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Unit outline_

BIOS1163: Speech Science

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit aims to provide an understanding of the anatomy, physiology and physics of speech. Students will gain a detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the head and neck as well as functional activities involving swallowing and speech. In addition student will learn the role of physics in sound production. Control of breathing and respiration in normal and pathological condition is also covered in this unit. Practical classes will take a case-based approach to learning. This unit includes laboratory classes in which human cadavers are studied; attendance at such classes is required.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Helen Ritchie, helen.ritchie@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Elizabeth Hegedus, elizabeth.hegedus@sydney.edu.au
Jaimie Polson, jaimie.polson@sydney.edu.au
Helen Ritchie, helen.ritchie@sydney.edu.au
Bronwen Ackermann, bronwen.ackermann@sydney.edu.au
Jin Huang, jin.huang@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
End-semester exam
Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11
Online task Week 3 quiz - MCQ and SAQs
#earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03
Due date: 08 Mar 2024 at 18:00

Closing date: 08 Mar 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO2
Online task Pre-In-Semester test
Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions
10% Week 04
Due date: 14 Mar 2024 at 09:00

Closing date: 14 Mar 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3
Supervised test
? 
In-semester test
Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions
30% Week 07
Due date: 11 Apr 2024 at 09:00

Closing date: 11 Apr 2024
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO9
Small continuous assessment Self-tests
Multiple Choice Questions
10% Weekly 10 minutes each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO11 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
Small continuous assessment Practical/Tutorial worksheet
Multiple choice and short answer questions
10% Weekly 10-minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO11 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessment title

Assessment category

Assessment type 

Description of Assessment type

Exam / Quiz type

Individual or Group

Length / duration

Weight

Due date and time[1]

Pre-In-Semester test

In-class assessments

Small test

Multiple Choice 

 

Small test

Ind

30 min

10%

9 am 14 March 2024

In-Semester Test

Exam

In-semester exam

Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions

 

In-semester test

Ind

60 min

30%

9 am 11/4/24

Final exam

Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions

 

Final exam

Ind

2 hours

40%

Week 15/16

Self-tests

Online assessments

Small continuous assessment

 

Multiple Choice

online task

 

Ind

 

10%

weekly

Worksheets Paper-based Small continuous assessment Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions paper Ind   10% weekly
 

 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a superior standard, a credit competent work demonstrating potential for higher study, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level.

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level.

Credit

65 - 74

Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level.

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level.

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit.

For examples of how this pertains to Speech Science please refer to Canvas.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Any work submitted electronically after 11.59 pm on the due date will be considered to have been submitted late. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. Any work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Pre-semester Introduction to Histology Independent study (1 hr) LO3
Week 01 1. Welcome and Introduction to anatomy and histology; 2. Joints and movement; 3. Growth of face and skull Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Tutorial: Introduction to anatomy Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 1. Speech Physics 2. Introduction to the peripheral nervous system; 3. TMJ and facial muscles Lecture (3 hr) LO5 LO9
Anatomy Practical: Skull and jts Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 03 1.& 2. Speech Physics; 3. Oral cavity and tongue Lecture (3 hr) LO6 LO9
Anatomy Practical: Face, jaw and Oral cavity Practical (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 04 1 and 2. Speech Physics Lecture (3 hr) LO6 LO9
Anatomy Tutorial: Face, Jaw and Oral cavity Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 05 1. Palate & Pharynx 2. Swallowing Lecture (3 hr) LO8 LO9
Anatomy Practical: Palate and Pharynx Practical (1 hr) LO6
Week 06 1 and 2. Speech Physics Lecture (1 hr) LO9
Anatomy Tutorial: Swallowing Tutorial (2 hr) LO6
Week 07 1 and 2. Speech Physics Lecture (3 hr) LO9
Week 08 1-2. Larynx framework and muscles Lecture (2 hr) LO6
Practical: Larynx Practical (1 hr) LO6
Week 09 2. Larynx mechanism 3. Resp Phys Lecture (2 hr) LO6 LO10
Anatomy Tutorial: Larynx Tutorial (1 hr) LO6
Week 10 1. 2. Resp Anat 3. Resp Phys Lecture (3 hr) LO10
Anatomy Practical: resp Anatomy Practical (1 hr) LO10
Week 11 1 and 2 Nerve lesions;3. Respiratory physiology Lecture (2 hr) LO8 LO10
Physiology: Pulmonary function tests Practical (1 hr) LO10
Week 12 1 and 2. Respiratory physiology Lecture (2 hr) LO10
Anatomy Tutorial: Speech Tutorial (2 hr) LO6 LO10
Week 13 Blood supply of lymphatics of the Head and Neck Independent study (1 hr) LO7
1 2 3. Respiratory physiology for speech Lecture (3 hr) LO11
Anatomy Tutorial: Nerve supply of H & N Tutorial (2 hr) LO8

Attendance and class requirements

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 states: 
55 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work.

  • Please note that class rolls will be taken in each practical class and tutorial.  Students must attend their own practical/tutorial at the time and place indicated.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available in the Canvas site for this unit.

  • JA Seikel: Anatomy and Physiology for speech, language and hearing 5th Edition

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Use anatomical and directional terminology appropriately.
  • LO2. Understand the ethics of working with human cadavers.
  • LO3. Name and describe the structure and function of the four basic tissues in the body, and the basic structure of the peripheral nervous system.
  • LO4. Identify and describe the anatomical features of the skull and describe the differences between adult and foetal skulls.
  • LO5. Understand and describe the anatomy and movements of joints, focusing on the temporomandibular joint, and identify and describe the anatomy, movements and innervation of the muscles of mastication and facial expression.
  • LO6. Understand and describe the anatomy, function and innervation of the oral cavity, the hard and soft palates, pharynx, larynx and their component structures, and their influence on swallowing, sound production and speech.
  • LO7. Understand and describe the blood supply and lymphatic drainage of the head and neck, and understand the role of the lymphatic system in disease.
  • LO8. Understand and identify the sensory and motor nerve supply to the head and neck, and be able to deduce the effect of a nerve lesion on speech and swallowing.
  • LO9. Understand, define and apply principles of physics associated with production of speech including vibrations and waves, superposition of waves, standing waves, frequency response curves and Fourier’s theorem, sound production, fluid flow and the Bernoulli principle, myoelastic aerodynamic theory and source filter theory.
  • LO10. Understand and describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system.
  • LO11. Understand the basic processes of respiration and the roles of relaxation pressure, maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure in respiration for speech.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO2
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO3
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO4
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO5
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO6
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO7
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO8
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO9
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
2.5 A Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assessment weighting has changed to reduce heavy burden on ESE. A small test has been added early in semester to provide early formative feedback

Work, health and safety

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstance. This includes all dry lab and wet lab spaces in the Anderson Stuart building and all dry lab and seminar rooms in the CPC.
  • Anatomy practical classes will be held in the Anatomy wet labs in the Anderson Stuart Building (F13) and there are specific respect and safety requirements that need to be understood and adhered to if the privilege of access into the Anatomy Laboratories and Wilson Museum of Human Anatomy is to be granted.
  • Students will not be allowed to enter any Anatomy Facility laboratory or the Wilson Museum of Human Anatomy until they have read and understood the Anatomy Act and the Anatomy Safety Policies offered through the “Our Expectations, Your Obligations” Quiz available on Canvas.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.