Outline

Overview

This unit of study introduces students to the profession of occupational therapy, including: values and beliefs, philosophical bases, foundational concepts, key constructs of occupational performance, and the scope of current occupational therapy practice. Learning opportunities address: humans as occupational beings including cultural and anthropological perspectives; relationship between occupations, health and occupational therapy practice; and the evolution of the occupational therapy profession in Australia and internationally. Through the use of case-based studies and input from consumers of occupational therapy, occupational therapy clinicians and occupational therapy academics, students learn how to use key constructs of occupational performance to begin the development of the professional reasoning capacity required to determine an existing problem of occupation and subsequent focus of therapy. Experiential learning focuses on the development of professional behaviours, communication, and reflection, with particular emphasis on core oral communication skills required for practice. Assessments are supported by learning opportunities which target expected procedures to be used in theoretical and case-based reporting and referencing used in scholarly written work.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Celine Serrano-Diaz, celine.serranodiaz@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Chris Chapparo, chris.chapparo@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Tutorial attendance	0%	Multiple weeks	Weeks 1-12
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Hand-in Task Portfolio 6 x submissions, 2 will be marked.	40%	Multiple weeks Due date: 14 Mar 2021 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Apr 2021	6 x 1-page (500 word limit)
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE) Students are required to complete the online module to pass the entire unit	0%	Week 05 Due date: 02 Apr 2021 at 15:30	Online module
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Case-based written assessment 2 x written analysis of case studies (1,000-word limit for each)	40%	Week 11 Due date: 23 May 2021 at 23:59	Total: 2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Oral examination Skills-based assessment to demonstrate communication during an interview	20%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2021 at 08:00 Closing date: 03 Jun 2021	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Hand-in task portfolio (40%) – six (6) x hand-in tasks due over multiple weeks. Each task has a 1-page limit (maximum 500 words). All six tasks must be submitted but only two are randomly selected for grading.
Written case analysis report (40%) – two (2) x written analyses (each with 1000 word limit) of a case study.
Oral exam (20%) – 10-minute demonstration of professional interviewing skills and clinical rationale.
Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE) (0%, hurdle task) – online module to be completed in order to pass the unit
Tutorial attendance – participation in 90% of tutorials is compulsory. See "Attendance and Class Requirements" in the unit of study outline

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 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.

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

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Induction program: welcome to course (online)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Why OT? Getting to know you	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Live Zoom lecture: Occupation, wellbeing and meaning	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Meaning, occupation and the interview process	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	1. Introduction to OT models – Person, Environment and Occupation 2. OPM(A) – Philosophy and constructs, using the OPMA to structure thinking	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Critical thinking - research and practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Occupation – tasks and routines	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Interviewing skills – structuring and questioning	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Occupational roles	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Interviewing skills – attending	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Person - occupational performance capacities	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Interviewing skills - responding to feelings and interpreting behaviours	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Core elements and time & space	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	OT assessment	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Live Zoom lecture: Environment – Context	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Communicating with families and carers	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Culture and cultural competency	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Considering personal & contextual factors 1: Culture	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Lecture A: Knowing, doing and being as an OT, Lecture B Guest speaker	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Considering personal & contextual factors 2: Health conditions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Lecture A: Knowing, doing and being as an OT, Lecture B: Guest speaker	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Considering personal & contextual factors 3: Life stage	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Live Zoom lecture: Bringing it all together, Unit of Study Survey (USS)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Oral exam preparation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Oral exams	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Oral exams	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance at all lectures is expected and attendance at tutorials is compulsory. If unable to attend, please notify UOS coordinator via email, providing relevant evidence for reason for absence and submitting special consideration application where necessary. Failure to attend 90% of tutorials will automatically result in a Fail grade unless extenuating circumstances are demonstrated.

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

See UOS Canvas site for list of readings

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. Articulate your occupational therapy identity by describing the core philosophy, focus and scope of occupational therapy
LO2. Identify and define the concept of occupational ill-health and well being
LO3. Identify and define the essential theoretical constructs that represent human occupations and occupational performance
LO4. Use theoretical constructs of occupational performance to identify the occupational needs of individuals, groups and populations
LO5. Investigate, analyse and document information about occupational performance, health and well-being through professional interviewing
LO6. Demonstrate ethical and professional communication skills that reflect professional values in occupational therapy
LO7. Describe the impact of effective verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as miscommunication, and how this links to health outcomes
LO8. Identify and demonstrate respectful communication skills relevant to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 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 1.15. Addresses issues of occupational justice in practice 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 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 2.8. Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 3.8. Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.15. Addresses issues of occupational justice in practice 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 1.9. Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice 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 2.4. Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 1.11. Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts 1.15. Addresses issues of occupational justice in practice 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 1.8. Adheres to all work health and safety, and quality requirements for practice 1.9. Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice 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 2.4. Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 2.6. Maintains and improves currency of knowledge, skills and new evidence for practice by adhering to the requirements for continuing professional development 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 3.2. Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals 3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals 3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.10. Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise 1.15. Addresses issues of occupational justice in practice 1.3. Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships 1.4. Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 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 2.4. Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices 2.6. Maintains and improves currency of knowledge, skills and new evidence for practice by adhering to the requirements for continuing professional development 2.8. Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 3.2. Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals 3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals 3.4. Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals 3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client 3.6. Seeks to understand and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ experiences of health, wellbeing and occupations encompassing cultural connections 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 4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively 4.3. Works ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to understand and incorporate relevant cultural protocols and communication strategies, with the aim of working to support self-governance in communities 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies 4.7. Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 1.11. Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts 1.12. Identifies and uses relevant professional and operational support and supervision 1.14. Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice 1.17. Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients. 1.3. Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships 1.4. Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.9. Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 3.2. Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals 3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals 3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client 3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making 4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively 4.10. Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others. 4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context 4.3. Works ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to understand and incorporate relevant cultural protocols and communication strategies, with the aim of working to support self-governance in communities 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies 4.6. Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete 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 4.9. Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 1.3. Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships 1.4. Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 1.9. Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice 4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively 4.10. Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others. 4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context 4.3. Works ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to understand and incorporate relevant cultural protocols and communication strategies, with the aim of working to support self-governance in communities 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 4.9. Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.10. Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise 1.11. Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts 1.14. Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice 1.15. Addresses issues of occupational justice in practice 1.17. Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients. 1.3. Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 1.9. Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on 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 2.4. Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals 3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client 3.6. Seeks to understand and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ experiences of health, wellbeing and occupations encompassing cultural connections 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 4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively 4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context 4.3. Works ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to understand and incorporate relevant cultural protocols and communication strategies, with the aim of working to support self-governance in communities 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 2.4. Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices 3.6. Seeks to understand and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ experiences of health, wellbeing and occupations encompassing cultural connections 4.3. Works ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to understand and incorporate relevant cultural protocols and communication strategies, with the aim of working to support self-governance in communities

Responding to student feedback

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

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

OCCP1103: Occupational Therapy Theory and Process

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect