Outline

Overview

This unit of study will introduce students to the theory and practice of occupational therapy through on campus learning activities and a fieldwork placement. Students will learn about the concepts and philosophies that underpin occupational therapy professional practice (including models of practice based on sociological, psychological and biological theories), specifically the nature of human occupations and the analysis of occupations. They will also apply this to the occupational therapy process and principles of practice as modelled by therapists in practice. As part of the fieldwork experience students will develop an understanding of the occupational therapy process and develop practical skills in communication, interaction and professional behaviour under supervision. Students will also engage in self reflection to identify their personal learning needs, existing strengths and required capabilities of occupational therapists. The placement experience is completed outside of the semesters during semester breaks.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rebecca Barton, rebecca.barton@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Placement	Fieldwork evaluation Competency-based evaluation	0%	-	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Final exam (Take-home extended release)	Written take-home exam Written take-home exam - 24 hour release	60%	Formal exam period	24 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Discussion board post and comments Original online discussion post (Wk 6) plus response to peers (Wk 7)	20%	Multiple weeks	300-400 words
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Accelerate communication excellence (ACE) ACE - skills-based assessment	0%	Week 05 Due date: 02 Apr 2021 at 15:30 Closing date: 02 Apr 2021	1 hour online module
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Critical case analysis summary n/a	20%	Week 10 Due date: 14 May 2021 at 23:59	Max 3 pages
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = Type E final exam ?

Assessment summary

Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE):

The ACE Program is an on-line module designed to accelerate the development of professional communication skills in listening, reading, writing, speaking and reasoning. For each of these professional areas students will learn how to accelerate their skills, followed by the opportunity to self -assess skills and confidence. ACE aims to better prepare students for clinic placement by helping them bridge the gap from classroom studies to working with clients in real life settings. The ACE module will be available on the ACE Canvas site.
If you have a disability plan you must still complete the ACE module in Week 5. No additional time is being provided. If you have an illness or misadventure, you will need to apply for Special Consideration.
Students who find ACE difficult will be given additional learning support and be required to attend the ACE: Immersive program from 2-6 August 2021.

Discussion board post and responses:

Students will individually write one online discussion post critically engaging with concepts underpinning occupational therapy. Students must also respond to at least two other discussion posts. Detailed information regarding this assessment can be found in Canvas.

Critical case analysis summary:

Students will work in small groups to critically apply relevant theory to support their analysis of occupational issues within a written case study. Detailed information regarding this assessment can be found in Canvas.

Written take-home exam:

Extended answer, case-based questions. Students will have 24 hours to complete the exam and submit it via Turnitin.

Fieldwork evaluation:

Using the Evaluation of Foundational Placement Competencies (EFPC), students and clinical educators will independently rate students’ demonstration of core professional behaviours and skills during their off-campus placement. Students and supervisors will review and discuss performance both at midway and completion of the placement. The educator will make their final recommendation to the Unit of Study coordinator, who will review and determine the final result.
Detailed information for the EFPC can be found on Canvas.

As this unit includes placement components, students are reminded that the FMH Sydney School of Health Sciences Placement Provisions apply. https://tinyurl.com/FMH-Placement-Provisions
An automatic fail will be awarded for any assessment item where a student breaches client/ patient privacy.

Assessment criteria

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

Specific rubrics/criteria outlining the standards required for each assessment are provided in Canvas.

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard. A fail grade will be awarded for this unit of study if you: do not attain a cumulative mark of 50 or above for graded assessments; or if you fail to complete all assessment tasks required of this UOS; or if you fail to meet the minimum standards on a fieldwork evaluation that is a barrier task, regardless of cumulative performance on the other assessment tasks.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

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.

Learning support

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introductions; 2. What is occupational therapy? What is our focus? What do we do?	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Values and professionalism; 2. Defining key concepts	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	1. ICF, OT models and paradigms; 2. PEO model recap	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Model of Human Occupation (MoHO)	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Integrating theory and practice: a workplace rehabilitation example	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Occupational performance model (Australia)	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	1. Disability: a rights-based approach; 2. Communication and language: the power in words	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Analysing occupations and performance	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Intervention continuum; 2. Occupation as means and ends	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Grading and adaptation	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Fieldwork preparation	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Exam preparation: using theory to understand complex cases	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	1. Unit of study summary; 2. Fieldwork preparation	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance requirements

Attendance requirements for this unit of study include mandatory briefing and debriefing classes, off-campus placement attendance, and group and individual self-directed learning. Failure to meet attendance requirements may prevent students from satisfactorily completing this unit of study. As per SHS Faculty Resolutions, attendance is required at a minimum of 90% of all timetabled activities. Mandatory sessions, minimum total hours, and minimum hours per activity type also apply, as outlined below, followed by instructions on what to do for occasions of absence.

Attendance at some on-campus seminars and placement contribute towards the total of 1000 hours of fieldwork required for graduation from the degree.

Mandatory pre-placement preparation classes: Weeks 11, 13 (2 hours).

Mandatory post-placement debriefing class: Date TBC (2 hours).

