Outline

Overview

This unit provides an introduction to speech pathology practice. Students will explore the different communication and swallowing needs for speech pathology practice through lectures, simulated practice activities in tutorials and actual workplace activities. Students will also learn about the ethical and lawful practice provided in a culturally safe and responsive way as a speech pathologist.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Communication Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	CSCD5060 and CSCD5061 and CSCD5062
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Demonstrated ability in analysing English grammar and transcription of Australian English (linguistics and phonology). Knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and physics of speech including knowledge of the anatomy of the head and neck and fundamental concepts of nervous system structure and function
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rachael Rietdijk, rachael.rietdijk@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Rachael Rietdijk, rachael.rietdijk@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Kate Jones, kate.jones1@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	CPR Certificate Students are required to upload a current CPR certificate.	0%	Formal exam period	Submission of paperwork
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Reflection on clinic observation Written reflection	0%	Formal exam period Due date: 13 Jun 2025 at 23:59	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	School placement checklist and practice education hours form Submission of completed forms	0%	Formal exam period Due date: 20 Jun 2025 at 23:59	Completed forms
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Interprofessional (IPL) Introductory Workshop Compete pre-work, all 3 activity stations + post-workshop peer evaluation	0%	Multiple weeks	Approx. 4-5hr incl workshop + homework
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Attendance at all practice supervision sessions Students are required to attend all practice supervision sessions.	0%	Multiple weeks	Throughout semester
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Attendance at clinic orientation and school placement Students are required to attend placement activities.	0%	Multiple weeks	Throughout semester
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Child assessment and report task Child assessment, analysis and report	0%	Multiple weeks	Report template
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance	Tutorial attendance Students attend 80% tutorials as scheduled.	0%	Ongoing	Throughout semester
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Compliance with clinical placements checks and clearances Students' documentation must be compliant prior to placement.	0%	Week 03	Submission of paperwork
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Accelerate communication excellence (ACE) Online module	0%	Week 05	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Simulated parent interview and progress note Work in pairs to complete and document an interview with a parent.	0%	Week 12	15 minute interview, 500 word note
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Tutorial attendance: Students are required to attend 80% of the scheduled tutorials. Students who are unable to meet the minimum attendance requirement due to illness or misadventure should submit an application for special considerations for approval.

Compliance with clinical placements checks and clearances: Students must complete the clinical placement checks and clearances as required by the University of Sydney. Students must obtain clearance before attending obervations in the SPEECH clinic or their school placement.

CPR certificate: Students must provide a current CPR certificate.

Interprofessional learning workshop: Students will participate in an interprofessional learning workshop scheduled in Week 3 or 4. Students who are unable to attend will be required to attend an alternative date.

ACE: The Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE) program is an online module designed to accelerate the development of your professional communication skills in listening, reading, writing, speaking and reasoning. For each of these professional areas, you will learn how to accelerate your skills, followed by the opportunity to self -assess your skills and confidence. ACE aims to better prepare you for your first clinic placement by helping you bridge the gap from your classroom studies to working with clients in real-life settings. The ACE module will be available to students via the ACE Canvas site with an Online Module to be assessed in Week 5. There will be an additional immersive for those students who need support. This task is a barrier task, students must complete this task to pass the unit. It is important that students complete the task without the use of Generative AI, as the purpose of the task is to connect students to relevant supports. Hurdle Task Information: Your final grade for this unit will only be released if you have completed the ACE online modules.

Attendance at all practice supervision sessions: Students are required to attend all practice supervision sessions Students who are unable to attend a practice supervision session should submit an application to special considerations for approval.

Attendance at clinic orientation and placement: Students are required to attend clinic orientation and school placement. Students who are unable to attend a placement activity should submit an application for special considerations for approval so that other arrangements can be made.

Child assessment and report task: Students will work in pairs to assess a child and complete a report. You may use automated writing or AI tools to provide feedback on your work and suggest readability improvements. You cannot use generative AI tools to generate content, particularly as this may breach client confidentiality. Students who are unable to complete the required assessment report should apply for special considerations so that other arrangements can be made.

Simulated parent interview: Students work in pairs to conduct a simulated initial interview with a parent (an actor) with concerns about their child's speech or language. Students who are unable to attend on their scheduled date should apply for special consideration so that other arrangements can be made.

Progress note (parent interview): Students work in pairs to complete a progress note based on information collected during the simulated parent interview. The progress note is due for submission within 24 hours of completing the parent interview. You may use automated writing or AI tools to provide feedback on your work and suggest readability improvements. You cannot use generative AI tools to generate content.

Reflection on clinic observation: Students submit a 500 word written reflection based on observation of a clinic session. You may use automated writing or AI tools to provide feedback on your work and suggest readability improvements. You cannot use generative AI tools to generate content.

School placement checklist and practice education hours form: Practice educators complete students' school placement checklist. Students submit their completed school practice education hours form.

