Communication and Swallowing Across the Lifespan

Unit code: HHB3004 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

Students will further explore the changes that occur over the lifespan in communication and swallowing. The World Health Organisation International Classification of Functioning and Bronfenbrenner ecological systems will provide frameworks for considering human development across time. Within life stages of infancy, childhood, adolescence, early and later adulthood, students will explore the changes in speech, language, voice fluency and swallowing. The unit will include in- and ex-utero development of the foetus, and changes that occur at older ages and at the end of life. Students will also explore the psychosocial and biological factors that influence these changes. Implications of life course development for relevant professional practice will be explored.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Elucidate the life span changes in communication relating to voice, fluency, speech, and oral and written language as relevant to Australia’s linguistic diversity;
  2. Investigate the life span changes relating to swallowing;
  3. Hypothesise the influence of enablers and barriers on the communication and/or swallowing lifespan changes;
  4. Synthesise information from a range of sources and report on complex concepts that relate to communication and swallowing; and
  5. Exhibit professional collaboration skills by managing responsibilities within a team, fostering inclusive communication and acknowledging diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Creative Works
|
Grade: 20%
Poster which presents information about typical communication and feeding in 0–2-year-old babies/ toddlers.
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 30%
Communication and swallowing milestone reference guide (1500 word equivalent)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 50%
Case study group presentation (10 mins) with live individual Q & A

Other – Each student will develop a communication and swallowing milestone reference guide for all domains of communication and swallowing for 2-8 year old children. The guide should also demonstrate an understanding of cultural and linguistic diversity and how this may impact development.

Presentation – In the presentation students will compare family members’ communication and swallowing to what is typically expected at their age, taking into account familial factors, cultural and linguistic diversity. The group presentation will be followed by individual Q&A to help ensure assessment of each student’s achievement of learning outcomes.

Required reading

Introduction of Speech, Language and Literacy.
McLeod, S., & McCormack, J. (Eds.) (2015)| Oxford University Press.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Speech and Language Sciences/Master of Speech Pathology
HCSP | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4.5 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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