SPTH9121 Professional Studies and Communication Sciences 1

Professional Studies and Communication Sciences 1 is a foundation topic that introduces students to normal development across the lifespan, and the knowledge and skills related to the sciences of anatomy and physiology in relation to human communication and swallowing processes, phonetics, linguistics, research methods and scientific inquiry, and clinical practice. These key concepts and skills prepare students for their first clinical experiences, effective participation in PBL and research inquiry.

Anatomy concepts will include an introduction to the functional anatomy and physiology of the phonatory, articulatory, and respiratory systems including embryology and the anatomy of the head and neck. Phonetics and linguistics will introduce students to concepts of speech, language, and prosody as well as phonetic transcription, morphology and grammar. Research methods concepts include the role of critical and scientific inquiry and thinking in speech pathology, evidence based practice and introductory statistics required to score and interpret formal speech pathology assessments.

This topic aims to ensure that students have an understanding of normal development across the lifespan, and can apply foundational knowledge and skills required to engage effectively in problem based learning and clinical placements in semester 1. This aim will be applied to the following foundational speech pathology sciences of:

• Anatomy and physiology including embryological development related to communication and swallowing
• Phonetics and linguistics with regard to how humans express and understand each other through speech, phonology, language, and prosody
• Scientific inquiry and thinking in speech pathology including evidence based practice, basic research principles such as observation and scientific reasoning, and basic statistical techniques required for using standardized tests and measurements in speech pathology

1. Describe the development of the embryo from conception to birth and identify and explain the function of the anatomical structures required for speech, hearing and swallowing
2. Explain the differences and relationships between receptive and expressive aspects of speech and language
3. Accurately phonetically transcribe the sounds of English
4. Apply evidence based practice, critical and scientific inquiry and thinking to learning and practice in speech pathology
5. Demonstrate basic observation, critical thinking and reasoning skills
6. Demonstrate a competence in scoring and interpretation of statistical measures through standardised tests used by speech pathologists
7. Draw upon knowledge and understanding of normal development and to analyse and interpret case studies using PBL principles and protocols