Course

Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)

Approved Abbreviation: BAppSc(OT)

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Western Sydney University Course Code: 4520.1

CRICOS Code: 044750J

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Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year in this course was 2002 to 2006.

Occupational therapy is a client-centred process that facilitates an individual's performance of chosen life roles and every day tasks across the lifespan, within diverse social, cultural and physical environments. This program views occupational therapy as the practice of using occupation as a therapeutic means to optimise an individual’s health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Throughout their lives, people have the right to actively choose and participate in occupations which add meaning, purpose and value to everyday life, regardless of ability, age, gender, ethnicity, beliefs and/or other status. The UWS occupational therapy program promotes the value of human diversity, fundamental human rights, and the dignity and worth of every client.

Study Mode
Four years full-time. The course is not offered on a part-time basis however, students may choose to take a reduced load. The Honours program is embedded in the fourth year of the course.

Advanced standing

Applications for recognition of prior learning will be assessed in accordance with current UWS policies, and students may be given advanced standing for units where equivalent content is demonstrated.

Accreditation
Graduates can practice as occupational therapists in Australia and internationally, and are eligible for membership of Occupational Therapy Australia (OT) following professional accreditation of this course by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and OT Australia (WFOT).

Admission

Potential students normally apply for admission to the course through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC). Other admission schemes of the University of Western Sydney are available.

International applicants should contact International Office for details on admission. Contact information for the International Office is available via the UWS website.

http://uws.edu.au/international

Special Requirements Prerequisites
To be enrolled in this course you must comply with the occupational screening and vaccination policy of NSW Health at course commencement. Students must also possess a current Work Cover Authority approved first aid certificate before commencing any clinical practice units.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 320 credit points which include the units listed in the recommended sequence below. Students in the embedded Honours program undertake different units in fourth year, as outlined below.

Recommended Sequence

Full-time

Year 1

Autumn session

400131

Communication for the Helping Professions

400130

Human Medical Sciences 1

400132

Introduction to Health Studies

400160

Introduction to Occupational Therapy

Spring session

400134

Human Medical Sciences 3

400136

Introduction to the Psychology of Health

400137

Introduction to Research for Health Sciences

400161

Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice 1

Year 2

Autumn session

400162

Child and Adolescent Occupations

400164

Introduction to Sociology of Health

400138

Pathophysiology 1

400148

Quantitative Research

Spring session

400964

Clinical Neurosciences

400163

Occupational Analysis

400167

Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice 2

400165

Occupation and the Environment

Year 3

Autumn session

400168

Ergonomics and Work Occupations

400169

Occupation and Mental Health

400171

Occupation and Neurology

400170

Occupation and Social Participation

Spring session

400172

Occupational Therapy Clinical Specialties 1

400173

Occupational Therapy Clinical Specialties 2

400174

Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice 3a

400175

Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice 3b

Year 4 (Pass)

Autumn session

400154

Integrating Evidence into Practice

400177

Professional Reasoning

400178

Occupational Therapy Qualitative Project

400176

Occupation and Ageing

Spring session

400179

Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice 4

And two electives

Honours Stream

An Honours stream is offered - see the Honours in Bachelors Awards Policy and associated College Guidelines for the admission criteria.

Policies Website

Year 4 (Honours)

Autumn session

400154

Integrating Evidence into Practice

400176

Occupation and Ageing

400180

Occupational Therapy Honours Thesis 1

400177

Professional Reasoning

Spring session

400182

Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice 4 (Honours)

400181

Occupational Therapy Honours Thesis 2

Elective Units

Elective units in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) may be chosen from across Western Sydney University, provided that unit prerequisites are met and space is available.

The following is a list of elective units in the Occupational Therapy discipline area which are not listed elsewhere in the Handbook. These electives are open to students from across Western Sydney University provided that pre-requisites are met and space is available. Please note that these elective units will not be offered every year:

400184

Conducting Medicolegal Assessments

400185

Health Outcomes and Indicators

400186

Paediatric Practice

400187

Supervision in Clinical Practice

400183

Upper Limb Rehabilitation Following Stroke