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Australian or New Zealand citizens, or have Australian resident status. Information in this publication is correct at the time of printing, but may change from time to time. For the most up-to-date details on Curtins prerequisites, refer to the TISC website at: tisc.edu.au Curtin will not be liable to you or to any other person for any loss or damage (including direct, consequential or economic loss or damage) however caused and whether by negligence or otherwise which may result directly or indirectly from the use of this publication. International students please note: This publication is intended for Australian citizens and permanent residents only. As some information contained in this publication may not be applicable, international students should refer to: international.curtin.edu.au or phone +61 8 9266 7331 for further information. Part-time study, external study and online learning is only available to international students studying outside Australia. International students studying on a student visa in Australia cannot study part-time or externally. Some courses are not available to international students. Copyright Curtin University 2012 This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Published by Curtin University. CRICOS Provider code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW) Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology.

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Application forms can be found at: http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/how-to-apply/ Inquiries about applying and other general information can be directed to the Future Students Centre. Tel: +61 8 9266 1000

Health Sciences

Specific inquiries about the academic content of the course, eligibility, and selection procedures can be directed to: Mrs Mary Claessen, Speech Pathology Program Director School of Psychology and Speech Pathology Curtin University Tel: +61 8 9266 7867 Email: M.Claessen@curtin.edu.au

School of Psychology and Speech Pathology

healthsciences.curtin.edu.au

Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology)

2013 Information for Prospective Students

GEON052202

contents
About the Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology)...............3 Course Learning Outcomes..................................................4 Course Requirements...........................................................4 Duration..................................................................................4 Accreditation and Registration...........................................4 Course Structure....................................................................5 Unit Descriptions...................................................................6 Academic Staff.....................................................................11

About the Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology)

The Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) is a four-year undergraduate degree with two possible study streams in fourth year. The Speech Pathology Fourth Year Stream combines clinical practicum and weekly seminars, and the Honours Speech Pathology Stream includes clinical practicums, weekly seminars and an Honours research project. Entry to the course is competitive, with increasing numbers of school leavers naming the program as a first preference. In 2011, the Faculty of Health Sciences introduced a common core first year curriculum in which first year students across the Faculty study common first year units, shared option stream units and discipline specific units. This new structure provides students with valuable inter-professional learning experiences, as they can meet and study alongside students enrolled in different health science programs, thus learning about the range of professionals with whom they may work on graduation. Our semester 1 2012 student feedback have indicated an overall high level of satisfaction with the units in the new curriculum. The quality of Curtin graduates is evident in the high employment rate. In 2009, 95% of graduates from the previous year were in full or part time employment, or engaged in full time postgraduate study. Graduates find employment across the public, private, not for profit and education sectors. Key Learning Areas and Curriculum Threads Five broad curriculum streams are integrated across the four years of the course. These are Clinical Science; Human Communication Science; Speech and Hearing Science; Cognitive Neuroscience; and Research Methods. Clinical Science Skills and knowledge needed for working with a clinical context. In the early stages of the course students acquire foundation knowledge for working within clinical contexts. This includes knowledge of health systems, principles of psychology and behaviour change, and Indigenous Australian Health and Culture. As students move through the course, the focus narrows to the clinical nature of speech pathology (assessment, intervention, ethical and professional behaviour, management, clinical writing). Second year clinical science is primarily theoretical and case based, while the third and fourth year include both theory and practical application of skills.

