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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2011

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2010.

303542 v.7 Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)

BSc(Curtin), BSc(Hons)(Curtin).

Course CRICOS Code: 003888G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 4 Years

Introduction

Occupational therapy is a profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by enabling people to do the things that will enhance their ability to participate or by modifying their environment to better support participation. Occupational therapists have a broad education that equips them with skills and knowledge to work collaboratively with individuals or groups of people (and their communities) who have an impairment of body structure or function due to a health condition, and who experience barriers to participation. Occupational therapists believe that participation can be supported or restricted by physical, social, attitudinal and legislative environments. Therefore, occupational therapy practice may be directed to changing aspects of the environment to enhance participation.

Course Entry Requirements/Requisites

At least one science subject as follows: Biological Sciences 3A/3B, Chemistry 3A/3B, Earth and Environmental Science 3A/3B, Human Biological Science 3A/3B, Integrated Sciences 3A/3B or Physics 3A/3B satisfies this requirement.

Applicants for this course should refer to the Clinical Health Sciences section (see page 36) and Police Clearances (see page 5). Students are required to have a current First Aid Certificate within four weeks of entry into the first year of the course. In addition, throughout the course, students are required to have passed all units in a year before being allowed to proceed to the next year. STAT is not accepted for entry to this course.

Note

Selection is based on the tertiary entrance rank for Year 12 students. Other criteria apply for non-school leaver applicants. Part-time students are not accepted.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning (RPL) are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This course is four years full-time or equivalent part-time study. Part-time study is only available under exceptional circumstances. Fieldwork placement activities occur during the entire final year of the course and, in particular, one fieldwork block may continue beyond the end of the final semester of the course.

Course Organisation

Clinical practice throughout the course is undertaken in a number of hospitals and allied institutions with the cooperation of the relevant specialist and administrative staff.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists and for registration with the Occupational Therapists Registration Board of Western Australia. The course is recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT).

Career Opportunities

Occupational therapy is practiced in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, health centres, homes, workplaces, schools, reform institutions and housing for seniors. Clients are actively involved in the therapeutic process, and outcomes of occupational therapy are diverse, client-driven and measured in terms of participation or satisfaction derived from participation. Opportunities exist throughout Australia and other member countries of WFOT.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

Further Information

For more information about the program, contact Curtin Future Students on telephone (08) 9266 1000 email: futurestudents@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http//healthsciences.curtin.edu.au.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
311234 v.3   Health and Occupation 141 3.0 25.0
313391 v.1   Human Structure and Function 100 4.0 25.0
313392 v.1   Introduction to Psychology 100 3.0 25.0
313394 v.1   Foundations for Professional Health Practice 100 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
311233 v.2   Foundations of Occupational Therapy 142 5.0 25.0
312649 v.2   Indigenous Culture and Health 130 2.0 12.5
313390 v.1   Evidence Informed Health Practice 100 2.0 12.5
313395 v.1   Health and Health Behaviour 100 3.0 25.0
313401 v.1   Functional Anatomy 100 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
309633 v.2   OT 241 - Neuroscience Neurodevelopment 4.0 25.0
311236 v.1   OT241 - Contextual Determinants of Illness, Disability and Health 3.0 25.0
311237 v.1   OT241 - Ergonomics and Safety Science I 44.0 25.0
311238 v.1   OT241 - Physical Rehabilitation 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
311239 v.1   OT242 - Environment, Health and Disability 33.0 25.0
311241 v.2   OT242- Ergonomics and Safety Science II 3.0 25.0
311605 v.1   OT242 - Orthoses and Rehabilitation Science 4.0 25.0
311606 v.1   OT242 - Neuropsychiatry I 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
303103 v.7   Occupational Therapy Third and Fourth Year Stream 400.0
  OR  
303104 v.7   Honours Occupational Therapy Stream 400.0
  400.0

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.