Communication and Swallowing Across the Lifespan unit (CXA760)

Launceston

Introduction

This unit will provide you with foundational knowledge of human development, and communication and swallowing across the lifespan, to allow focus on developing clinical observation skills necessary for planning assessment, intervention, and evaluation while integrating key theoretical and practice frameworks. There will be a focus on the importance of cultural sensitivity and responsivity to enhance person-centred practice.

Summary

Unit name	Communication and Swallowing Across the Lifespan
Unit code	CXA760
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Health Sciences
Discipline	Health Sciences
Coordinator	Doctor Samuel Calder
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Launceston	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Integrate knowledge of typical communication and swallowing development with a broader understanding of domains of human development and function.
• Apply theoretical, clinical reasoning, and practice frameworks, including the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and reflective practice, to describe and evaluate communication and swallowing across the lifespan.
• Plan culturally responsive assessment to gather information from a range of sources to understand the communication and swallowing needs of the individual and community.
• Identify conditions that may affect communication and/or swallowing at different stages across the lifespan.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
061707	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,919.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Co-requisites

CXA705 Becoming an Allied Health Professional|CXA761 Foundations of Speech Pathology

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Lecture (online) (1hr x 11 times), Independent Learning (9hrs x 11 times), Workshop (5hrs x 4 times)
Assessment	Quizzes (10%)|Adolescent Case Study Assignment (30%)|Adult Case Study Assignment (30%)|Paediatric Case Study Assignment (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Please refer to your reading list for required readings.
Recommended	Please refer to your reading list for recommended readings.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.