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Unit of study_

OCCP1100: Professional Practice I

Semester 2, 2020 [Professional practice] - Cumberland, Sydney

Establishing a professional identity and integrating and applying theory to practice are essential to occupational therapy service provision. This unit will focus on professionalism in preparation for practice in all areas. Additionally, students will develop an understanding of occupational therapy strategies implemented across diverse areas, develop essential core teamwork skills and elements of professional communication (written and verbal) skills, and cultivate a professional approach to work.

Unit details and rules

Unit code OCCP1100
Academic unit Participation Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Melanie Aley, melanie.aley@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Celine Serrano-Diaz, celine.serranodiaz@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Tutorial quiz Quizzes
3 x short quizzes on Canvas, due weeks 2, 4 and 6
15% Multiple weeks 10 Questions
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO7 LO6 LO5
Participation hurdle task Class participation
90% tutorial attendance
0% Ongoing Semester 2
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Presentation group assignment Online learning module
Design and publish an online learning module
35% Week 08
Due date: 25 Oct 2020 at 23:59
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Reflective Portfolio
5 x tasks to be completed
50% Week 12
Due date: 22 Nov 2020 at 23:59
2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Quizzes – 3 x short quizzes on Canvas with 10 multiple choice questions
  • Online learning module (groupwork) – students will work in groups to design an online learning module on an area of practice within occupational therapy. The module will be marked by the academics teaching into this UOS as well as by other students (peer assessment).
  • Reflective portfolio – students will complete multiple communication and reflective analysis tasks and compile them into a portfolio.
  • Class participation - attendance to 90% of tutorials is required.

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

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard

Distinction

75 - 84

A distinction indicates a very high standard

Credit

65 - 74

A credit indicates a good standard

Pass

50 - 64

A pass indicates 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 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.

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 Unit of study introduction Lecture (1 hr) LO1
What is professional practice? Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 02 Guest speaker Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Communication and positive groupwork Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 03 Guest speaker Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Communication with clients: knowledge and attitudes Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 04 Guest speaker Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Communication with clients: skills Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 05 Guest speaker Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Self awareness Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO7
Week 06 Designing a learning activity Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Feedback, evaluation and reflection Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7
Week 07 ON CAMPUS SESSION Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
ON CAMPUS SESSION Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 08 Documentation Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO7
Interviewing and note-taking practice Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 09 GROUP ASSESSMENT Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
GROUP ASSESSMENT Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Supervision and mentoring Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
INTERVIEWS with OT practitioners Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Feedback, evaluation and reflection (pt. 2) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO6
Consultations re: reflective portfolio Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Guest workshop (speaker TBC) Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO7
Resilience Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

  • Tutorial participation: Students must attend 90% of all online and on-campus tutorials. Absences of two or more occasions without supporting documentation may risk failure for this unit of study.

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

  • Hoffmann, T., Bennett, S., & Del Mar, C. (Eds.). (2013). Evidence based practice across the health professions. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone

Students should also be aware of the following documents:

  • Occupational Therapy Australia, (2001). Code of Ethics.
  • Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, (2014). Code of Conduct. Retrieved from http://www.occupationaltherapyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/Code-of-conduct.aspx

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 professional behaviours as expected of a beginning occupational therapy student
  • LO2. demonstrate self-management skills appropriate for the professional context
  • LO3. demonstrate team-work skills including collaboration, and co-operation with others in various settings
  • LO4. identify ways occupational therapists provide intervention in various practice settings, and how models of occupational therapy guide practice
  • LO5. explain the scope of the role of occupational therapists in various areas of practice
  • LO6. demonstrate communication skills required for the development of professional relationships as expected of a beginning occupational therapy student
  • LO7. reflect on their performance in the professional context.

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
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
1. Professionalism
1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
1.10. Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise
1.13. Manages resources, time and workload accountably and effectively
1.14. Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice
1.16. Contributes to education and professional practice development of peers and students, and
LO2
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
1.10. Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise
1.14. Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice
LO3
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
1.16. Contributes to education and professional practice development of peers and students, and
3.12. Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning
4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively
4.10. Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and
4.8. Maintains collaborative professional relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others
LO4
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
2.2. Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making
2.3. Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making
2.8. Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice
LO5
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making
3.8. Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment
LO6
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively
4.10. Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and
4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context
4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies
4.5. Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice
4.7. Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian
4.8. Maintains collaborative professional relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others
LO7
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
2.8. Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice
4.10. Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 T Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
1.10 P Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise
1.13 A Manages resources, time and workload accountably and effectively
1.14 P A Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice
1.16 A Contributes to education and professional practice development of peers and students, and
1.2 T Adheres to legislation relevant to practice
2.1 A Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
2.10 A Maintains digital literacy for practice.
2.2 A Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making
2.3 A Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making
2.8 A Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice
3.11 A Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice
3.12 P Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning
3.7 A Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making
4.1 P Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively
4.10 P A Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and
4.11 A Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.
4.2 A Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context
4.4 A Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies
4.5 A Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice
4.6 A Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete records of practice
4.8 P Maintains collaborative professional relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others

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

The weighting and number of assessments have been modified in response to student feedback from previous years, as well as to accommodate more immersive experiences in the absence of an off-campus placement.

This unit of study outline must be read in conjunction with the Medicine and Health Handbook: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health/

 

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

As you are completing a health-related degree, there are clinical checks and clearances you will need to complete before you can undertake placement. You can find more information at: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/clinical-placement-checks.html

You will need to be verified by NSW Health by the 31st January 2021 in preparation for your second-year studies in Occupational Therapy

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.