Speech Disorders and Dysphagia in Adults, 7.5 credits

For admission to semester 6, the student may have a maximum of 15 credits remaining from preceding semesters in The Study Programme in Speech and Language Pathology.

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• describe occurrence, aetiology and genesis of speech disorders and dysphagia in adults
• describe symptoms of speech disorders and dysphagia in adults and relate these to underlying diseases (including structural changes)
• describe and compare diagnoses for speech disorders and dysphagia- how these are related to one another and describe criteria for differential diagnosis vis-à-vis other conditions
• describe in what way dental conditions and structures can influence speech and eating functions
• identify the purpose with and describe the content and structure of assessment instruments and methods of analysis for function, activity-participation as well as for personal and environmental factors in speech disorders and dysphagia
• assess the need of intervention in speech disorders and dysphagia in adults, describe different treatment methods and motivate the choice of method from current theory and available information
• reflect on equal treatment issues in relation to speech disorders and dysphagia in adults

The course includes basic knowledge about occurrence of and aetiology and genesis in speech disorders and dysphagia in adults. Further, symptomatology, diagnoses and differential diagnoses in the area are described. Methods for assessment and intervention (including augmentative and alternative communication) in speech disorders and dysphagia in adults related to aspects of function, participation and activity as well as as personal and environmental factors are presented. Issues related to equal rights relevant for the field will also be discussed.

Lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, individual and group practical exercises.

Compulsory attendance in all teaching activities except lectures, if nothing else is stated in the schedule.

In case of absence from a compulsory activity, the student is responsible for contacting the course coordinator for a complementary assignment. The course coordinator decides whether, and if so how, absence from compulsory course elements can be made up. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in compulsory course elements or compensated for any absence in accordance with instructions from the course coordinator.

Absence from a compulsory activity may result in that the student can not make up for this element until next time the course be given.

Written examination and participation in compulsory seminars (stated in the schedule).

The written examination is graded anonymously (using a identification number for each student). In case the student fails the written examination, the student has the right to five additional examinations of which the first within fourteen days after information of results, the second before the beginning of the following semester. The third re-examination is the next regular examination session of the course. Submission of blank exam is counted as an examination session. An examination for which the student registered but did not participate in, will not be counted as an examination.

Examination can take place according to an earlier literature list during a time of one year after the date when a renewal of the literature list was made. Examination will be provided during a period of two years after a possible discontinuation of the course.

The course evaluation will be carried out in according to the guidelines established by the Board of Education.

The course may be given in English, if exchange students attend.