Hearing and Speech

The Hearing and Speech Major is designed to prepare students for post graduate study to become a Speech Pathologist or Audiologist. This major focuses on normal speech, language and hearing acquisition, development and change across the lifespan, and the underpinning theoretical disciplines. Graduates will therefore have an integrated understanding of the linguistic, psychological, acoustic, neuroscience and anatomical bases of human communication. Graduates will acquire technical skills in speech and language analysis and hearing assessment. Graduates with a hearing and speech major may also consider work in the disability support sector, technical writing in medicine and health, audiometry, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and in special education roles.

Options for studying Hearing and Speech

Both the Hearing and Speech major and minor are available as Table S (shared pool) options.

Pathway through the major and minor

The requirements for a major/minor in Hearing and Speech are spread out over three years of the degree (four years if students are completing a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree).

(i) Hearing and Speech major

To achieve a major in Hearing and Speech, students must complete 48 credit points comprising:

• 12 credit points of 1000-level core units of study;
• 18 credit points of 2000-level core units of study; and
• 18 credit points of 3000-level core units of study.

Major learning outcomes

1. Identify and explain the anatomical and neuroscience bases of human communication and explain the interconnected anatomy, neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychology associated with developmental and acquired communication disorders and hearing science.
2. Integrate the psychological and developmental bases of human communication including processes associated with learning, memory and attention across the lifespan.
3. Explain the acoustic bases of spoken communication including source filter theory.
4. Using appropriate digital and associated technologies conduct air and bone conduction audiometry including masking and tympanometry to evaluate the hearing status of adults and children.
5. Interpret audiological results accurately and recommend appropriate hearing technology and (re)habilitation options.
6. Begin to develop disciplinary expertise through analysis of spoken and written language for linguistic and phonetic content.
7. Evaluate the acoustic, work practice and occupational requirements of various environments and influence change through recommending processes and environmental modifications that promote hearing health.
8. Obtain language samples from pre-school children in a culturally sensitive, ethical manner and evaluate their language development.
9. Understand the ethical and legal requirements of working in hearing and speech contexts and begin to develop a professional identity in audiology and/or speech pathology.

A sample pathway for the Hearing and Speech major (over three years of a degree) is listed below.

Sample pathway – Hearing and Speech major (48 credit points)

Please Note. This sample progression is meant as an example only. Depending on unit prerequisites, students may be able to complete some units in a different sequence to that displayed in the table above. New units of study will be available from 2019 and 2020

(ii) Hearing and Speech minor

To achieve a major in Hearing and Speech, students must complete 36 credit points comprising:

• 12 credit points of 1000-level core units of study;
• 12 credit points of 2000-level core units of study;
• 6 credit points of 3000-level core units of study; and
• 6 credit points of 2000-level or 3000-level selective units of study.

A sample pathway for the Hearing and Speech minor (over three years of a degree) is listed below.

Sample pathway – Hearing and Speech minor (36 credit points)

Please Note. This sample progression is meant as an example only. Depending on unit prerequisites, students may be able to complete some units in a different sequence to that displayed in the table above. New units of study will be available from 2019 and 2020

Contact/further information

For further information about the Hearing and Speech major or minor, please contact the Sydney School of Health Sciences.

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