Outline

Overview

The unit will introduce different types of hearing loss, basic audiological tests, and clinical procedures for evaluating hearing in children and adults. Students will learn how to interpret audiological results, how hearing difficulties impact on listening for communication, and how different interventions can make listening easier. This will promote an understanding of how the anatomy and physiology of the auditory pathways function, how to assess the structures of the auditory system to diagnose different hearing related conditions, and how hearing relates to communication and quality of life.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Communication Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BIOS2166 or ANAT2010 or [BIOS1165 and BIOS1166]
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Anatomy and neurology of the auditory system
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Isabelle Boisvert, isabelle.boisvert@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Audiological assessment and intervention Short and long answers on case-studies	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Brief quiz for early feedback Interpretation of simple audiograms and tympanograms	5%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 13:33	10-15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Interpreting hearing assessment reports Short answers and explanation of responses related to audiological results	25%	Week 05 Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 23:59	Short answers and rationales	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Case-based assignment Case study: short responses to questions + information letter/email	40%	Week 09 Due date: 10 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1500 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

Early feedback task - online quiz.
Take-home assignment- interpreting hearing assessment reports: Students are given a series of short cases that require a demonstrated understanding of the auditory system. Students are required to interpret basic audiology assessments.
Case-based assignment: One case is provided, and students are required to demonstrate an understanding of more complex audiological assessments. Students will interpret the more complex assessment results and outline management options, further testing requirements, and potential impact of results on functional listening. Students will write a letter (following the provided guidance) to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts convered in the unit and their ability to share this information with others.
Final exam (supervised): Students will be provided with several audiological case studies with a list of questions for each case. Short and slightly longer answers are expected. Students are required to answer all questions from each case presented.

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.

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	When you demonstrate learning outcomes at an exceptional standard
Distinction	75 - 84	When you demonstrate learning outcomes at a very high standard
Credit	65 - 74	When you demonstrate learning outcomes at a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	When you demonstrate learning outcomes at an acceptable standard
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard

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:

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	Audiology introduction and review of ear anatomy and physiology	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Conductive hearing loss	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Sensorineural hearing loss	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Audiometric assessment techniques	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Speech perception testing	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Functional perception and speech pathology in relation to hearing difficulties	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Physiological testing in audiology	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Audiological intervention options	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Other audiology symptoms (vestibular impacts and tinnitus perception)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	a) Hearing & Cognition and b)Translational research and development in audiology	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Intro to communication approaches	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Deaf perspectives on communication and Aboriginal Sign Languages	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Review and integration of unit content	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are recommended to attend all face-to-face classes and tutorials. All classes and tutorials will assist with the assignment work and exam. The first class (Introduction) will provide important guidance about the format and expectations for this unit.

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

Katz, J., and Marshall, C., Handbook of Clinical Audiology. 7th ed. Philadelphia:Wolters Kluwer Health, 2015.

(Available online – University of Sydney library)

Additional readings will be made available prior to lectures and on the unit's Canvas site.

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Describe the anatomy and function of the auditory system and develop an understanding of how different conditions can affect hearing
LO2. Apply theoretical knowledge to conduct audiology assessments (pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, and speech audiometry)
LO3. Describe hearing loss including the severity and type of the hearing loss and differentially diagnose which aspect of the ear is affected.
LO4. Demonstrate the ability to orally and through written reports explain audiological results and implications to clients and their families so that the information is clearly understood
LO5. Apply empathy when discussing hearing loss and intervention options with adults, children and their families
LO6. Understand how to use audiological equipment to assess hearing
LO7. Understand how to follow procedures and techniques of assessments in order to deliver in depth understanding of the clients hearing needs
LO8. Define and explain audiological results and intervention options while considering potential cultural differences of oral and signed-based communication
LO9. Use rigorous independent thinking to cross-check all assessments before diagnosing a hearing problem
LO10. Adopt problem-solving skills in each individual case

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

Responding to student feedback

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

Previous students enjoyed coming to class in person, interacting with other students (small group) and the opportunity for hands-on practices with the equipment. Four different lecturers with different expertise will lead the classes.

Additional information

Please note all questions regarding the course content and assessment should be posted on Canvas.

Student Administration Manual on the Faculty of Health Sciences

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.

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

CSCD2071: Audiology 1

Semester 2, 2025 [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