Course Descriptions

Introduction to Professional Practice

This course provides the clinical foundations and principles for conducting assessment and treatment for individuals with communication impairments. The course also discusses the professional practice issues that are relevant to the Speech-Language Pathology field. Multiple instruction format includes lecture, directed clinical observations at the H.A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic, videocases, client interaction, group presentations, etc. [28 hrs over 7 weeks; 0.5 credit]  Course Syllabus

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Clinical Applications in Professional Practice

This is a practical course to facilitate the application of the clinical principles taught in Introduction to Professional Practice. Students have the opportunity to work "hands-on" with assessment tools and to analyse assessment data, to select clinical goals, and to develop therapeutic hierarchies. In addition, students learn how to write clinical lesson plans, conduct on-line scoring to measure outcomes of therapy sessions, and develop their clinical reporting skills. [11 hrs over 7 weeks; 0.25 credit]  Course Syllabus

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Anatomy & Physiology for CSD

The objective of the course is to develop a basic knowledge of head and neck anatomy and physiology as applied to human communication. The course of study involves: anatomy and physiology of the ear and hearing; anatomy and physiology of respiration and phonation; and anatomy and physiology of articulation and resonance. [39 hrs; 0.5 credit]   Course Syllabus

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Clinical Applications in Anatomy & Physiology

This applied course allows students to develop their skills in identifying anatomical and physiological structures of the head and neck through the use of models, cadaveric materials and videotaped demonstrations. [13 hrs; 0.25 credit]  Course Syllabus

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Clinical Phonetics and Clinical Transcription of Speech

Students learn to describe accurately, to analyze and to transcribe normal sound production. The relevance and application of phonetic transcription skills in the assessment and intervention of clinically disordered populations is explored. Attention also is devoted to exploring speech sound differences among culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Students are then challenged to use their transcription skills in the description and analysis of disordered speech samples. [28 hrs over 5 weeks; 0.5 credit]   Course Syllabus

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Language Acquisition: Foundations and Clinical Applications

This course covers typical language acquisition (i.e., syntax, morphology, semantics, pragmatics and phonology) in young children from infancy through the preschool period of development. Key aspects in the development of both language production and comprehension are reviewed. Applied activities allow students to develop their observation skills for identifying key communicative behaviours associated with 4 developmental periods. In addition, they have hands-on experience analyzing children’s language samples for semantic relations, communicative intent, morphology, and emerging syntax. [39 hrs over 13 weeks; 0.5 credit]   Course Syllabus

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Speech Science

Students are introduced to the physiologic, acoustic and perceptual characteristics of speech. Principles and methods for the laboratory study of speech are explored. [39 hrs; 0.5 credit]  Course Syllabus

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Clinical Applications in Speech Science

Students use computer-based procedures to obtain basic physiologic and acoustic measures of normal and disordered speech. [13 hrs; 0.25 credit]  Course Syllabus

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Fluency Disorders and Clinical Applications 

This course prepares students for entry level practice in fluency disorders. The course reviews the current knowledge base related to disorders of speech fluency including stuttering, cluttering, psychogenic stuttering, and neurogenic stuttering. Assessment and treatment protocols for all age groups are presented and evaluated. Fluency enhancing strategies are taught in hands-on sessions. [39 hrs; 0.5 credit]  Course Syllabus

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Minor Hours in Audiology

This course, which is completed at any point throughout the program, provides SLP students with supervised clinical observation and experiences to satisfy certification requirements for minor hours in audiology [0.25 credit].

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Teaching Clinic in SLP

This intensive teaching clinic provides the clinical foundations and skills for the assessment and treatment of neurogenic communication disorders or voice disorders. The purpose of this course is to ensure that students are ready to start their in-house clinical placement [12 hrs over 2 weeks; 0.25 credit]

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Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology I

This course involves guided, supervised initial clinical practicum in the management of speech and language disorders in the H.A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic [0.5 credit].

