Communication and Swallowing Across the Lifespan

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 2006
Course ID icon
Course ID
204933
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
Kellie Matthews
Course level icon
Course level
2
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 learn foundational concepts about the underlying neurological, cognitive, perceptual, sensory and motor components that support communication and swallowing. Students will develop an understanding of communication and swallowing skill development and the factors that influence this process across the lifespan.

Course learning outcomes

  • Explain how communication and swallowing evolves across the lifespan, and describe the factors that influence communication and swallowing from infancy to old age.
  • Apply the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework to communication and swallowing across the lifespan.
  • Analyse, discuss and interpret information regarding communication and swallowing behaviours indicative of typical development.
  • Reflect about group functioning and the relationship between this, and health professional teamwork skills.
  • Describe and reflect on the different factors that impact attitudes towards cultural and linguistic diversities, and the role of speech pathology in delivering culturally responsive healthcare.

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 22890
Section
Section WS01
Size
Size 50
Available
Available 28
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
23 Feb - 13 Apr Monday 8:10am - 10am Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo North, N424/N425
4 May - 25 May Monday 8:10am - 10am Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo North, N424/N425
Class number
Class number 22889
Section
Section WS02
Size
Size 50
Available
Available 0
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
23 Feb - 13 Apr Monday 10:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo North, N424/N425
4 May - 25 May Monday 10:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo North, N424/N425

Prerequisite(s)

  • must have completed SPTH1002 Introduction to Speech Pathology Practice (UoA)

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed SPEECH2000 Communication and Swallowing Across the Lifespan at the University of Adelaide

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If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.

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.

Degree list
The following degrees include this course