Skip to main content
Unit of study_

CSCD3074: Specialist Studies

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

In this unit, students will learn how speech pathologists assess and provide intervention or service level responses to children with hearing loss, craniofacial abnormalities, and feeding issues. Students will understand how hearing loss and craniofacial abnormalities impact communication development. The impact of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds for speech pathologists and their clients will be also explored, with a focus on Aboriginal families and culturally safe practice.

Unit details and rules

Unit code CSCD3074
Academic unit Communication Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
BIOS1165
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Isabelle Boisvert, isabelle.boisvert@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Emma Wallace, emma.wallace@sydney.edu.au
Bernadette Cantrall, bernadette.cantrall@sydney.edu.au
Alicia Dickson, alicia.dickson@sydney.edu.au
Kylie Harris, kylie.harris@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Intervention plan - cleft lip and/or palate
Students develop an appropriate intervention plan
25% Formal exam period
Due date: 16 Jun 2023 at 14:57
900 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Assignment hurdle task Cultural Competence Modules (Online)
Online training modules
0% Week 02
Due date: 05 Mar 2023 at 23:59
90 minutes (2 online modules)
Outcomes assessed: LO6
Assignment Intervention plan with an Aboriginal child
Management plan and Resource for an Aboriginal child
30% Week 05
Due date: 24 Mar 2023 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO2
Assignment Intervention plan - hearing loss
Students develop an appropriate intervention plan
20% Week 09
Due date: 28 Apr 2023 at 23:59
900 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5
Assignment Paediatric feeding video submission
Video explaining results and recommendations to parent
25% Week 12
Due date: 19 May 2023 at 23:00
3 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

  • Cultural competence module: students are required to complete two online cultural competence modules as part of the University’s series on cultural competence.
  • Management plan for an Aboriginal child & resource development: Students are given case information and audiological test results and use that information to hypothesise the type of hearing loss the child has, and any possible impacts on communication. In addition, students will develop a resource to support the child’s education. This assignment provides students with the opportunity to develop an appropriate speech and language management plan for an Aboriginal child using evidenced based practice. 
  • Paediatric feeding video: Students will create a video outlining the treatment of a child with feeding issues
  • Intervention plan – hearing loss:  A case will focus on integration of information about hearing loss in children and speech pathology practice.
  • Intervention plan – cleft lip and palate: A case will focus on integration of information about cleft lip and/or palate in children and speech pathology practice.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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 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

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

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 1. Introduction to Unit of Study; 2. Aboriginal children and conductive hearing loss I Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO6 LO7 LO8
Audiology basics - interpreting results Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO7
Week 02 Aboriginal children and conductive hearing loss II Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO6 LO7 LO8
Conducting hearing screening I Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO7
Week 03 Aboriginal children and conductive hearing loss III Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO6 LO7 LO8
Conducting hearing screening II Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO7
Week 04 Aboriginal children and conductive hearing loss IV Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO6 LO7 LO8
Aboriginal children - planning speech pathology intervention Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 05 Sensorineural hearing loss I Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Sensorineural hearing loss - speech perception Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO5 LO7
Week 06 Sensorineural hearing loss II Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Hearing device options Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO5 LO7
Week 07 Sensorineural hearing loss III Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Sensorineural hearing loss - service decisions and planning intervention Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Paediatric feeding I Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Paediatric feeding tutorial I Tutorial (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 09 Paediatric feeding II Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Paediatric feeding tutorial II Tutorial (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 10 Cleft palate I Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Cleft palate -OMA Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 11 Cleft palate II Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Cleft palate tutorial II Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 12 Cleft palate III Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Cleft palate tutorial III Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 13 Cleft palate IV Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Cleft palate tutorial IV Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8

Attendance and class requirements

Referencing: APA referencing is expected.

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

Recommended readings will be provided on Canvas during the semester to support specific learning content. You can also refer to:

Kummer, A. W. (2018) Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies: Effects on Speech and Resonance. San Diego, NY. Cenage Learning.

Welling, D. & Ukstins, C. (2017) Foundementals of Audiology for the Speech-Language Pathologist. Burlington, MA. Jones & Bartlett Learning. Or the 3rd edition published in 2022, if you access it.

Wolf, L.S., & Glass, R.P (1992) Feeding and swallowing disorders in infancy. Assessment and management. London, UK. Academic Press

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. analyse and explain audiological reports, and contrast different intervention options including communication approaches and hearing devices for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children in the context of speech pathology practice
  • LO2. describe the factors impacting the communication of Aboriginal children with hearing loss and apply culturally responsive and safe practice with these children and their families
  • LO3. critically evaluate craniofacial and oral structures of young children to inform intervention and service provision
  • LO4. demonstrate an understanding of typical and disordered swallowing in infants and children to inform intervention and service provision
  • LO5. hypothesise possible communication or swallowing needs as a result of different types and degrees of hearing loss, degrees of craniofacial anomalies, and syndromes, using broader knowledge to determine best interventions for these children
  • LO6. apply culturally responsive and safe practice with children with communication needs and their families within all cultural and linguistic contexts
  • LO7. demonstrate an understanding of ethical and interprofessional collaborative practice working children across a range of communication and swallowing needs and their families
  • LO8. Apply the principles of evidence-based practice, the ICF framework and family/child-centred care in planning individual and service level interventions for children with communication and swallowing needs as a result of hearing loss, cranio-facial and other syndromes
  • LO9. demonstrate competent professional written/ oral English communication

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
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
2.1. Demonstrate self-awareness
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
LO2
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO3
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.3. Provide safe and quality services
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
1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
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
1.3. Provide safe and quality services
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
1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
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
LO5
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
LO6
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
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
2.5. 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
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
3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
LO8
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
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
1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
LO9
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.5. Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2 A Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
1.3 A Provide safe and quality services
1.4 A Collaborate with individuals, their supports, our colleagues and the community
1.5 A Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping
1.6 A Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
1.7 A Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
2.1 A Demonstrate self-awareness
2.2 A Use critical reflection to inform professional development and practice
2.5 A Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.2 A Assess communication and swallowing needs
3.3 A Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
3.4 A Plan speech pathology intervention or service response

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

For 2023, we decided to integrate all content within the regular weekly schedule. In previous years, the content on paediatric feeding was offered as additional classes. We've also reorganised the content to increase the flow between the specialties covered. Finally, we've moved the assessment about hearing loss to earlier in the semester, so students can review this content sooner.

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.