Unit Outline
CXA763
Optimising Swallowing, Feeding and Voice
Semester 1, 2026
Annabelle Vaughan
School of Health Sciences
Health (Portfolio)
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Annabelle Vaughan
Email: annabelle.vaughan@utas.edu.au
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
 
This unit consolidates and extends your knowledge and application of theoretical models and practice frameworks to understand, identify and respond to voice, feeding and swallowing needs of individuals and communities with multifactorial considerations. The unit adopts a case-based and lifespan focus. You will develop skills related to the description, analysis and interpretation, evidence-based assessment, differential diagnosis, and application of intervention principles to optimise communication and swallowing in complex cases or situations. Responsiveness to the people involved and the context of intervention is embedded throughout the unit, along with working in partnership with others to plan, implement, evaluate and modify intervention or service response plans.
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
Apply relevant theories, models, and practice frameworks to understand and identify swallowing, feeding and voice needs of individuals and communities.
2
Develop and implement holistic, evidence-based, ethical, and culturally responsive assessment plans to understand swallowing, feeding and voice needs of individuals and communities.
3
Analyse and interpret information from a wide range of sources to understand, diagnose, and describe swallowing, feeding and voice needs of individuals and communities in partnership with others.
4
Design and deliver holistic, evidence-based, ethical, and culturally safe and responsive intervention or service response plans to optimise swallowing, feeding and voice where there are features of complexity.
5
Plan and justify assessment and intervention for a mixed caseload, prioritising workflow in response to need and risk.
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Concurrent Pre-requisite
CXA726 Speech Pathology Practice 2
CXA762 Optimising Language and Literacy
Alterations as a result of student feedback
 
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Lecture (Online)
No Description
1
StudyPeriod 10 times
Independent Learning
No Description
9
StudyPeriod 10 times
Workshop
Residential school
15
Study Period 2 times
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 or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, 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:
Simulation Assessment Written - Voice
Week 5
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:
Simulation Assessment Practical – Voice
Week 7
0 %
LO1, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:
Case-Based Assessment - Swallowing Assessment and Intervention Planning
Week 10
35 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:
Clinical Cases in Context - Swallowing and Feeding
Week 14
35 %
LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Simulation Assessment Written - Voice
Task Description:
In this case study task, you will review a case history and goal setting session between a speech pathologist and a client with a voice complaint. Case history information may be presented in a hybrid of written, audio and video information. You will be given progress notes, assessment results, clinical history and goal setting information. You will analyse and interpret the case data, integrating this with theory and your own independent research to prepare an initial assessment report. Your clinical report will include a differential diagnosis, a plan for further assessment, and intervention options with the aim of optimising voice.

This is a hurdle task. You must pass the written component of the simulation assessment to be eligible for a pass in the unit.
Task Length:
1500 words
Due Date:
Week 5
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Analyse and interpret case assessment and observation data, integrating theory and independent research.
LO1, LO3
2
Identify gaps in case data and justify further assessment required.
LO1, LO2, LO3
3
Justify holistic and evidence-based intervention plans.
LO1, LO4
4
Respond to cultural and ethical considerations in terms of assessment interpretation and/or intervention planning.
LO1, LO4
5
Present a succinct initial assessment report, integrating diagnostic information, assessment plans, and evidence-based, justified intervention options.
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
 
Assessment Task 2: Simulation Assessment Practical – Voice
Task Description:
This assessment presents a contemporary and authentic situation in the practice area of voice. The assessment involves participation in a simulation session focused on implementing voice intervention with a client. You will be provided with case information to analyse and interpret prior to the simulation session. In the simulation, you will demonstrate skills across the domains of speech pathology practice and professional conduct.
This is a hurdle task. It is a Pass/Fail assessment. You are required to pass the practical component of the simulation assessment to be eligible for a pass in this unit. This task assesses skills that will contribute to core claims of competency that will prepare you for readiness for entry to the profession. If you do not meet the required level of competency, you will be given an opportunity to reattempt the simulation session.
Task Length:
90 minute simulation
Due Date:
Week 7
 
Weight:
0 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Analyse and interpret case information considering the context and issues raised in each scenario, integrating theory and independent research.
LO1, LO3
2
Deliver a holistic, evidence-based voice intervention in a simulated setting.
LO1, LO4
 
Assessment Task 3: Case-Based Assessment - Swallowing Assessment and Intervention Planning
Task Description:
In this case-based assessment you will apply your theoretical understanding and knowledge of assessment and intervention principles in response to case information, with a focus on evaluating and managing feeding and swallowing at an individual and/or community level.

Your submission will respond to a number of case studies that cover assessment planning, analysis, interpretation, differential diagnosis, scripted feedback, goal setting, and adaptive management with a focus on optimising feeding and/or swallowing at an individual and/or community level.
Task Length:
2000 words
Due Date:
Week 10
Weight:
35 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Analyse and interpret case integrating theory and research information to formulate and communicate a differential diagnosis.
LO1, LO3
2
Identify gaps in case information and plan further evidence-based and culturally responsive assessment to support intervention planning.
LO1, LO2, LO3
3
Formulate and communicate intervention goals and priorities with supporting rationale that references the client, their personal context, and the evidence base.
LO4
4
Identify cultural and ethical considerations, including dignity of risk and informed consent required in decision making.
LO1, LO4
 
Assessment Task 4: Clinical Cases in Context - Swallowing and Feeding
Task Description:
In this case-based assessment you will apply your theoretical understanding and knowledge of assessment and intervention principles in response to authentic paediatric and adult case information, with a focus on optimising feeding and swallowing in a single care context. You will respond to a series of case vignettes, critically evaluate the clinical need, prioritise assessment and intervention, and prepare a written clinical plan with a video component to manage the presenting caseload of clients.
Task Length:
2000 words + 10 minutes video
Due Date:
Week 14
Weight:
35 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Analyse and interpret case information considering the context and issues raised in each scenario, integrating theory and independent research.
LO1, LO3
2
Evaluate intervention approaches in contexts of high clinical and/or social complexity and with consideration of service constraints.
LO1, LO5
3
Justify different holistic and evidence-based service response plans to meet the needs of individuals and communities.
LO1, LO4, LO5
4
Respond to cultural and ethical considerations in terms of assessment interpretation and/or intervention planning.
LO1, LO4
5
Present a clear, persuasive and succinct rationale for your clinal prioritisation and clinical management decisions.
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, 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.
 
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.