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).

Result name	Description
Pass (SR)	When you meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.
Fail (FR)	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

Students who are unable to complete tasks by assigned dates should communicate professionally with the unit of study coordinator to seek an extension of time. All tasks must be complete by the end of Week 16 to meet requirements for this unit.

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.

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
Multiple weeks	Pairs of students will carry out a standardised assessment of one school aged child. This may take place any time from week 5 onwards. This placement also includes pre-placement and post-placement meetings with practice educators. This is an assessable learning experience. Prior to this practice based learning, students will have opportunity to observe standardised assessments via video and to role play the actual assessment with peers.	Placement (2 hr)
Pre-semester	Professional practice: knowledge (boot camp)	Lecture (10 hr)
Week 02	Conducting assessments	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Practice education preparation - Assessment administration	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	The assessment process and working with families	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Practice education preparation - Assessment planning	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Assessment scoring and reflective practice	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Practice education preparation - Assessment scoring	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Interpreting results and report writing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Practice education preparation - Assessment interpretation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Reflection and consolidation week - No face to face attendance/ scheduled classes, staff available for student drop in.	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 07	Communicating assessment results	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Practice education preparation - Report writing	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Introduction to working with clients: Observations and management plans	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Practice education preparation - Management plans	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Introduction to working with clients: Session Plans	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Practice education preparation - Session plans	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Introduction to working with parents	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Practice education preparation - Parent interviews	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Introduction to practice education: Resilience and time management	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Practice education preparation - Resilience and time management	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Introduction to practice education: Legal responsibilities, introduction to COMPASS	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Reflection and debriefing	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Introduction to practice education: Critical thinking	Workshop (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture attendance: It is recommended that students attend all lectures to ensure they are fully prepared for their assessable professional practice tasks.
Tutorial attendance: Students are required to attend 80% of the scheduled tutorials.
Placement attendance: Students are required to attend clinic orientation, practice supervision sessions and their school placement day to complete their child assessment. Students will be allocated to attend a school site for the child assessment day on a Tuesday or Friday during semester. For any specific requests regarding placement dates, students should submit an Extenuating Circumstances form.

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 via 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 novice-level professional skills of reasoning, communication, learning, and professionalism
LO2. plan and administer an evidence-based assessment and analyse the assessment data (novice level)
LO3. develop professional practice skills, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and reflective practice
LO4. apply problem-solving strategies and principles to speech pathology practice and recall some aspects of theory
LO5. adopt a problem-solving approach to managing the child and their assessment before, during, and after the process
LO6. demonstrate professional communication (written and oral English), including listening to and correctly recording information and writing a novice-level assessment plan and report
LO7. demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills with children, parents, families, peers and professionals
LO8. demonstrate an understanding of the importance of culturally safe and responsive practice
LO9. demonstrate an understanding of how speech pathologists work in interprofessional collaborative practice by liaising appropriately with education personnel regarding a child assessments and results

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) - 1.1. 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 2.2. Use critical reflection to inform professional development and practice 2.3. Plan personal development goals 2.4. Participate in professional development 2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources 2.6. Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community 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) - 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 2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources 2.6. Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community 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) - 1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice 1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols 1.3. Provide safe and quality services 1.6. 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
	Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - 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 2.5. 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 3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
	Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - 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 2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources 2.6. Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community 3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs 3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
	Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - 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 1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing 2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources 2.6. Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community 3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs 3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
	Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - 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 1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing 2.1. Demonstrate self-awareness 2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources 2.6. Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community 3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs 3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
	Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - 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 2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
	Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - 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 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 3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments

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
1.7		Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
2.1		Demonstrate self-awareness
2.2		Use critical reflection to inform professional development and practice
2.3		Plan personal development goals
2.4		Participate in professional development
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
3.3		Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
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.

Improvements made to the unit in response to student feedback include: (a) Changing one week of semester to a reflection and consolidation week with opportunity for student drop-ins (b) Including more video-based resources and other practical activities to demonstrate the process of working with a client. (c) Improved alignment of student expectations between unit staff and practice educators so that students have a more consistent learning experience.

Additional information

This unit of study outline must be read in conjunction with the Medicine and Health Handbook: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health/. The handbook also includes specific Clinical Education information on your course: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health_PG/coursework_sz/speech_pathology.shtml. All students are required to familiarise themselves with their academic responsibilities, and the academic policies governing their enrolment and progression. This handbook provides a direct link to the University of Sydney’s Coursework policy and Faculty provisions.

Work, health and safety

Students must meet all pre-placement requirements as outlined on the University of Sydney Clinical placements checks and clearances https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/clinical-placement-checks.html . Students who are not verified will NOT be allocated to or able to attend placement. Students must comply with the latest public health orders regarding COVID-19, as well as any site specific guidelines.

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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

CSCD5063: Clinical Practice 1

Semester 1, 2025 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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