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Acquired Language Disorders

The purpose of the course is to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in two areas. The first area involves the theoretical constructs and clinical features of language and cognitive-communication disturbances of adults with aphasia and related disorders. The second area relates to language and communication therapies for adults with aphasia and related disorders. [39 hrs; 0.5 credit] Course Syllabus

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Clinical Applications in Acquired Language Disorders

This course includes small group, hands-on experiences, where students work through the assessment and rehabilitation processes for acquired language disorders using case studies and other clinical resources. [13 hrs; 0.25 credit]  Course Syllabus

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Developmental Speech Disorders

The course includes extensive coverage of current models and information on normal and abnormal development of phonology, knowledge of currently accepted procedures and theoretical support for assessment of phonological disorders, and intervention techniques and procedures based on several models of phonological development. [39 hrs; 0.5 credit ]

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Clinical Applications in Developmental Speech Disorders

Small group learning of specific skills needed to conduct phonological assessment and intervention with children. Students gain hands-on practice in assessment procedures and intervention techniques. Case examples and clinical scenarios are used to guide sound clinical decision making. [13 hrs; 0.25 credit]

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Swallowing and Dysphagia

The overall objective of the course is to develop a basic knowledge of swallowing and swallowing disorders. Topics covered include: anatomy and physiology of normal swallowing, neurophysiology of normal swallowing, major etiological subtypes of dysphagia, pathophysiology and neuropathophysiology of several major subtypes of oropharyngeal dysphagia, methods of assessing oropharyngeal swallowing, designing a comprehensive swallowing assessment, analysis and interpretation of videofluoroscopic and endoscopic data, management options currently available in treating individuals with swallowing disorders, utilizing assessment findings to plan appropriate management, factors that should be considered in decisions regarding oral versus enteral feeding, and professional issues relevant to swallowing and dysphagia. [39 hrs; 0.5 credit] 

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Clinical Applications in Swallowing & Dysphagia

This course aims to develop students’ skills in applying knowledge of swallowing and dysphagia to “real-world” clinical cases. Hands-on approaches to learning, including analysis of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies, case-based assessment and therapy planning, and case-based feeding decision-making, are employed. [13 hrs; 0.25 credit]

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Developmental Language Disorders I

This course develops student knowledge of models, causes and characteristics of language disorders in infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Students then learn how to select and to apply best practices in the assessment and intervention of language and emergent literacy at these different stages and in special populations (including Autism Spectrum Disorders). How to respect diversity and family dynamics, as well as identify the contributions of, and work collaboratively with, other professionals is included. [39 hrs; 0.5 credit]  Course Syllabus

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Clinical Applications in DLD I

Students are provided with hands-on practice in standardized and nonstandardized assessment, report writing, and intervention planning for young children with developmental language disorders. [13 hrs; 0.25 credit]  Course Syllabus

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Voice Disorders

This course briefly reviews anatomy and physiology of the larynx and principles of phonation. Course emphasis is on assessment and management of voice disorders common in both adults and children. For each voice disorder, there is discussion of the presumed underlying bases/etiology, of the factors perpetuating the disorder and of the treatment alternatives, including how to structure an appropriate treatment plan and treatment monitoring and outcome measures. Case presentations help to highlight assessment and treatment principles and to integrate learning. Voice rehabilitation following treatment for laryngeal cancer also is included along with issues underlying treatment options, as well as short and long-term issues impacting communication disability [39 hrs over 2 wks; 0.5 credit].

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Clinical Applications in Voice Disorders

Laboratory instruction centers on skill development associated with common approaches to voice assessment and evaluation. This includes the use of standard recording protocols and acoustic measurement of voice for documentation, perceptual evaluation methods associated with voice description and monitoring. Issues of treatment planning and structure are included. Lab experiences include issues that cross both those with laryngeal-based disorders of voice, as well as those who experience voice loss due to treatment for laryngeal cancer. [13 hrs over 2 wks; 0.25 credit]

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Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology II

This course involves guided, supervised second clinical practicum in the management of speech and language disorders. [0.5 credit]

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Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology III

This course is the third practicum in the clinical management of speech and language disorders. The summer practicum usually involves intensive full day programs (i.e. fluency camp, language camp). [0.5 credit]

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Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology IV

This course involves a supervised clinical practicum in the management of speech and language disorders in the H.A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic [0.5 credit]

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Audiology and Hearing Science for SLP

Students are first introduced to the basics of acoustics, anatomy/physiology of the auditory system, and psychoacoustics. Next, a survey of the discipline of audiology is provided in order to introduce students to the diagnostic, (re)habilitative, and educational roles played by audiologists and the audiological role played by speech-language pathologists. An introduction to methods of audiological assessment, including pure tone and impedance audiometry, is also provided. [39 hrs; 0.5 credit]

