Outline

Overview

This elective unit is tailored for students aspiring to gain knowledge in specialised areas of occupational therapy to enhance individuals’ occupational performance and function. Within this unit, students will select two modules of specific practice areas aimed at enhancing occupational performance and functions of individuals with a range of health conditions and disabilities. Through critical appraisal and application of relevant concepts and approaches, students will develop fundamental knowledge and skills essential for their chosen specialised practice. Moreover, the unit will enhance their professional competency in planning and delivering occupational therapy services, empowering individuals to effectively address a variety of challenges in occupational performance and function.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	OCCP5208
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kim Bulkeley, kim.bulkeley@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Sarah Wilkes-Gillan, sarah.wilkes-gillan@sydney.edu.au
	Nicola Fearn, nicola.fearn@sydney.edu.au
	Sumei Wrigley, sumei.wrigley@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 May 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Skills-based evaluation	In Class assessment Assessment on practical skills in chosen topic	25%	Week 03 Due date: 05 May 2025 at 10:00 Closing date: 05 May 2025	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	In class assessment Assessment on practical skills in chosen topic	25%	Week 06 Due date: 26 May 2025 at 10:00 Closing date: 26 May 2025	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised exam ?	Exam Short answer and multiple choice questions on two chosen topics.	50%	Week 07 Due date: 04 Jun 2025 at 10:00	50 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= restricted AI ?

Assessment summary

This unit of study will include 3 assessment tasks;

The first task will be an inclass practical assessment in week 3, related to the chosen topic, either Topic 1 or Topic 2 and will require students to demonstrate an understanding of the content from weeks 1 & 2.

The second task will be an inclass practical assessment in week 6, related to the chosend topic, either Topic 3 or Topic 4 and will require students to demonstrate an understanding of the content from weeks 4 & 5.

The third assessment task is the final exam which will occur in week 7 and will cover content from across the 6 weeks of the unit with the student selecting to complete two sections in the exam related to their chosen topics.

These assessments will not allow use of AI during completion of the task, but students may use AI to prepare for the task.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met in an exemplary manner
Credit	65 - 74	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met in a comprehensive and high standard
Pass	50 - 64	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been meet to a satisfactory standard
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met 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.

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
Week 01	Topics 1 & 2 Workshops Tuesday and Thursday	Workshop (6 hr)
Week 02	Topics 1 & 2 Workshops Monday and Tuesday	Workshop (6 hr)
Week 03	Topics 1 & 2 Workshops Monday and Tuesday	Workshop (6 hr)
Week 04	Topics 3 & 4 Workshops Monday and Tuesday	Workshop (6 hr)
Week 05	Topics 3 & 4 Workshops Monday and Tuesday	Workshop (6 hr)
Week 06	Topics 3 & 4 Workshops Monday and Tuesday	Workshop (6 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

As an intensive unit of study, attending all workshops will assist you with your learning and help you to keep on track with the content covered. There is an in class assessment in weeks 3 & 6 that you must attend.

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.

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. Assess individual clients’ occupational performance and function in the selected area of specialised practice.
LO2. Develop potential client goals related to the selected area of specialised practice to address occupational performance and function for individuals with a range of health conditions and disabilities.
LO3. Investigate and appraise the available evidence about the effectiveness of identified intervention approaches to enhance the individual's occupational performance and function.
LO4. Create and justify client-centred and occupation-embedded intervention plans for individuals to enhance their occupational performance and function.

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 - 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 3.12. Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning 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 3.8. Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 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. 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 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 3.10. Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes 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 3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making 3.9. Implements an effective and accountable process for delegation, referral and handover 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
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.11. Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 2.10. Maintains digital literacy for practice. 2.3. Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making 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 2.8. Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice 2.9. Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and 3.10. Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes 3.11. Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice 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 4.10. 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.
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.11. Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts 1.17. Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients. 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 2.8. 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 3.10. Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes 3.11. Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice 3.12. Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning 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 3.7. 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 4.11. 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

Responding to student feedback

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

This unit is being offered for the first time in 2025

Additional information

As an elective unit with two topics available in each week of the intensive mode, there is no detail about the workshop topics and related learning outcomes in the unit outline. This will be provided on the CANVAS site. You will have the option to choose your preferred topics in the two segments of the unit via the CANVAS site using self enrolment.

Weeks 1-3 of the unit offer the choice between Topic 1 A functional approach to supporting disabled people and Topic 2 Scar and oedema management - Enhancing performance and function

Weeks 4-6 offer the choice between Topic 3 Navigating the NDIS to enhance occupational performance and Topic 4 Supporting children's social functioning: Play and playfulness

Room allocations will be provided on CANVAS at the scheduled time in your timetable.

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

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

OCCP5400: Enhancing Occ Performance and Function

Intensive April - May, 2025 [Block mode] - 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

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