Unit Outline

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

Based on student feedback, the course content in selected modules—specifically Embryology and the Nervous System—has been simplified to enhance student comprehension

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:	Quizzes	See the MyLO site for the due date	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Case or problem activated learning Report	See the MyLO site for the due date	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Online Exam	See the MyLO site for the due date	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: 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:

See the MyLO site for the due date

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 2: 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:

See the MyLO site for the due date

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

Assessment Task 3: 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

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, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

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.