Introduction to Speech and Language Disorders (SLP106)
This course is a general introduction to developmental and acquired speech and language disorders. It provides the students with a basic understanding of the linguistic perspectives on epidemiology, etiology, symptomatology and assessment of speech and language disorders, as well as their implications for language science. Foundation clinical practice skills will be introduced (e.g., simulations) to allow students to develop their clinical skills.
Credit Hours :
3
Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Describe the effects of different language disorders on core language functions.
Describe basic aspects of assessment and intervention for speech, language, and communication disorders.
Identify core language functions.
Examine the implications of disordered language data on theoretical accounts of language.
Interpret the implications of linguistic research on speech and language therapy practice.
Neurology for Speech, Language & Hearing (SLP236)
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of neuroanatomy and physiology for communicative functions including speech, language, and hearing. The course will cover the neurological aspects of typical speech, language and swallowing functions across the lifespan and will introduce the role of the peripheral and central nervous system in communication and swallowing functions.
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Illustrate the cortical divisions of the central nervous system and areas of the brain linked with dimensions of speech, language and swallowing functions.
Explain how the cerebellum and brainstem influence communication.
Identify the cranial nerves involved in hearing, speech and swallowing.
Examine the neuro-sensory organization of speech and hearing and the neuro-motor control of speech.
Evaluate examples of general speech, language, hearing and swallowing symptoms associated with particular central nervous system lesions and neuropathology.
Speech Physiology (SLP246)
This course is a study of the anatomy and physiology of the articulatory, auditory and nervous systems as involved in speech production and perception. The course familiarises the students with the aspects of human anatomy relevant to speech and language (the respiratory system, laryngeal-phonatory system, oropharyngeal–articulatory system, auditory system, nervous system) and their physiology, focusing on how the function of individual anatomy corresponds to the production and perception of speech communication, as well as presenting common disorders.
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Identify the anatomical structures involved in respiration, phonation, resonance, articulation, and hearing
Explain the physiological function of the structures of respiration, phonation, resonance, articulation, and hearing.
Outline the etiology of the most common disorders affecting the structures of respiration, phonation, resonance, articulation, and hearing.
Describe the process of speech production.
Introduction to Audiology/Hearing Sciences (SLP256)
This course introduces students to the profession of audiology and provides an overview of auditory function and the basic principles of audiologic assessment. The course includes descriptions of the physical and psychological properties of sound and the basic anatomy and physiology of the auditory system. It additionally explains basic diagnostic and screening procedures of the auditory mechanism which aid students to recognize common auditory (and related) disorders and facilitate their management. Students also conduct a field project to interview hearing-impaired adults and audiology specialists.
Credit Hours :
3
Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Define various topics in audiology and hearing loss.
Differentiate the different assessment procedures to identify the hearing loss.
Conduct the different hearing tests to identify hearing loss.
Diagnose the type of hearing loss based on the hearing test results.
Design different technology and treatment options for hearing impaired people.
Child Language Development (SLP276)
This course will provide an understanding of typical child language development, including the acquisition of phonetics and phonology (the sound system of the language), morphology (the structure of words), and syntax (the structure of sentences). It will consider basic theories of child language development expanding the scope to the acquisition of more than one languages (bilingualism). Finally, it will discuss the conditions and symptoms associated with atypical language development and child language disorders. Foundation clinical practice skills will be introduced (e.g., simulations) to allow students to develop their clinical skills in child language development.
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Contrast competing scientific theories of child language acquisition.
Analyse errors in children's language production.
Recognise the main challenges faced by the child during the process of language acquisition and the strategies used to overcome them.
Outline the typical developmental path in language acquisition.
Formulate research questions and conduct research relevant to the study of language acquisition.
Voice Disorders (SLP286)
This course offers students a basic introduction to the assessment and treatment of articulation and phonological disorders in children and adults. Students will develop the skills to effectively enumerate the characteristics that define and differentiate articulation and phonological disorders and the individuals who demonstrate them and to assess, plan, and implement appropriate intervention strategies for persons presenting with articulation, voice, and/or phonological disorders with functional or organic etiology.
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Employ phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet in transcribing disordered language.
