PL4DS-Disorders of Eating Drinking and Swallowing

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: PL3SLCD3 Speech Language and Communication Disorders 3
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Ms Carol Fairfield
Email: c.a.fairfield@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module introduces the students to current research into eating, drinking and swallowing disorders across the lifespan both acquired and congenital. The module considers critical evaluation of  evidence based assessment, identification and management of eating, drinking and swallowing disorders across populations and settings. 

Aims:

The module aims:

1. to develop further knowledge of the evidence base for the normal swallow and cortical control of the swallow;


2. to consider breakdown of swallowing and management of eating, drinking and swallowing disorders across populations, and


3. to enable the student to identify and critically evaluate the current evidence base with reference to individual case management.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module the students will be able to:

• Demonstrate in-depth evidence-based knowledge of the normal and disordered swallow


• Show a clear understanding and critical evaluation of current approaches to assessment of swallowing and the differential diagnosis of swallowing disorders


• Identify and critique current intervention and intervention studies 


• Synthesise ideas and articulate arguments in the field of swallowing with explicit reference to different populations

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The module will provide students with in depth knowledge of the normal swallow and cortical control of swallowing by considering current research and critically evaluating the knowledge base of this relatively new field. The module will consider eating, drinking and swallowing disorders across a broad range of populations enabling the students to develop transferable skills. The options for case management based on assessment findings and current literature will be explored and considered within a multidisciplinary framework. Issues arising with swallowing disorders in specialised areas will be considered.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be 12 hours of lectures and 8 hours of student-led seminars. During the seminars specific research papers will be discussed in depth and students will be expected to have read the paper and to contribute to the discussion and problem solving tasks. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		12
Seminars		8
Guided independent study:		180
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	40
Written assignment including essay	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A written University examination (the questions are by prior disclosure). Students will be provided with the paper one week before sitting the examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A written assignment (1,500 words) in which the students need to critique a specific assessment or management approach.

Formative assessment methods:

Presentations in class and group feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Should the student pass with less than 50% overall, they need to resubmit one written assignment by September, or resit the written exam in the resit period, or complete both assessments if required to pass the module.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: None


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 22 September 2022