Disorders of Communication and Cognition

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
SPTH 1017
Course ID icon
Course ID
208166
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of AH & HP
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Maria Kambanaros
Course level icon
Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

In this course, students will: Use an evidence-based approach to advance student's understanding of the assessment and clinical management of communication disorders that present in adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Review the neurological basis for communication and behaviour, etiology, symptomatology, assessment, and management of Mild Cognitive Impairment, Dementia (Alzheimer, Vascular, Frontotemporal) and conditions associated with dementia (Primary Progressive Aphasia, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's Disease, Lewy Bodies etc.). Explore ethical, cultural, and professional issues associated with acquired disorders of communication and cognition. Critically evaluate the evidence for direct and indirect interventions: cognitive intervention, clinical strategies supported by neuroscience, and technologies to support cognition and communication treatment. Use of the ICF as a model of disability on the consequences of MCI and Dementia. Understand carer education and support; family counselling; cultural considerations in dementia management.

Course learning outcomes

  • Formulate and justify evidence-based assessments for acquired disorders of communication and cognition in Aboriginal peoples.
  • Evaluate and synthesize assessment information and client factors to plan evidence-based management using the International Classification of Function.
  • Evaluate overall communication and cognition abilities of the person with dementia using direct and indirect methods and/or psychosocial approaches.
  • Synthesize innovations in cognitive intervention such as the use of instrumentation, multimedia technology, computerized cognitive rehabilitation programs, and noninvasive brain stimulation methods
  • Interact with a simulated/non simulated client with dementia and critically reflect on own skills and interprofessional practice
  • Formulate and justify evidence-based assessments disorders of communication and cognition in culturally and linguistically diverse individuals.

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 20814
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 60
Available
Available 5
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
25 Feb - 15 Apr Wednesday 4:10pm - 6pm Adelaide City Campus East ,
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 4:10pm - 6pm Adelaide City Campus East ,
Class number
Class number 20815
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 3
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
4 Mar - 15 Apr Wednesday 10:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus East Bonython Jubilee, BJ2-34
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 10:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus East Bonython Jubilee, BJ2-34
Class number
Class number 20816
Section
Section TU02
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 2
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
4 Mar - 15 Apr Wednesday 11:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Bonython Jubilee, BJ2-34
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 11:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Bonython Jubilee, BJ2-34

Prerequisite(s)

  • must have completed SPTH1011 Acquired Language Disorders

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed HLTH3092 Disorders of Communication and Cognition at the University of South Australia

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.