Human Communication Science Language, speech and communication across the life span, with a focus on providing students with an understanding of the evidence base for the profession. Cognitive Neuroscience An understanding of the role of the central nervous system on language, speech, communication and swallowing. Students begin by developing anatomical knowledge and progress to an understanding of the impact on behaviour in both typical development and a range of disorders. Speech and Hearing Science Knowledge of models and analysis of speech and auditory processing, include input and output processes. Research Methods Foundations of statistical analysis, research design are taught in the early years of the course in order to equip students to be informed readers of the scientific evidence. In the later years, the focus is on development of research projects which may be clinically based. Honours students develop and implement a research project. The focus in the first 3 years spreads across the 5 areas, with the fourth year of the program focused specifically on Clinical Science, with the addition of Research Methods for students completing Honours. Course Learning Outcomes Apply knowledge of human communication science to the delivery of speech pathology services and research in diverse and changing settings Critically analyse information to plan, implement and evaluate speech pathology services and research Locate, extract and critically appraise evidence and information from a range of resources to solve theoretical and applied problems in human communication science Demonstrate excellence in written, verbal and nonverbal communication skills appropriate to the discipline within a legal and ethical framework Use technologies relevant to the human communication sciences to inform clinical practice and research Understand and implement varied learning strategies, and take responsibility for ongoing professional and personal development Incorporate and demonstrate awareness of global or international perspectives in health care to clinical practice and research in speech pathology Demonstrate awareness of and respect for individual human rights and cultural diversity Independently and collaboratively apply professional skills in an ethical manner across a range of professional settings

Course Requirements Prerequisites: At least one science course 3A/3B from the following list: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biological Science, Integrated Science or Physics. Applicants must also meet the Universitys standard entry requirements, which include English competency. Desirable: Mathematics 2C/2D. The STAT is not accepted for entry to this course. Evidence of the successful completion of a Senior First Aid Certificate and Police Clearance are required before students begin clinical placements in third year. Duration This course is four years full-time or equivalent part-time study with the exception of the final year, which is full-time only. Accreditation and Registration The Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia. Therefore all graduates from the program are eligible to practice within Australia and other countries with whom SPA has a mutual recognition agreement.

Course Structure
Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) (174499)
Program Director: Mrs Mary Claessen The Speech Pathology degree is a four year full-time equivalent course with no elective units.
Year Units Required Unit Name Credit Points

Unit Descriptions
311262 Human Communication Science Introduction 171 How do we understand spoken and written language? How do we find the right words to say, and the right order to say them in? How do we acquire these abilities during the course of human development? You begin your enquiry into these complex questions in Human Communication Science 171. In this semester you will learn the tools for describing and thinking about language. Understanding typical language processing and having the tools to describe language are important because they provide a framework for understanding disordered communication. Many of you will work in professions that require skills in observing, writing and talking about speech, language and communication behaviours. It is important for you to use accepted and commonly understood terminology and semantic and syntactic conventions. You will have an opportunity to observe, record and write about speech, language and communication behaviours in class-based observations in this unit. 313391 Human Structure and Function 100 In this unit you will answer questions about how the human body is maintained, and explore the link between macroscopic and microscopic structures that achieve homeostasis. You will be well supported by unit materials that will prepare you for the activities you will do in the face-to-face sessions each week. Assessment tasks with feedback will help you to achieve the unit outcomes. We hope this unit will inspire students to think about how the body works in an integrated and functional way, and provide a solid framework on which to build in other units in your particular course. 313392 Introduction to Psychology 100 This is a first year unit which is a core unit for many students in the Faculty of Health Sciences, and studied as an option unit by students from many other Faculties. The unit will provide an introduction to the study of human behaviour. During semester you will study a number of aspects of human behaviour and develop an understanding of how characteristics of an individual, and the people around them, can influence behaviour. You will also examine some of the underlying processes necessary for behaviour change.

Year 1, Semester 1

311262 313391 313392 313394

Human Communication Science Introduction 171 Human Structure and Function 100 Introduction to Psychology 100 Foundations for Professional Health Practice 100 Human Communication Science Language Development 172 Indigenous Cultures and Health 130 Evidence Informed Health Practice 100 Brain and Behaviour 100 Health and Health Behaviour 100 Research and Data Analysis 271 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 271 Cognitive Neuroscience 271 Speech and Hearing Science 271 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 272 Human Communication Science 272 Speech and Hearing Science 272 Speech Science and Data Analysis 272 Human Communication Science Evidence Based Practice 371 Speech Pathology Practice 371 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 371 Professional Development in Speech Pathology 371 Research in Speech Pathology 372 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 372 Speech Pathology Practice 372 Professional Development in Speech Pathology 372 Speech Pathology Practice Dysphagia 471 Speech Pathology Practice 473 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 473 Speech Pathology Practice 477 Speech Pathology Practice 475 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 474 Speech Pathology Practice 476 Human Communication Science Honours 471 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology Honours 471 Speech Pathology Practice Honours 471 Human Communication Science Honours 472 Speech Pathology Practice 475 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology Honours 473