Analyse typical types and symptoms of voice disorders.
Recognise the motor and cognitive correlates of voice disorders.
Diagnose patients with voice disorders.
Develop treatment plans for patients with voice disorders.
Early Childhood Language Disorders (SLP306)
This course introduces students to developmental speech and language disorders in children, examining the phonological, syntactic, semantic and pragmatic aspects of these disorders including Specific Language Impairment, cerebral palsy, split palate, Down syndrome and autism. It provides students with knowledge and skills required to assess and remediate language impairments in children from the pre-linguistic level through preschool years and with an understanding of their interaction with other developmental milestones. Students are instructed in understanding language impairment, assessment, and intervention, collecting and analyzing language samples, and the skills required to assess emerging diagnostic and treatment practices in this area.
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Explain major types of speech and language impairments in children.
Demonstrate the linguistic characteristics of each of these types.
Explain how findings in early language disorders relate to linguistic theory.
Determine the causes of these impairments and the conditions associated with them.
Justify diagnostic and therapeutic methods and challenges in early childhood.
Articulation and Phonological Disorders (SLP316)
This course offers students a basic introduction to the assessment and treatment of articulation and phonological disorders in children and adults. Students will develop the skills to effectively enumerate the characteristics that define and differentiate articulation and phonological disorders and the individuals who demonstrate them and to assess, plan, and implement appropriate intervention strategies for persons presenting with articulation, voice, and/or phonological disorders with functional or organic etiology.
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Employ phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet in transcribing disordered language
Analyse typical phonological and articulatory errors in disordered language production.
Recognise the motor and cognitive correlates of phonological, articulatory and voice disorders.
Diagnose patients with phonological, articulatory and voice disorders.
Develop treatment plans for patients with phonological, articulatory and voice disorders.
Fluency Disorders (SLP326)
This course presents the theory, diagnosis and treatment of fluency and motor speech disorders throughout the lifespan. It reviews the symptomatology of these disorders, surveys theories of stuttering, and examines normal versus abnormal fluency development and the anatomy and physiology of speech production as it relates to motor speech disorders and their treatment.
Credit Hours :
3
Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Identify normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the motor speech mechanism in children and adults.
Compare etiologies and basic characteristics of fluency motor speech disorders.
Apply assessment techniques for a variety of fluency and motor speech disorders in both children and adults.
Develop skills necessary to independently interpret and analyze assessment data to plan appropriate intervention.
Deglutition and Dysphagia (SLP336)
This course will provide students with the basics of the anatomy and physiology of the oral, pharyngeal, esophageal functions related to swallowing and eating. Specific knowledge of the etiologies for dysphagia will be covered. It also provides students with the framework for the physical and laboratory evaluation and treatment of dysphagia.
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Identify the relevant neuroanatomical structures in both children and adults and describe their roles in the process of deglutition.
Contrast the causes, signs, and symptoms of oral and pharyngeal dysphagia.
Employ the appropriate applications of various instrumented and non-instrumented dysphagia evaluation techniques.
Determine the appropriate management for various causes of dysphagia.
Adult Neurologic Communication Disorders (SLP356)
This course introduces students to speech and language disorders in aging adults, and highlighting the social impact and issues that they present. It provides students with knowledge and skills required to distinguish normal aging processes from disordered language, and assess and remediate language impairments of different etiologies in adults. Students are instructed in understanding language impairment, assessment, and intervention, collecting and analyzing language samples, and the skills required to address challenges specific to the aging population.
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Contrast normal aging processes and disordered language.
Demonstrate the linguistic characteristics of different types of disorders. (Bloom's Taxonomy-Application)
Determine the social impact and challenges of language disorders in the aging population
Justify diagnostic and therapeutic methods in motor and neurogenic language disorders in adults.
Formulate and administer treatment plans in motor and neurogenic language disorders in adults.
Motor Speech Disorders (SLP366)
This is a core course for the newly proposed BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders and covers an important area within the spectrum of language disorders. It therefore constitutes an essential part of the professional preparation for graduates of the program to become certified professionals in the fields of speech pathology and communication disorders.
