Units / SPH1001
SPH1001 · Professional identity in speech pathology
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 1School of Primary & Allied Health Care
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit provides an essential foundation for your journey as a speech pathologist, focusing on the development of professional identity and the values that underpin contemporary practice. You will learn about the roles of speech pathologists in the management of communication and swallowing problems in diverse settings. You will explore the complex interplay between communication, mealtime practices, and personal and cultural identity. You will learn how the principles of social equity and justice can guide speech pathology practice. You will also develop skills in communication, collaboration and self-reflection. Your learning will be underpinned by the Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2020) to help you identify yourself in this role.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Peninsula | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Communication and mealtime plan (1,000 words) | Written | 25% | — |
| 2 | Speech pathology role presentation (10 - 12 minutes) | Presentation | 25% | — |
| 3 | Identity portfolio (2,500 words) | Portfolio | 50% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Describe the role of speech pathologists in the management of communication and swallowing problems in diverse settings.
- Explore the work roles and professional skills, attributes and behaviours of Speech pathologists to identify oneself within this role.
- Discuss the importance of communication and mealtime participation on personal and cultural identity formation.
- Reflect on personal and professional perspectives to enhance self-awareness in relation to social equity, justice, diversity and inclusion.
- Apply collaborative and evidence-based communication strategies in professional practice as a Speech pathologist.
Workload
This unit will have 6 hours of teacher-directed study per week (4 hours of online learning activities (including a pre-recorded lecture), and 2 hours of on-campus workshops). Additionally, there are 6 hours of self-directed study per week, making the total workload 12 hours. Total workload per semester: 144 hours
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 hours |
| Workshops | 24 hours |
Ask about SPH1001
Answered from the Handbook fields above — no AI, no guessing. Every answer links back to the source.
Community discussions about SPH1001
CommunityStudent experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.