25 25 25 25 25 12.5 12.5 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 12.5 37.5 25 25 37.5 37.5 25 50 12.5 37.5 50 37.5 12.5

Year 1, Semester 2

311261 312649 313390 313393 313395

Year 2, Semester 1

2498 2929 301315 311268

Year 2, Semester 2

2939 301317 311269 6945

Year 3, Semester 1

301318 311560 311561 314149

Year 3, Semester 2

301320 311559 311562 314150

Speech Pathology Fourth Year Stream Year 4, Semester 1 311564 311566 313970 313978 Year 4, Semester 2 311569 313971 313972 Speech Pathology Honours Stream Year 4, Semester 1 310594 311563 311570 Year 4, Semester 2 310595 311569 311571

313394 Foundations for Professional Health Practice 100 This unit will start to prepare you for a career as a health professional, by exploring the foundations needed for the safe, high quality, ethical care of clients, including individuals, groups, communities and companies. It is important for all health professionals to have an understanding of the system in which they practice and this unit will introduce you to the health care system in Australia as well as exploring comparisons with international health care systems. Finally, this unit will prepare you for success in your course by exploring the motivations behind your career decisions and by providing you with the academic skills to demonstrate your knowledge and skills through oral and written communication. 311261 Human Communication Science Language Development 172 In this unit you will study the course of typical language development from birth through to adulthood. You will also expand the range of clinical tools you have learnt and being to apply these to people with typically developing language.

