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Unit outline_

OCCP3105: Cognitive Ability and Occupational Performance

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Students examine the practice of occupational therapy assessment and intervention for adults and children whose occupational performance has been impacted by a range of cognitive or intellectual impairments. Students will develop theory driven and practical reasoning skills to explain the place of cognition in occupational performance and to guide their approach to assessment and intervention. Specifically, students learn to use evidence based assessment and intervention strategies where disorder in the following dimensions of cognition impact occupational performance, consciousness, attention and orientation with impulse control, sensory perception, memory, and executive function.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Participation Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
OCCP1103 and OCCP1105
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

BIOS1168 and BIOS1171

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jacqueline Wesson, jacqueline.wesson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Joanne Hinitt, joanne.hinitt@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Oral exam
? 
Interactive oral exam Part B: oral report
Report explanation to client (6min presentation + 4min examiner questions)
40% Formal exam period 15 minutes (oral)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Tutorial quiz In-class quizzes
Week 4 quiz (10%) MCQ Week 11 quiz (15%) MCQ & SAQ
25% Multiple weeks 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO6
Assignment Cognitive assessment appraisal
Appraisal of cognitive/ functional cognitive assessment tool using template
5% Week 07
Due date: 09 Sep 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 09 Sep 2024
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO6
Supervised test
? 
Part A: Clinical Written Report
Clinical written report (20%) case study-based, NDIS or NCAT using template
30% Week 13
Due date: 28 Oct 2024 at 17:00

Closing date: 28 Oct 2024
2.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

In-class MCQ quizzes - to assess content from weeks 1-3 (Week 4 quiz) and weeks 9-10 (Week 11 quiz). These will be done in-class time. You will have up to 3 attempts, and questions are randomly allocated for each attempt. Week 11 quiz also has one SAQ where you will reflect on content of the lecture/ workshop.

Assignment 1 - appraisal of a cognitive assessment tool, using a template provided in Week 2. You will consider a range of factors including psychometric properties and clinical utility. This will be peer reviewed.

Assignment 2 - clinical written report - you will write a report for either the NDIS or the NCAT Guardianship Division, based on a case study for paediatrics or older adult. This will be done in class in Week 13 under exam-style conditions (2.5 hours).

Final exam: oral interactive exam - explain your written report briefly, with your client/ family as the intended audience (6 min) and answer examiner questions (4 min).

Assessment criteria

Result name Mark range
High distinction 85-100
Distinction 75 - 84
Credit 65 - 74
Pass 50 - 64
Fail 0 - 49

 

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:

According to University policy

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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
Week 01 Unit orientation, introductory concepts, OT role in cognition & functional cognition Workshop (3 hr) LO1
Week 02 Assessment practices & interpreting results Workshop (3 hr) LO3
Week 03 Intervention, models & interpreting evidence Workshop (3 hr) LO4
Week 04 Attention & sensory perception Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Memory Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Executive functions and meta-cognition Part 1 Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Executive functions and meta-cognition Part 2 Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Consciousness and behaviour Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Yarning Circle – working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Workshop (3 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 10 Introduction to cognition when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Putting it all together – paediatrics Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Putting it all together – (older) adults Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Part A Written Report (in-class small test) Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at all workshops is an expectation to allow students to meet learning objectives.

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

  1. Wolf TJ (Professor of occupational therapy), Edwards D, Giles GM, EBSCOhost, eds. Functional Cognition and Occupational Therapy : a Practical Approach to Treating Individuals with Cognitive Loss . AOTA Press; 2019.
  2. Laver-Fawcett, A. J., Cox, D. L., & Laver-Fawcett, A. J. (2021). Principles of assessment and outcome measurement for allied health professionals : practice, research and development (Second edition. ed.). Wiley Blackwell.
  3. Rodger, S., & Kennedy-Behr, A. (2017). Occupation-centred practice with children : a practical guide for occupational therapists (Second edition. ed.). John Wiley & Sons Inc.
  4. Law, M. C., & MacDermid, J. (2014). Evidence-based rehabilitation : a guide to practice (Third edition. ed.). Slack Incorporated

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. Discuss information processing and cognitive strategy application theories in the context of occupational performance and disability
  • LO2. Demonstrate knowledge of cognitive deficits commonly found in adults and children who have a cognitive disorder
  • LO3. Describe and use standardised and observational assessments to measure: 1) use of cognitive strategies during occupational performance and 2) outcomes of intervention
  • LO4. Plan evidence-based occupational therapy interventions that are aimed at improving use of cognitive strategies during occupational task performance using best available evidence
  • LO5. Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of impaired cognitive disorder on health and well-being of adults and children as determined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • LO6. Modify assessment, goal setting and instructional strategies which use verbal and physical contact prompts and cues in a manner that ensures cultural safety and relevance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework elements 6.2, 7.2, 9.2, 11.2)

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
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
3. Occupational therapy process and practice
3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
LO2
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
3. Occupational therapy process and practice
3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
LO3
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
3. Occupational therapy process and practice
3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
3.4. Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals
3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client
LO4
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
3. Occupational therapy process and practice
3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
3.4. Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals
3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client
LO5
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
3. Occupational therapy process and practice
3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
3.4. Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals
3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client
LO6
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - OTBA
1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
3. Occupational therapy process and practice
3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
3.4. Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals
3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client

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

The unit was offered for the first time in 2023 and students particularly enjoyed looking at functional cognition and cognition from both older adult and paediatric perspectives, the guest speakers and the practicality of the assignments. Based on student feedback, adjustments have been made to the neuropsych theory in terms of structure, and the amount of information presented across the 3 hour workshops in general. More timely feedback can be offered since assessments this year have been adjusted to reduce the quantity and to account for use of AI.

Disclaimer

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

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