Social Work
Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Speech Pathology – Bendigo (HZHSSB)
This is a new course commencing in 2010.
This program provides prospective speech pathologists with a broad-based knowledge of normal development, the anatomy and function of the human body, causes and types of communication and swallowing disorders, and prevention and treatment strategies for communication and swallowing problems. The growth of the profession calls for speech pathologists with alert, critical minds and the ability to conduct systematic investigations into human communication problems.
In first year, students will undertake an interdisciplinary common year in which students enrol in subjects with peers across the Faculty of Health Sciences. The focus of this year is on basic human biosciences and factors influencing health and on developing an understanding of the roles of health professionals in the health and welfare sectors.
The second year of study will see students begin to develop skills specific to the discipline of speech pathology and further explore the underpinning human biosciences and public health aspects. This provides a broad-based knowledge of normal development, the anatomy and function of the human body, and an introduction to causes and types of communication and swallowing disorders.
In third and fourth years, this program utilises both innovative Problem Based Learning (PBL) methods of teaching and learning as well as more traditional formats, and rich clinical learning experiences. PBL results from understanding and working towards the resolution of a problem. In this curriculum, PBL relies on the use of actual speech pathology cases, presented in a variety of formats (eg. printed case notes; computer-based examples; video or audio samples; simulated patients).
Students who have completed the first three years of the course may be invited to participate in the honours program. Opportunities for postgraduate research studies may then be offered to eligible candidates.
Clinical education
Clinical experience is a major component of the program and is gained at the Bendigo Health Clinic and through external clinical placements in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, community health centres, early childhood centres, private practice, in metropolitan, rural and interstate settings. Clinical placements begin in the first year of the course with observational experiences and progress through each year of the course. The majority of clinical placements are undertaken in years 3 and 4 of the course.
Degree requirements
This is a four-year, full-time course. Students who meet the appropriate requirements will be invited to participate in an honours program.
Course structure
First year
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | HBS1HBA | Human Biosciences A | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | HLT1IPA | Interprofessional Practice A | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | HLT1PHW | Perspectives of Health and Wellbeing | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | PHE1IDH | Individual Determinants of Health | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | HBS1HBB | Human Biosciences B | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | HLT1IPB | Interprofessional Practice B | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | PHE1SDH | Social Determinants of Health | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Elective | 15 |
Professional recognition
Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Speech Pathology are normally eligible for membership of the Speech Pathology Association of Australia and are able to work in several overseas countries after completing certain requirements.