Unit Outline
CXA112
Anatomy and Physiology of the Head, Neck and Thorax
Semester 1, 2024
Jessica Becker
School of Health Sciences
College of Health and Medicine
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Jessica Becker
Email: Jessica.Becker@utas.edu.au
 

What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
In this unit, you will examine foundational knowledge of the anatomy and physiology relating to structures of the head, neck and thorax. The functional anatomy and physiology of the head, neck and thorax are examined with a focus on structures necessary for speaking, swallowing, voice, respiration and hearing, and to study the underlying neurological and physiological processes that enable humans to think, hear, speak and swallow. These knowledges and skills underpin effective assessment and intervention for communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan and are foundational to clinical speech pathology practice.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1.
Explain the embryonic development of the nervous system and anatomical structures of speaking, voice, swallowing, hearing and respiration and describe the clinical consequences of in utero malformation.
2.
Describe the anatomical structures related to the processes of speaking, voice, swallowing, respiration and hearing.
3.
Identify gross neuroanatomy, the functional divisions of the nervous system, blood supply to the brain, and the functional impact of disrupted blood supply.
4.
Describe the physiological processes of typical speaking, voice, respiration, hearing and swallowing, and analyse functional consequences of disruption to these processes.
5.
Describe cranial nerve innervation of relevant structures and analyse functional consequences of cranial nerve damage.
Alterations as a result of student feedback
In response to student feedback, the following changes have been made to the unit: 
•    Large topics have been separated into smaller modules to constrain the maximum content displayed on a single page. 
•    Additional three-dimensional models have been created and imbedded to support interaction with the content. 
•    Additional non-assessable knowledge check quizzes have been included to provide students formative feedback regarding their progress in the unit. 
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
Online
Independent Learning
Self directed learning
7
Weekly
Lecture (Online)
Online learning activities
3
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 

How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Online Exam
See the MyLO site for the due date
40 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:
Quizzes
Refer to Assessment Description
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:
Case or problem activated learning Report
Refer to Assessment Description
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
 
Assessment details
    
Assessment Task 1: Online Exam
Task Description:
This online open book exam combines both multiple choice and extended response questions to demonstrate your knowledge of foundational functional anatomy and physiology, and outcomes of impairment to these processes.

Task Length:
2 hours plus reading time
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Relates structures and processes associated with speaking, voice, swallowing, respiration and hearing to anatomy and physiology terminology and knowledge.
LO1, LO2, LO3
2
Describe structure and function of the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system, including innervation and blood supply.
LO5
3
Identify how functional disruption to head, neck or thorax physiological processes can impede speaking, voice, respiration, hearing and swallowing.
LO4
 
Assessment Task 2: Quizzes
Task Description:
This assessment task requires completion of six (6) short online quizzes at the end of each module. Each quiz will be made of 10 multiple-choice (MCQs) and/or identifying /labelling style short-answer questions (SAQs).

These quizzes are summative and will contribute a total of 30% to the final grade.

This series of quizzes allows you to demonstrate your ability to identify key terms and concepts related to the mechanical and physiological processes related to speaking, voice, swallowing, respiration, phonation, and hearing.

30% (5% per quiz)

Task Length:
10 questions per quiz (combination of MCQ and SAQS)
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
30 %
 
 

CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Explain the terms and concepts associated with the nervous system and anatomical structures of speaking, voice, swallowing, respiration and hearing.
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
2
Identify the anatomical and neurological structures involved in speaking, voice, swallowing, respiration and hearing
LO3, LO5
3
Describe the physiological processes of typical speaking, voice, respiration, hearing and swallowing, and analyse functional consequences of disruption to these processes.
LO4, LO5
 
Assessment Task 3: Case or problem activated learning Report
Task Description:
You are required to complete a written report on a disease process associated with speaking, voice, swallowing, respiration and hearing, and explore the anatomy, physiology and implications for the person in their daily life. This will form the basis of exploring a case scenario to build on foundational knowledge and demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge of anatomical and physiological function to a person’s case.

Task Length:
Up to 1000 words.
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Describe the structures and processes associated with speaking, voice, swallowing, respiration and hearing using correct anatomy and physiology terminology and knowledge.
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
2
Explain how typical anatomical and physiological function creates speaking, voice, swallowing, respiration and hearing and how these processes can be disrupted.
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
3
Describe structure and function of the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system, including innervation and blood supply.
LO5
4
Integrate and communicate knowledge of typical and non-typical anatomical and physiological functioning in a logical and concise format.
LO1, LO4, LO5
 
 
 

How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater.
 
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
 
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.
 
 
 

Required Resources
Required reading materials
Please refer to your reading list for required readings. You will be directed to the recommended readings as you work through each topic in Mylo
 
Recommended reading materials
Please refer to your reading list for required readings. You will be directed to the recommended readings as you work through each topic in Mylo.
 
Other required resources