Speech Science courses

S1 T: Introduction to Communication in Children and Adults (15 points)

The Course Coordinator for this course is Dr Linda Hand.

Communication development and disorders. Normal communication development across the lifespan, in the context of total child development, of major changes in expectations such as school and literacy, and of variations such as cultural differences and multilingualism. Applications of these concepts in an introduction to the assessment and management of communication disorders in children and of acquired disorders in adults.

Prerequisite: MSLTPrac entry requirements (75 points at Stage III in Psychology, Education, Linguistics or Health Sciences).
Practical component: 1 compulsory 2 hour tutorial per week, on 9 of the 12 weeks. Kindergarten visits.....
Coursework: 60% details to be advised.
Final exam: 40%; Students must attempt all coursework and obtain a passing grade overall.

There is a limit of 24 places in this course.

S1T: Linguistics for Speech Language Therapy (15 Points)

The study of articulatory phonetics, phonemic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet, and the relationship between phonetics and phonology. Additional language analysis covering morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics.

S1T: Anatomy and Physiology for Speech Language Therapy (15 Points)

Anatomy and physiology of speech, language and hearing, including the respiratory, phonatory, articulatory, auditory and peripheral and central nervous systems underlying spoken communication. Application of this knowledge is through manipulation of human models and supported computer laboratories.

S1T: Speech Language Therapy Clinical Practicum 1 (15 Points)

Students spend two days per week in clinic under supervisor guidance in a variety of settings to gain direct and observational clinical experience working with people with communication disorders and to establish links between theory and practice. This course is supported by regular tutorial sessions.

S2 Dysphagia (15 Points)

The Course Coordinator for this course is Dr Clare McCann.

Assessment and management of adults and children with dysphagia. This is an e-learning course on dysphagia that meets NZSTA requirements for dysphagia training. This one-semester course is designed as a professional entry-level qualification covering all aspects of swallowing and feeding rather than a professional development course for dysphagia-trained therapists. This course is also offered in Semester 1 if there are sufficient enrolments.

Practical aspects of the course relate to both adult and paediatric cases, but with a stronger emphasis on adults. Students can choose a topic for their assignments that leads them to focus on further research into a chosen topic.

Prerequisite: undergraduate level anatomy and physiology or its equivalent. Students taking this course as a Certificate of Proficiency must have a recognised SLT qualification.
Coursework: 60% details to be advised.
Final Exam: 40%

Students must attempt all coursework and obtain a passing grade overall. MSLT(Prac) students must achieve 50% in the OSCE in order to graduate from the MSLT(Prac) programme.

Recommended texts: The course will use the following textbook as it’s core text: Groher, M. & Crary, M. (2009) Dysphagia: Clinical Management in adults and children. Mosby.

There is a limit of 24 places in this course.

S2T: Communication Disorders in Children (15 Points)

The nature of speech and language delay and disorder in children. Introduces a range of disorders focussing on: general language impairment, specific language impairment (SLI) and phonological disorders in children through pre-school and primary school ages, and language disorders in adolescence. Assessment and intervention in phonology, articulation, and all aspects of language, incorporating principles of inclusion and diversity and evidence-based practices.

S2T: Communication Disorders in Adults (15 Points)

Assessment and management of adults with acquired communication disorders.

S2T: Speech Language Therapy Clinical Practicum 2 (15 Points)
Students start the semester by participating in a five week block clinical placement that can be anywhere within NZ to gain experience working in a real-life workplace setting. Following the block placement students spend two days per week in clinic under supervisor guidance in a variety of settings to gain direct and observational clinical experience working with people with communication disorders and to establish links between theory and practice. This course is supported by regular tutorial sessions.

Prerequisite: SPCHSCI 714

S2T: Voice and Fluency (15 Points)

Voice science and disorders - study of the voice, and the assessment and management of voice disorders. Fluency - assessment and management of clients with dysfluency disorders (adult and paediatric). Study of causative factors and differing approaches in dysfluency treatment.

S1T: Audiology for Speech Language Therapy (15 Points)

The Course Coordinator for this course is Dr Suzanne Purdy.

This course is primarily designed to meet the audiology requirements for speech language therapy students completing the MSLTPrac. This course is also suitable for research students with an interest in audiology and hearing and speech language therapists undertaking postgraduate course in audiology. The course involves the study of types of hearing impairment, pathologies of the hearing mechanism, tests and clinical procedures used in audiological evaluations and hearing instrumentation.

Restriction: SPCHSCI 732
Prerequisite: MSLTPrac entry requirements (75 points at Stage III in Psychology, Education, Linguistics or Health Sciences)
Practical component: Compulsory 2 hour tutorials or laboratories.
Coursework: 50% details to be advised.
Final Exam: 50%

Students must attempt all coursework and obtain a passing grade overall.

There is no recommended text for this course; prescribed readings will include chapters from a range of audiology texts and journal articles.

There is a limit of 24 places in this course.

SIT: Speech Language Therapy Clinical Practicum 3 (15 Points)
Students start the semester by participating in a five week block clinical placement that can be anywhere within NZ to gain experience working in a real-life workplace setting. Following the block placement students spend at least one day per week in clinic under supervisor guidance in a variety of settings to gain direct and observational clinical experience working with people with communication disorders and to establish links between theory and practice. This course is supported by regular tutorial sessions.

Prerequisite: SPCHSCI 724

S1T: Research Methods and Ethics for Speech Language Therapy (15 Points)

Research design, methods and data analysis. Critical evaluation of research literature. Ethical issues in research and clinical practice.

S1T: Topics in Communication Disorders in Adults (15 Points)

Advanced study of speech language therapy with a focus on adult populations including evidence based practice, working with diversity, complex populations, lifelong disability and ageing effects on audition and language. Implications for SLT practice in the New Zealand context.

Restriction: SPCHSCI 741

S2T: Advanced Study of Speech and Language Therapy in Children (15 Points)

Develops depth in specific areas of difficulty including language disorders in adolescents, pre-verbal stages, and working with disabilities, particularly intellectual and physical disability and autism spectrum disorder. Develop best practice in cultural and linguistic diversity. Consolidate and extend knowledge of evidence-based practice in child speech and language.

Restriction: SPCHSCI 732

S2T: Speech Language Therapy Clinical Practicum 4 (15 Points)
Students spend at least one day per week in clinic in a variety of settings with the student demonstrating independent clinical practice and problem solving skills. Supervisory guidance will be given and the course will be supported by regular tutorials.

Prerequisite: SPCHSCI 734

S1/2T: Speech Language Therapy Project (15 Points)

Research project relating to diagnosis and treatment of adult or paediatric communication disorders or dysphagia.

Prerequisite: SPCHSCI 735

S1/2T: Special Topics (15 Points each)

S1/2T: Research Project (15 Points)

S1/2T: MSc Thesis in Speech Science (60 points each)

Prerequisite: To complete this course students must enrol in SPCHSCI 796 A and B.