7 312649 Indigenous Cultures and Health 130 This unit explores Indigenous peoples experience internationally as a broader context of understanding similarities and differences within and between global Indigenous populations. Then, with a more national and local focus, the impact of specific policies, events and practices on Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (AATSIP) and health outcomes will be examined in detail. 313390 Evidence Informed Health Practice 100 Evidence Informed Health Practice 100 is a foundation unit in your health sciences degree. As health science graduates, many of you will be responsible for providing information or making decisions that influence the health and health care of individuals, groups or communities. Regardless of whether your future work is in the laboratory, a hospital ward or in the community, it is vital that you make informed professional practice decisions. You will do this by understanding the questions that you need to answer, identifying the different types of scientific evidence available, critically evaluating the evidence and determining its value in answering your questions. 313393 Brain and Behaviour 100 The aim of this unit is to develop your interest in, and understanding of, the scientific study of human behaviour. You will learn about the brain, some major areas of investigation and the progress which has been made in them. We will structure our teaching around some core areas and concepts (eg the evolution, structure, and development of the brain, major neural networks) and provide you with opportunities to apply your developing knowledge to real life cases. 313395 Health and Health Behaviour 100 The aim of this unit is to introduce you to health and for you to develop an understanding of the many factors (that surround people and that are within people) which influence physical health, mental health and social wellbeing. These factors impact on the health of everyone individuals, families, communities and even whole populations. For every person who is unwell, there is often a complex story about the many and varied factors which have contributed to their health issues. 2498 Research and Data Analysis 271 This unit is designed to build your scientific thinking skills and develop your ability to (a) undertake valid research in the area of speech pathology, and (b) understand and evaluate research in speech pathology conducted by others. In this unit you will be introduced to experimental and quasi-experimental research designs and analyses that have particular relevance for speech pathology clinical practice. The content is designed to support evidencebased practice. This unit is integrated with the Graduate Entry Master of Speech Pathology program unit Research Design and Analysis in Speech Pathology 571. 2929 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 271 This unit focuses on developing your clinical skills, building on the theory, tools and topics you covered in Human Communication Science 271 and 272 and preparing you for your clinical placements and Clinical Science lectures in third year. 301315 Cognitive Neuroscience 271 This unit will draw your attention to the nature of human abilities through the integration of several domains of knowledge. Principles of neurology, cognition, psycholinguistics and neuroscience, will be studied simultaneously. The knowledge gained will be applied to the clinical context. 311268 Speech and Hearing Science 271 This unit covers a range of current topics in the speech and hearing sciences including acoustic phonetics, speech perception, speech production, and computerbased speech processing. In the laboratories you will be introduced to the acoustic analysis of speech using PRAAT software. Speech and Hearing Science 271 also has a series of six special lectures on the diagnosis and management of speech sound disorders. Overall, this unit provides key foundational and practical knowledge required for a speech pathologist to explain and evaluate speech related disorders in clients, and important information on managing those disorders. 2939 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 272 This unit focuses on developing your clinical skills, building on the topics you covered in Clinical Science in first year and in CS271 as well as preparing you for your clinical placements and lectures in third year. It links closely to the theoretical knowledge you will learn and apply in Human Communication Science 272. 301317 Human Communication Science 272 This unit focuses on developing your existing theoretical framework to apply your knowledge and understanding to clinical practice. It builds on information you have covered in Cognitive Neuroscience 271 and is very closely linked to Clinical Science 272. 311269 Speech and Hearing Science 272 This unit re-examines the auditory pathway but this time with a stronger focus on the impact of hearing disorders on development or maintenance of speech and language, as well as treatment, management and the role of the speech pathologist, audiologist and other medical and health professionals. In undertaking this unit you will be provided with a basic understanding of audiological assessment and competency in audiological screening. 6945 Speech Science and Data Analysis 272 The speech science component of this unit focuses on measurement issues in speech pathology, which is taught in an integrated way with data analysis techniques, including parametric and nonparametric statistics, for group and single case designs. In the laboratory sessions you will gain further experience in using Praat and you will apply data analysis techniques discussed in lectures. The written assessments will help you develop scientific report writing skills. Overall this unit, building on what you have already covered in Research and Data Analysis 271, will emphasize key skills and knowledge to help you become an effective scientific clinician and follow evidencebased practice. 301318 Human Communication Science Evidence Based Practices 371 The aim of this unit is to help form a bridge between the academic content of the course and clinical practice. Human Communication Science 371 continues the focus on developing your skills as a clinical scientist which we began last year. You will cover evidence based practice and theory in the context of assessment and therapy/ intervention/management. 311560 Speech Pathology Practice 371 This unit focuses on introducing you to Speech Pathology Fieldwork. This involves management of paediatric and adult clients in a range of settings with a range of communication disorders, models of intervention and service delivery. This includes stuttering, paediatric communication, adult inpatient and adult outpatient clinics. 311561 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 371 This unit is the theoretical component for voice, motor speech and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). 314149 Professional Development in Speech Pathology 371 This unit aims to provide you with a range of skills to equip you in your work as a speech pathologist. It will cover professional issues relevant to working within a professional scope of practice including working in teams, ethical practice and supervision and mentoring. The unit will involve a mix of face-face teaching and some online components.