Credit Hours :
3
Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Identify normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the motor speech mechanism in children and adults. (Bloom Taxonomy – Remembering)
Compare etiologies and basic characteristics of motor speech disorders.
Apply assessment techniques for a variety of motor speech disorders in both children and adults.
Develop skills necessary to independently interpret and analyze assessment data to plan appropriate intervention.
Evaluation, Diagnosis & Report Writing (SLP406)
This course will provide students with components of a comprehensive, functional assessment of an individual’s speech, language, and related communication abilities. Students will learn the benefits and limitations of various assessment tools in terms of their appropriateness for the setting, individual, and the cultural context. Students will acquire decision-making processes associated with developing appropriate management programs for people with communication disorders.
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Compare assessment tools for communication disorders.
Apply basic diagnostic procedures and essentials.
Develop procedures for information reporting and for diagnostic and evaluation report writing.
Construct basic therapy procedures and treatment plans.
Medical Aspects of Speech Language Pathology (SLP416)
This course constitutes a study of the medical and biophysical bases of communication disorders and the relevant medical management of such issues as part of the total treatment program within the medical setting. Students will explore the topics most commonly managed in medical settings and the clinical practices of speech language pathology that are specific to and used in medical settings and will develop expertise in clinical instrumentation.
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Recognise the Speech-Language Pathology topics commonly managed in medical settings.
Identify the clinical practices of speech language pathology that are specific to medical settings.
Interpret a medical chart to identify pertinent information for the diagnosis and management of patients referred to speech language pathology service.
Create written documentation of a patient's diagnosis, progress and discharge plan.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (SLP426)
This course provides students with a detailed overview of the most clinically relevant topics related to Augmentative and Alternative Communication strategies and supports. The course content covers demographic/background information, an in-depth understanding of assessment and treatment, and an overview of evidence-based paradigms associated with augmentative and alternative communication strategies across the lifespan. Students will develop their core knowledge and skills through understanding current research, selecting and applying appropriate assessment procedures, creating treatment plans, practicing creating example AAC devices, in-class participation and activities, and performance on objective assignments. These processes will serve to ensure adequate preparation of students for assessment and treatment in clinical practices relating to AAC.
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Outline the principles and methods in AAC
Interpret current findings and issues in AAC research
Prepare a sample AAC device.
Determine the communicative needs of different disordered populations
Justify AAC application depending on patient diagnosis.
Practicum 2: Clinical Methods & Therapy (SLP456)
This course provides supervised clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, and/or swallowing disorders. Students must attend a minimum of 20 hours per week of supervised assessment and intervention experience (i.e., a minimum of 5 hours a day for 4 days in the week) for a minimum of 13 weeks in the semester to ensure a minimum of 260 hours of practical training for the course
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Demonstrate progress from beginning levels of clinical competence toward intermediate levels of competence across all units of standards for Speech Pathologists in reasoning, communication, professionalism, and lifelong learning.
Evaluate (directly or indirectly) clinical management of developmental disorders in the areas of language, speech, swallowing, voice, fluency and multi-modal communication in children.
Formulate their observations and clinical findings verbally and in writing in a professional and ethical manner.
Build skills in professional and ethical behaviour appropriate to the policies and procedures of the clinical placement setting.
This course provides supervised clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, and/or swallowing disorders. Alternatively, students may focus on curriculum and methods of determining eligibility and providing clinical services to children and adolescents with communication impairments in school settings. Students must attend a minimum of 20 hours per week of supervised assessment and intervention experience (i.e., a minimum of 5 hours a day for 4 days in the week) for a minimum of 13 weeks in the semester to ensure a minimum of 260 hours of practical training for the course.
At the end of the course, students will be able to :
Demonstrate progress in advanced levels of clinical competence across all units of standards for Speech Pathologists in reasoning, communication, professionalism, and lifelong learning.
Evaluate (directly or indirectly) high-level clinical management of all types of language disorders in the areas of language, speech, swallowing, voice, fluency and multi-modal communication across the life-span.
Formulate observations and clinical findings verbally and in writing in a professional and ethical manner.
Build skills in professional and ethical behaviour appropriate to the policies and procedures of the clinical placement setting.
