Outline

Overview

This unit of study introduces students to the profession of occupational therapy, including beliefs, philosophical bases, foundational concepts and skills. Scope of practice is considered in context of the Australian health care and disability systems, health law and professional responsibilities. There is a focus on understanding the impact of decolonisation on the health of indigenous Australians and the need for culturally safe services. Students will examine humans as occupational beings including cultural and anthropological perspectives and the relationship between occupations, health and occupational therapy practice. Students will start developing professional reasoning required to determine what impacts on occupational performance. This will be achieved through use of case-based studies and input from those with lived experiences, occupational therapy clinicians and academics, learning about occupational therapy theory and practising occupational analysis, identifying occupational issues and designing basic therapeutic interventions plans that are meaningful and safe.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	OCCP5258
Prohibitions ?	OCCP5237
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Bronwyn Simpson Simpson, bronwyn.simpson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Oral exam	Oral exam - clinical viva Clinical viva interview assessing clinical reasoning re intervention plan.	40%	Formal exam period	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	IPL workshop Attendance and full participation in InterProfessional Learning (IPL) workshop	0%	Multiple weeks	120 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	IPL hand hygiene module Complete the National Hand Hygiene Initiative Learning Management System and upload your PDF certificate to the Hand Hygiene Certificate Assignment on Canvas	0%	Week 02	60 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Peer evaluation (IPL) Peer evaluation task based on your experience in the workshop. This is an opportunity to reflect on your performance and that of your team.	0%	Week 04	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Occupational analysis Creative concept mapping and written summary - case study analysis	20%	Week 05	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Case Study Report Case report of occupational needs & performance issues using models.	40%	Week 09 Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

There are three assessment tasks for OCCP5257. Further details about each assessment can be found on the OCCP5257 Canvas page.

Occupational analysis: You will prepare a concept map and written summary, analysing a case study narrative using an OT model.
Case study report: You will consider the case of a person with occupational performance issues and needs arising from a clinical condition. You will need to apply OT models and occupation analysis techniques to present a comprehensive OT report.
Oral exam: This is a clinical viva where you will be asked questions about the intervention plan you will develop for the person in your case study report. Questions aim to elicit the depth and breadth of knowlege you have about the learning outcomes, your own appraisal of skills applied and the clinical reasoning used to formulate the plan.

You will also engage in Interprofessional Learning (IPL) during the semester, and sucessful completion of these activities is a 'hurdle task' to pass OCCP5257. More information can be found on the IPL Canvas site.

IPL hand hygiene module: complete the module and upload certificate to the IPL Canvas site
IPL workshop: Attendance and full participation in the workshop
Peer evaluation: Peer evaluation task based on your experience in the workshop. This is an opportunity to reflect on your performance and that of your team.

Assessment criteria

HD	High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for this unit at an exceptional standard
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for this unit at a very high standard
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.
AF	Absent fail	0 - 49	When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per coursework policy

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1) OT practice in Australia: What do OTs do? 2) Introduction to OT theory	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Analysing performance: PEO models and OPM(A)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Analysing performance: The PEO-P and OPM(A) models	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Using the OPM(A)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Analysing the inputs and outputs of performance: MOHO	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Using the MOHO	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Using OT models to identify "what matters" and OT frames of reference	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Choosing and using OT models	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Analysing activities, occupations and performance using OT models	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Analysing activities, occupations and performance using OT models	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	OT models and the OT process	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	OT models and the OT process	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	OT intervention approaches	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	OT intervention approaches	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	OT practice contexts: Service delivery systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	OT practice contexts: Service delivery systems	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	OT principles: professional values, standards, ethics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	OT principles: professional values, standards, ethics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	OT priorities: Disability-aware practice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	OT priorities: Disability-aware practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	OT priorities: culturally aware and responsive practice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	OT priorities: culturally aware and responsive practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	OT priorities: decolonising practices	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	OT priorities: decolonising practices	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Professional challenges	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Professional challenges	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures: All lectures are to be attended in person or a recording of the lecture can be viewed later online before the tutorials, which build on the lecture content. In the event automated recording fails, students will only have access to the lecture slides and resources links - a new recording will not be made. Lectures may include brief interactions or engagement activities which may not be possible to replicate if the lecture is viewed later online.

Tutorials: Tutorials include essential knowledge and skills training for completion of assessments so attendance at all tutorials is strongly recommended. Detailed information about tutorial preparation and topics is provided in Canvas.

Communication Skills: Occupational therapists must communicate with a range of people in their practice online, in person and in writing. Some activities in class and in assessments require students to communicate without scripts using impromptu and conversational English.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Please familiarise yourself with the University’s policies and guidelines on the use of AI in learning and assessment submission, including penalties for unauthorised use.

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

Brown, T., Bourke-Taylor, H.M., Isbel, S., Cordier, R. & Gustafsson, L. (2021) Occupational therapy in Australia: Professional and practice issues. 2nd Edition. Routledge: New York.

Turpin, M. & Iwama, M.K. (2011) Using occupational therapy models in practice: A field guide. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library’s reading list on 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. Describe occupational therapy service delivery in Australia, in relation to systems, schemes and regulatory requirements
LO2. Explain the significance of occupation to holistic human health and wellbeing which is culturally sensitive
LO3. Use occupational therapy models to identify occupational performance issues and needs of individuals, groups and populations, in a culturally safe way.
LO4. Analyse occupations and identify person-environment-occupation aspects of occupational performance
LO5. Develop an intervention plan to address occupational needs using a strength-based and person-centred approach.
LO6. Demonstrate ethical and professional verbal and written communication skills that reflect professional values in occupational therapy.

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 1.11. Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts 1.2. Adheres to legislation relevant to practice
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 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 1.9. 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 3.6. Seeks to understand and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ experiences of health, wellbeing and occupations encompassing cultural connections 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 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 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 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 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 4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context 4.6. Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete records of practice
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 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 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 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 4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively 4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context
	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 4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively 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 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies 4.6. Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete records of practice 4.9. Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others

Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1		Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
1.13		Manages resources, time and workload accountably and effectively
1.15		Addresses issues of occupational justice in practice
1.17		Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients.
1.2		Adheres to legislation relevant to practice
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
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
3.1		Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement
3.12		Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning
3.13		Uses appropriate assistive technology, devices and/or environmental modifications to achieve client occupational performance outcomes, and
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
4.11		Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.

Responding to student feedback

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

The unit was substantially revised for 2025, with very positive student feedback. Revisions for 2026 include focusing on fewer models in depth, restoring a face-to-face tutorial about cultural safety (which was on-line last year),

Additional information

Students are advised they should plan for a study workload of at least 3 hours per week in addition to classes, and further hours for assignment preparation.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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)

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OCCP5257: Foundations for Occupational Therapy Practice

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links