9 301320 Research in Speech Pathology 372 This unit is designed to extend your skills in critically analysing and evaluating research methodology and scientific argument, as well as provide experience in reviewing the literature and preparing a research proposal. Research in Speech Pathology 372 is intended to provide a sound foundation in research skills which can be used in a clinical career and as a preparation for Honours in fourth year. 311559 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 372 This unit covers the theoretical component to your dysphagia clinical placement. You must pass all aspects of this theory before completing your clinical placement. 311562 Speech Pathology Practice 372 This unit follows on from SPP 371 and further extends your clinical knowledge and skills. This involves management of paediatric and adult clients in a range of settings with a range of communication disorders, models of intervention and service delivery. This includes stuttering, paediatric communication, adult inpatient and adult outpatient clinics. 314150 Professional Development in Speech Pathology 372 This is a new unit for 2012 and the focus is on further developing your interpersonal skills in dealing with challenging clients, participating in an IPE workshop and dealing with more complex ethical situations. 311564 Speech Pathology Practice Dysphagia 471 This unit has a focus on Speech Pathology clinical practice for clients with swallowing disorders. It will provide you with hands on clinical experience in assessment, intervention, and management of these clients. 311566 Speech Pathology Practice 473 This unit focus on developing and applying knowledge, skills and personal qualities required to provide services to clients with communication and swallowing impairments with an appropriate degree of independence. It will provide you with hands on clinical experience in assessment, intervention and management of clients. Guidance and supervision are provided by speech pathology clinical educators. This unit includes your community based clinics in which you will provide management of paediatric and adult clients in a variety of settings with a range of communication and/or swallowing disorders. 313970 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 473 This unit addresses theoretical and professional issues at a high level. You will attend seminars planned to provide you with further information in specialist areas. There are four components to the unit: 1) Attendance at and participation in the theoretical and practical seminars each week; 2) Online clinical discussion with other students ; 3) Construction of an individual clinical map of competencies and range indicators and 4) Construction of a professional poster. 313978 Speech Pathology Practice 477 This unit focuses on developing and applying knowledge, skills and personal qualities in providing services related to clinical practice. Guidance and supervision are provided by speech pathology clinical educators. 311569 Speech Pathology Practice 475 Speech Pathology Practice 475 is a fieldwork unit. The fieldwork component of this unit requires students to complete a COMPASS assessed clinical placement. This fieldwork focuses on expanding and consolidating students application of knowledge, skills and personal qualities required to provide services to clients with communication and swallowing impairments with an increasing degree of independence. Guidance and supervision are provided by speech pathology clinical educators. The seven professional competencies required for speech pathology practice as defined by the Competency Based Occupational Standards Entry Level (CBOS) [SPAA, 2001] document will be targeted along with the four generic academic abilities of reasoning, communication, lifelong learning and professionalism. 313971 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 474 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 474 is a seminar unit. The seminar unit is aimed at extending theoretical knowledge in specialised areas of speech pathology practice and preparing students for the workforce. 313972 Speech Pathology Practice 476 Speech Pathology Practice 476 is a fieldwork unit. The fieldwork component of this unit requires students to complete a clinical experience. The fieldwork experience focuses on developing and applying knowledge, skills and personal qualities required to provide services to clients with communication and swallowing impairments with an appropriate level of independence. 310594 Human Communication Science Honours 471 The aim of the Honours course is to give students an advanced understanding of the methods and principles of scientific research by planning, undertaking, and writing up the results of an empirical research project. A second aim of the course is to provide students with an opportunity to consider and discuss a range of advanced and current philosophical, theoretical and professional issues of relevance to the human communication sciences and speech pathology. 311563 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 471 This unit has 5 aspects: 1) Attendance at and participation in the theoretical and practical seminars each week; 2) Online clinical discussion with other students; 3) Construction of an individual clinical map of competencies and range indicators; 4) Construction of a professional poster and 5) Completion of one day of the Lions audiology and tympanometry screenings. 311570 Speech Pathology Practice Honours 471 This unit focuses on developing and applying knowledge, skills and personal qualities required to provide services to clients with communication and swallowing impairments with an appropriate degree of independence. It will provide you with hands on clinical experience in assessment, intervention, and management of clients. Guidance and supervision are provided by speech pathology clinical educators. 310595 Human Communication Science Honours 472 This unit in combination with HCS Honours 471 is designed to give you an advanced understanding of the methods and principles of scientific research, and practical experience in these aspects by the conduct and writing up of an empirical research project. In addition, you will consider and discuss a range of fundamental and current philosophical, theoretical and professional issues of relevance to the Human Communication Sciences. 311569 Speech Pathology Practice 475 These units focus on expanding and consolidating your application of knowledge, skills and personal qualities required to provide services to clients with communication and swallowing impairments with an increasing degree of independence. Guidance and supervision are provided by speech pathology clinical educators. 311571 Clinical Science in Speech Pathology Honours 473 This unit is similar to Clinical Science in Speech Pathology 471 and is a seminar unit aimed at extending your theoretical knowledge in specialised areas of speech pathology practice and preparing you for the workforce.

