Skip to main content
Unit of study_

CSCD2062: Motor Speech and Dysphagia

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to conduct assessment and provide intervention for individuals with speech motor disorders and swallowing needs. Students will describe, conduct, justify and evaluate interventions for these populations. A focus on a case-based curriculum will support students’ integration of theory and practical skills. This unit of study prepares students to conduct appropriate, evidence-based, and client focussed, assessment and intervention for these populations.

Unit details and rules

Unit code CSCD2062
Academic unit Communication Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
BIOS2062
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

BIOS1163

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Emma Wallace, emma.wallace@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Case based management plan
Case-based video assignment
40% Formal exam period
Due date: 13 Nov 2023 at 23:59
15-minute video
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Small continuous assessment Speech Analysis
Speech analysis task (5%), three canvas quizzes using Praat software.
5% Multiple weeks 30-60 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO8 LO7 LO10
Supervised test
? 
hurdle task
Motor Speech Disorders Mid-Semester Exam
Mid-semester exam (45%)
45% Week 07
Due date: 13 Sep 2023 at 16:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO7
Small test hurdle task VFSS assessment
VFSS barrier, in class test (pen + paper)
10% Week 10
Due date: 12 Oct 2023 at 09:30
30 minute
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO3 LO2 LO1
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

  • Speech Analysis (5%): In class speech analysis for Motor Speech Disorders. 
  • Mid-semester test (45%): This test will assess students’ understanding of assessment and treatment of motor speech disorders. The assignment will cover the contents as describes for lectures and tutorials in weeks 1-6. The test will be in Week 7, Wednesday, 4-5.00pm. 
  • Video assignment (10% barrier task): This assignment will assess students’ understanding of instrumental assessment and treatment of dysphagia. The assignment will cover the contents as described for lectures and tutorials in week 6-9. 
  • Case-based video assignment (40%): This assignment will assess students’ understanding of assessment and treatment of dysphagia. The assignment will cover the contents as described for lectures and tutorials in weeks 7-13. 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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 very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

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:

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 Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to motor speech disorders Lecture (2 hr)  
Practice in diagnosis Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 02 Evaluating motor speech disorders Lecture (2 hr)  
Practice in diagnosis Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 03 Evaluating motor speech disorders Lecture (2 hr)  
Practice in diagnosis Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 04 Treatment - dysarthrias Lecture (2 hr)  
Treatment principles and design Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 05 Treatment - dysarthrias Lecture (2 hr)  
Treatment approaches and design Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 06 Treatment - apraxia of speech Lecture (2 hr)  
Treatment approaches and design Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 07 Introduction to Dysphagia Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Case history and asking questions Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 08 Cranial nerve /oral motor assessment Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Clinical swallowing evaluation Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 09 Instrumental assessment Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
VFSS and FEES Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 Aspiration pneumonia & Dysphagia Management (compensation) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Compensatory strategies Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Dysphagia Management (rehabilitation) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Rehabilitation Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Putting it all together Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Rehabilitation and management plans Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Putting it all together Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Rehabilitation & management plans Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials for the duration of the semester.

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 through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas. Readings will be published on Canvas

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. Describe the anatomy and physiology of normal swallowing in adults.
  • LO2. Appraise and synthesise critical information from a case history, swallowing evaluation and instrumental swallowing assessment to identify the underlying nature of dysphagia and make reliable diagnoses, and apply the findings to the management of an individual with swallowing needs, considering autonomy, personal preferences, cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds.
  • LO3. Analyse and identify appropriate assessments and onward referrals within case-based clinical scenarios.
  • LO4. Analyse and report observations from a case-based analysis of a video-fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS).
  • LO5. Identify and describe the intervention for an individual with swallowing needs, with reference to compensatory and rehabilitative approaches.
  • LO6. Use the principles of evidence-based practice, and values and wishes of the individual when providing services to those with swallowing needs and their family.
  • LO7. Describe the basic neurology of speech motor control and impairment.
  • LO8. Describe symptomatology of the various dysarthria types and apraxia of speech and identify the non-language and psychosocial implications resulting from neurogenic communication disorders.
  • LO9. Describe and apply the concepts of the International Classification of Function in relation to neurological communication needs.
  • LO10. Develop and apply an examination protocol for motor speech disorders, make reliable diagnoses, and develop appropriate intervention tailored to each type of motor speech disorder making modifications necessary to accommodate concomitant disorders such as aphasia or cognitive impairment.
  • LO11. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of common medical management procedures including common surgical, pharmaceutical, and prosthetic treatment approaches for individuals with motor speech issues.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO2
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
1.3. Provide safe and quality services
1.5. 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
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs
3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
LO3
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs
3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
LO4
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
LO5
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
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
1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
LO6
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
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
1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
LO7
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO8
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO9
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.6. Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
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
1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs
3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A T Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2 A Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
1.3 A Provide safe and quality services
1.6 A T Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
1.7 A Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
2.2 A Use critical reflection to inform professional development and practice
2.2.a T A We use our awareness of our personal and professional abilities and limitations to inform our scope of practice, our professional development needs and our participation in professional supervision and mentoring.
2.5 A T Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
2.6 T A Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community
3.2 A T Assess communication and swallowing needs
3.3 A T Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
3.4 A T Plan speech pathology intervention or service response

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

No changes (other than assessment modes) have been made since this unit was last offered.

More information can be found on Canvas or will be provided in class

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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