SLP here I come!

Well, thanks to the wonder that is BearScat (for you non-U-of-A-ers, BearTracks is our official online tool for registration and such. It basically doesn't work. A couple years ago a student got fed up, wrote his own program, and let all the other students use it for free. This is BearScat [scat is the technical term for animal faeces]. It works so much better than BearTracks that the Students' Union got the guy to let them use it, and now it's part of the UofA's online system. Cool, eh?) Anyhow, thanks to the wonder of BearScat, I have my tentative schedule for fall term. Now if my date to register would just show up - I noticed 4 people have already registered, so why can't I?? I'll just keep trying, I guess - most of the classes are only offerred once, but a few have options, and I'd like to get into my first choice. I'm so excited to go back to school!

Love,
Elizabeth

First Year, Fall Term
September - December

SPA 502: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
Lectures and demonstrations provide a systematic study of the gross anatomy and neuroanatomy of the respiratory, phonatory, resonatory, and articulatory subsystems and the physiology of respiration, phonation, and upper airway in speech production and swallowing. The embryological and post-natal development of these systems is considered. Review of the neural substrates underlying speech and language processing is included. Laboratories provide observational and simulated dissection experiences using computer software, video, anatomical models and prosected materials.

SPA 505: Speech Science
Study of theoretical and applied aspects of acoustic phonetics, speech perception and speech production, including theory and application of methods (physiological, acoustic and perceptual) to record and analyze speech behaviors. Provides students with basic knowledge for entry into the field of speech-language pathology.

SPA 507: Phonological Disorders
In-depth study of the nature, assessment and remediation of articulatory/phonological disorders according to various theoretical models. Emphasis will be placed on phonologically based clinical approaches including phonological process analysis and generative phonology. Practical experience in assessment and remediation will be provided through clinical observation and laboratory experiences.

SPA 511: Child Language Development and Assessment
A review of normal language development provides the basis for a comprehensive study of the assessment and identification of children with language disorders. Assessment procedures involve language test administration and interpretation. Discussion of research findings highlights disordered language behaviors associated with such problems as mental retardation, emotional problems, and learning disabilities. The laboratory provides experience in administrating a variety of language tests.

SPA 515: Hearing Science/Audiology
Study of basic audiology for speech-language pathologists. Includes anatomy and physiology of the auditory and vestibular systems, theories of hearing, the physics and measurement of sound (including psychophysical methods and psychoacoustics), symptoms, etiology and prognosis of hearing disorders, overview of assessment procedures and instrumentation used in diagnostic audiology, and application of audiometric results to speech-language pathology. Proficiency in hearing and tympanometry screening, including care and maintenance of equipment, is acquired in laboratory sessions.

I'm especially excited for Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism - I think it should be excellent. I guess I should really get back on my pre-reading! :)

Well, I'm off to put together my schedule for the winter term. Loves you!

E.