly Modules and available through the Reading List, available on Canvas.

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. Demonstrate foundational knowledge of psychology, counselling, and behaviour management principles in the context of care in speech pathology.
LO2. Recognise responses to illness and behaviour impacting individuals and families in speech pathology.
LO3. Recognise the diverse psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence health care interactions and client outcomes.
LO4. Understand psychological and counselling principles that enhance practice skills and approaches in speech pathology, including intentional counselling and interviewing skills.
LO5. Identify and reflect on the ethical and professional requirements, related to counselling and behaviour management, that guide practice in health-related fields.
LO6. Demonstrate self-awareness in the ability to respond to the needs of individuals, families and communities with communication and swallowing needs, within scope of practice.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - 1. Professional Conduct 1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice 2. Reflective practice and life-long learning 2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources 2.6. Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community 3. Speech pathology practice 3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
	Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - 1. Professional Conduct 1.6. Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice 3. Speech pathology practice 3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs 3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
	Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - 1. Professional Conduct 1.4. Collaborate with individuals, their supports, our colleagues and the community 1.6. Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice 3. Speech pathology practice 3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs
	Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - 1. Professional Conduct 1.4. Collaborate with individuals, their supports, our colleagues and the community 1.5. Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping 3. Speech pathology practice 3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments 3.5. Implement and evaluate intervention or service response
	Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - 1. Professional Conduct 1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice 1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols 1.3. Provide safe and quality services 2. Reflective practice and life-long learning 2.2. Use critical reflection to inform professional development and practice 2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
	Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - 2. Reflective practice and life-long learning 2.1. Demonstrate self-awareness 2.2. Use critical reflection to inform professional development and practice 2.3. Plan personal development goals 2.6. Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community 3. Speech pathology practice 3.5. Implement and evaluate intervention or service response

Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1		Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2		Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
1.3		Provide safe and quality services
1.4		Collaborate with individuals, their supports, our colleagues and the community
1.5		Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping
1.6		Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
2.1		Demonstrate self-awareness
2.2		Use critical reflection to inform professional development and practice
2.3		Plan personal development goals
2.5		Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
2.6		Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community
3.1		Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
3.2		Assess communication and swallowing needs
3.4		Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
3.5		Implement and evaluate intervention or service response

Responding to student feedback

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

This is the first time this unit has been offered. Your feedback across the end of the semester will contribute to the future offerings of this unit.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Content Alert

This unit includes learning experiences that encourage critical reflection on human experiences, health, wellbeing, and professional practice. Some content may be emotionally challenging or relate to topics that students have encountered in their personal or professional lives.

Content notices will be provided where appropriate throughout the semester to support informed engagement with learning materials. These notices are intended to help students prepare for sensitive content, not to discourage participation. Students are encouraged to use appropriate self-care strategies and access available support services if needed.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CSCD1043: Psychology in Speech Pathology

Semester 2, 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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links