Admission and Unit Information - Master of Occupational Therapy

This unit introduces master's entry students to the theory and practice of occupational therapy. Students will explore the unique contribution of occupational therapists in the health care setting, apply theoretical and philosophical principles underpinning the profession to client groups, and learn analytical skills to examine the relationship between a person, their environment and their participation in daily occupations. The occupational therapy problem solving process will be briefly introduced. In addition, students will study clinical and professional competencies related to practice as a health professional. Finally, the above knowledge and skills will be applied during supervised fieldwork experience.

This unit prepares occupational therapy students to work in a variety of settings with individuals who have a neurological condition. The impact of common neurological conditions on the person, their environment and their occupations will be examined. Students will be exposed to a variety of assessments, interventions and evaluation tools suitable for this client population.

This unit provides an understanding of the impact of major mental illnesses and disorders on occupational participation. These illnesses/disorders are examined from varying perspectives including consumer, recovery, population health and biomedical. Mental health legislation, policies, strategies and standards are examined in relation to clinical practice in this field. Occupational therapy theory, assessments, interventions and outcomes are incorporated together with cross-disciplinary approaches and current evidence in order to provide a foundation for practice in mental health settings.

This unit provides students with the knowledge and skills to apply the occupational therapy problem-solving process in an evidence-based way, across a diverse range of practice situations. Students will gain knowledge in the application of each stage of the occupational therapy process, learn skills in the selection and implementation of assessments and outcome measures, and undertake intervention planning to suit clients with different occupational needs and health trajectories. Different occupational therapy approaches will be reviewed and students will gain skills in tailoring intervention approaches to suit client need and practice context.

Students learn about paediatric and adolescent occupational therapy practice in different practice settings. This unit examines child development and explores the occupations of childhood and adolescence. Occupational therapy models, frames of reference, assessments and interventions are applied to practice scenarios. Family-centred practice is a key focus of this unit. There will be a self directed and reflective learning approach in this unit.

Students will demonstrate skills in the analysis and modification of the environment using principles of ergonomics and appropriate Australian standards in building design. The ICF will provide the context for assessment and modification of the environment to enable individuals with impairments to overcome activity limitations or restrictions in participation.

In this unit, students incorporate previous research and biostatistics knowledge to develop new skills for using evidence to inform all aspects of their professional practice. Evidence-based practice uses an enquiry led approach to manage expanding and uncertain knowledge by formulating answerable questions, effectively searching literature, critically appraising evidence validity and results, and to assess its significance in clinical practice and healthcare decision-making.

The process of ageing will be examined critically using the biopsychosocial model. Students will use research evidence to prepare occupational therapy intervention for older people and their families that promotes quality of life and maximum social participation. Students will reflect on their own attitudes towards ageing and how social stereotypes of older people must be challenged to promote a positive view of this stage of life.

The aim of this unit is for students to critically apply their knowledge of professional theory, practice, research and evaluation skills to the investigation of an occupational therapy professional issue of interest or concern. Students will apply unobtrusive research methods to investigate their chosen topic. Students develop an extensive knowledge of their chosen topic and critically analyse the implications of their findings in terms of theory, policy and contemporary health care practice. Students will synthesise their findings into a scholarly research project report and present their findings at a professional-level capstone student conference.

This unit critically examines practice in the community with a focus on social inclusion and occupational justice. Life perspectives of people experiencing occupational injustice are explored. Current and historical ideologies which underpin global and national legislation and policies on human rights are examined. The promotion of occupational participation through occupational therapy practice is outlined. This unit challenges popular myths and stereotypes of people with disabilities. Issues such as de-institutionalisation, duty of care, dignity of risk, choice-making, rights and negligence are critiqued against legal, ethical and personal perspectives. This unit assists students to develop critical thinking and reflection skills for practice.

The productivity role is a key aspect of adult life for most people. Occupational therapists play a major role in assisting clients who have had their productivity role affected in some way. This unit explores the importance of productivity for adults, in particular those engaged in paid employment. The focus of this unit is the rehabilitation of the injured worker within the context of the OH&S legislation and the WorkCover case management system. In addition, this unit will explore vocational counselling and rehabilitation for clients with psychosocial, cognitive and physical disabilities.

This unit provides occupational therapy students with the opportunity to select from, and undertake advanced study in, a range of occupational therapy clinical specialty areas. Several streams will run concurrently in this unit representing key clinical areas of specialisation in occupational therapy. Students will be able to focus their study, by selecting a combination of clinical specialty streams. Streams will cover relevant clinical content, examining the unique occupational therapy contribution in each specialty area.

This final year unit focuses on the transition from student to practitioner. The aim of this unit is to provide students with learning opportunities that will consolidate and enhance their competence in professional practice throughout their career. Professional competencies of central concern include advanced clinical reasoning skills, evidence based-practice, reflective practice, personal and career management strategies, self-directed and life long learning. These competencies contribute positively to the effective management of graduates clinical practice in various work contexts, and their future career paths. Acquisition of such skills will allow the graduate to direct and adapt to change in these areas.

This unit will allow students to consolidate academic knowledge and practice skills in preparation for becoming a competent beginning practitioner. Students will be expected to actively participate in assessment, analysis, goal setting, intervention and evaluation under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Students will complete practice hours in accordance with World Federation of Occupational Therapy accreditation guidelines.

This unit will facilitate the transition from student to occupational therapy practitioner. The unit will allow students to consider employment opportunities for their future and strategies for career and professional development.