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12 Dr Suze Leitao After working for many years as a clinician and completing her PhD, Suze moved into part-time teaching and supervision at Curtin in 2003. She is delighted to supervise a range of excellent Honours and PhD students and they continue to have a thriving research group which covers many areas such as: language and literacy, discourse processing, working memory, phonological awareness and phonological representations, and children from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds. She is also an active member of Speech Pathology Australia and currently Chair of the SPA Ethics Board. Miss Brooke Sanderson Brooke is the Clinical Coordinator for the Speech Pathology programs at Curtin University. She is responsible for the coordination and management of the clinical placement program for both Bachelor and Masters students. Brooke is responsible for the overall growth, direction and quality of the clinical placement program, in addition to the coordination, teaching and support of students and clinical educators. She commenced as a clinical coordinator within the Speech Pathology program at Curtin in 2010. Associate Professor Anne Whitworth Anne is a researcher, clinician, and educator in the field of speech pathology and acquired neurological impairments, in particular, aphasia. Her interests are in increasing understanding of how language and communication breakdown following neurological insult, developing and evaluating theoretically sound assessments and interventions in aphasia, and both facilitating and measuring the real life impact of therapy for people with communication impairments. Anne has developed a number of assessments and therapy protocols that are used widely by therapists, including a comprehensive battery of assessments for Japanese speakers with aphasia, in collaboration with colleagues in the UK and in Tokyo. Associate Professor Cori Williams Cori has been a member of staff at Curtin since 2000, and director of Speech Pathology programs between mid 2006 and early 2011. She is an active member of Speech Pathology Australia, and immediate past President of the Association. Her research interests encompass multicultural and indigenous issues in speech pathology, language and literacy and hearing impairment. Cori generally teaches first year units in Language Development, second year units in Speech and Hearing Science and supervises Honours and Postgraduate research. Cori also provides specialist lectures, looking at language and hearing issues in the Indigenous Australian population, and on issues in identifying and treating language difficulties in children from multilingual backgrounds.

Academic Staff
Mrs Mary Claessen Mary is an experienced speech pathologist having worked in a variety of both public and private settings. She is currently completing her PhD in the area of specific language impairment and literacy development as well as teaching at Curtin. Mary teaches across a range of areas in both the undergraduate and graduate entry masters programs and is particularly interested in language development, language analysis and evidence-based practice. Her teaching is predominantly in the area of child speech and language. Recently she has become interested in developing the professional skills of speech pathology students, including awareness of ethical practice, working within inter professional teams, and dealing with the needs of complex clients. Ms Janet Beilby Janet is a lecturer to Undergraduate and Masters students in Stuttering Disorders; Professional Preparation and Competencies; and Professional Ethics and Medico-legal Ethics. Janets research interests include stuttering Disorders in children and adults; adolescent stuttering and special needs; psychosocial aspects of early stuttering; medicolegal ethics; professional issues and professional preparation practice. Ms Jade Cartwright Jade is a Speech Pathologist with 10 years experience working in the areas of progressive neurological disease and post-stroke rehabilitation in a range of hospital and community settings. She is currently completing her doctoral studies part time in the area of Primary Progressive Aphasia. She has a keen interest in neuroscience and principles of neural plasticity. She commenced lecturing at Curtin within the Speech Pathology programs in 2009. Dr Neville Hennessey Neville lectures primarily in the Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) program at Curtin University, and coordinates the Honours program in Speech Pathology. He also supervises research students in Speech Pathology and Psychology, ranging from Honours to PhD. His research interests include Cognitive processes in language perception and production; Dyslexia and reading development; Acquired and developmental language disorders; Speech motor disorders including stuttering; Human performance; Speech science including digital signal processing of normal and disordered speech and swallowing.