OCC1011 - Professional issues - 2019

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit



Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Occupational Therapy

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Ted Brown


Mr Luke Robinson

Unit guides



  • First semester 2019 (On-campus)


Must be enrolled in course M3001.


  • You are required to provide evidence of completing a Standard First Aid course;
  • You are required to provide evidence of compliance with FMNHS immunization policy requirements to Student Services;
  • You are required to provide evidence of Working with Children approval to Student Services;
  • You are required to provide evidence of Fit to Work / Police Check to Student Services.


This unit will provide students with the skills necessary to describe the role of an occupational therapist as distinct from other health professionals. Students will learn to demonstrate appropriate professional behaviour and beginner's competency with specific early clinical skills. The unit will support students to develop an awareness of the legal, cultural and ethical issues of practice, and begin to understand and articulate some of the challenges faced by clients/consumers of health services.



Theme 1: Personal and Professional Development

  1. describe ethical and legal issues pertinent to a practicing occupational therapist;
  2. demonstrate effective communication and interview skills for practice;

    Theme 2: Population Society and Health

  3. consider concepts of disability and appreciate the impact of disability upon the individual;

    Theme 4: Applied Practice

  4. develop competent pre-clinical skills in client handling, equipment use and prescription, and the correct use of mobility techniques;
  5. examine safety and basic infection control issues in the workplace;
  6. apply task and activity analysis to the occupational therapy practice context.



  • Lived Experience Reflective Essay (2,500 words) (30%)
  • Professional Issues Essay (2,500 words) (30%)
  • Class Tests x 2 (2 x 1 hour) (20% each x 2 = 40%)

Hurdle requirements:

  • Attendance at 80% of unit tutorials, practical skills sessions and seminars is required to pass this unit.
  • Completion of disability experience (e.g., visual impairment, limited mobility) (2 hours).

Workload requirements

Lecture component: 2 hours per week, Tutorial/Practicum component: 2 hours per week, Private study: 8 hours per week.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study