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Clinical Applications in Audiology and Hearing Science

Students are provided with hands-on experience with auditory and psychoacoustic phenomena, as well as clinical audiological equipment and procedures. [13 hrs; 0.25 credit]

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Developmental Language Disorders II

This course provides a basis for understanding what is known about the nature, identification, assessment, and treatment of developmental language and literacy impairments in school-aged children. Focus is on the application of oral and written language assessment results to the development of effective intervention plans, and service delivery models. [39 hrs; 0.5 credit]

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Clinical Applications in DLD II

In this course, students are provided with hands-on activities directed at learning and practicing methods for the assessment and treatment of developmental impairments in oral language, reading and writing in school-aged children. Students develop skills in discourse analysis, interpreting assessment data, and programming for intervention. [13 hrs; 0.25 credit]

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Professional Practice Issues

This course examines issues related to the professional practice of speech-language pathologists. Topics addressed include career planning, roles of professional associations and regulatory bodies, legal issues, ethical issues and practice management. The format consists of guest speakers and group discussions resulting from these presentations. [26 hrs; 0.5 credit]

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Neurologically Based Speech Disorders

This course focuses on the pathophysiology, speech characteristics, assessment, and treatment of the major motor speech disorders (dysarthrias and apraxia of speech). [39 hrs; 0.5 credit]  Course Syllabus

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Clinical Applications in Neurologically Based Speech Disorders

In this course, students use standard clinical testing procedures to develop skills related to the identification and assessment of neurologically based motor speech disorders. [13 hrs; 0.25 credit]

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Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology V

In this course, students complete a community-based clinical practicum in the management of speech, language and swallowing disorders. [0.5 credit]

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Aural Habilitation/Rehabilitation for the SLP

In this course, students examine issues in habilitation and rehabilitation of speech and language impairments associated with hearing impairments. The topics entail the integration of material from previous coursework in speech-language pathology as they relate to the communication impairments of individuals with hearing impairments across the life span. In particular those issues that speech-language pathologists are mostly likely to encounter in their general practices are highlighted, such as the impact of recurrent middle ear infection and other forms of mild hearing loss on speech and language development, auditory verbal therapy, and the interaction of hearing loss with language and cognitive deficits among older adults. Additionally, Deaf culture, its representatives’ position on the rehabilitation efforts by speech-language pathologists and audiologists, and the impact of its position on those with hearing impairments is examined. Because habilitation and rehabilitation approaches to hearing loss and their impact on speech and language development and function are multidisciplinary endeavours, the roles and contributions of speech-language pathologists to teamwork are examined. [39 hrs; 0.5 credit]

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Resonance Disorders

The course provides instruction on the nature, etiologies, and principles of assessment and treatment related to speech and resonance disorders resulting from functional causes, cleft palate and other oro-facial anomalies. Intensive individualized study of theoretical issues and research is included. [39 hrs; 0.5 credit]

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AAC and other Special Topics in SLP

This course provides foundations for clinical practice in the areas of Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Traumatic Brain Injury. The course offers the expertise of community instructors who are practicing in these fields. An opportunity is provided to hear from clients, and to work both in groups and individually on cases, allowing for a hands-on application of the content. [39 hrs; 0.5 credit]

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Evidence Based Practice: Principles & Techniques

This course provides students with the necessary skills and tools needed to find and evaluate the ever-increasing knowledge base in their chosen field. The course seeks to teach students how to update their knowledge throughout their career by applying these skills, and participating in clinical research. [26 hrs; 0.5 credit]

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Evidence Based Practice Applications

Students will apply their knowledge gained in Evidence Based Practice: Principles and Techniques to provide a critical analysis of research pertaining to a clinical question of interest, and a clinical recommendation based on the current state of evidence. [13 hrs; 0.25 credit]

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Elective Seminar

In a small group, interactive format, students acquire new or expanded knowledge in a specialty topic area. Students chose from one of four elective seminars. [26 hrs; 0.5 credit; optional].

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Counselling

This course introduces the student to theory, practice and issues related to counselling in speech-language pathology. The informational and personal adjustment counselling needs of specific client populations and families are explored. [26 hrs over 2 wks; 0.5 credit]

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Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology VI

In this course, students will complete a final and full-time clinical practicum in the community for the management of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. [0.5 credit]

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