Self-directed learning: It is expected that students will complete between 2 and 4 hours self-directed learning in preparation for commencing their placement. Guidelines for what is considered acceptable activities for self-directed learning are located in the SHS WIL Canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/9121/pages/occupational-therapy

Placement attendance: 40 hours/week for 2 weeks = 80 hours. Students are expected to attend ALL scheduled placement days. Where missed hours occur, the actions to be taken are outlined in the section below.

Attendance records are taken for mandatory classes and attendance at placement is recorded. Students are required to accurately log their attendance for these activities via the timesheet function in Sonia according to the guidelines provided, in support of demonstrating you have met the attendance requirements.

Missed hours

• ALL absences must be notified to the WIL unit of study coordinator and supervisor (placement). Notification must be timely and should include the nature of the leave and the expected return. Students may be required to undertake alternative learning tasks within specific timeframes to demonstrate the attainment of learning outcomes.

• Absences ≤ 8 hours cumulative (including relevant classes and placement) across the duration of the subject must be notified to the WIL unit of study coordinator.

• Absences of greater than 10% (>8hrs) of fieldwork requirements must be notified to the WIL unit of study coordinator AND accompanied by an application for special arrangements (contact the unit of study coordinator for details). Special arrangements will be required to make up the missed hours.

• Absences of greater than 16 hours cumulative (including relevant classes and placement) will require a formal application for special consideration. Applications for special consideration for missed hours must be entered as “In-class assessment; Attendance”. The nature of fieldwork means that such circumstances may require withdrawal from the subject to complete the entire subject or component at another time. Contact the WIL unit of study coordinator for details

Students should also refer to the “Fieldwork Activity and Attendance Guidelines” on the Work Integrated Learning Canvas site (available to all students) on the Occupational Therapy page at https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/9121/pages/occupational-therapy

Pre-placement requirements:

See Work Health and Safety Requirements section for more detail regarding pre-placement requirements.

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 are listed in Canvas.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. demonstrate professional behaviours appropriate to the expectations of the university and fieldwork setting
LO2. demonstrate skills for managing learning in a professional context
LO3. explain the significance of occupation to human health and well-being, and outline the taxonomy of human occupations
LO4. analyse occupations using relevant conceptual models and identify person-environment-occupation aspects of occupational performance
LO5. describe how to design and adapt therapeutic occupations
LO6. demonstrate communication skills that will achieve professional objectives, and build collegial and therapeutic relationships
LO7. demonstrate an understanding of professional communication and how it will impact on your role as a health professional
LO8. demonstrate skills in understanding and using professional oral English
LO9. demonstrate skills in listening to, and correctly recording in writing, information using professional written English.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Students are reminded that they must complete the compulsory online Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM), which provides students with information regarding academic honesty requirements. Students should review the information available on the academic integrity website - https://sydney.edu.au/students/academic-integrity.html and then complete the AHEM module (accessed via their Canvas homepage) no later than 31st March 2021.

This unit of study outline must be read in conjunction with the Medicine and Health Handbook: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health/

The handbook also includes specific Clinical Education information on your course

All students are required to familiarise themselves with their academic responsibilities, and the academic policies governing their enrolment and progression. This handbook provides a direct link to the University of Sydney’s Coursework policy and Faculty provisions.

The Work Integrated Learning Canvas site also provides information specific to Sydney School of Health Sciences placements such as essential preparation, forms and policies. https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/9121

All students are required to familiarise themselves with their academic responsibilities, and the academic policies and protocols governing their placements.

When considering applications and appeals relating to these matters, it will be assumed that students understand their academic responsibilities and are familiar with these key policies and procedures.

Additional costs

Placement-related additional costs: Additional costs may be incurred for accommodation, transport and leave from usual employment. Students should prepare to cover these costs and can refer to the University website for financial assistance opportunities. https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/financial-support.html

Site visit guidelines

You are required to contact your site/supervisor at least two weeks prior to placement, and to exchange important information to assist your supervisor and yourself to prepare for placement.

Work, health and safety

As you are completing a health-related degree, there are clinical checks and clearances you will need to complete before you can undertake placement. You can find more information at:

https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/clinical-placement-checks.html

You will need to be verified by NSW Health by the 3rd May, 2021 in preparation for your first placement in 2021. Students who are not verified will NOT be able to attend placement.

Further, students must have an up-to-date declaration (in Sonia) that they have read and understood key documents related to privacy and confidentiality, codes of conduct, NSW Health policies and general communication/ email etiquette. Failure to meet these requirements may prevent you from being allocated to and/or completing a placement or placement unit of study irrespective of your enrolment status.

Consistent with New South Wales WHS legislation, you are required to complete a WHS induction within the first few days of placement, and if relevant, at any time your placement requires you to work in another setting. This is an essential legal requirement to ensure that all risks are minimised for you, and others for whom you are responsible. The University has a duty of care to you to ensure you have been inducted appropriately. Similarly, you are responsible for demonstrating that you are aware of and know how to manage risk appropriately. You should complete the WHS Checklist from Sonia.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

OCCP5237: Introduction to OT Theory and Practice

Semester 1, 2021 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect