Instrumental Techniques in Speech Sciences

This course introduces participants to the instrumental techniques used to investigate speech production and their applications in the domain of speech pathology. The course consists of a theoretical component in which you will learn about the technical aspects of the analysis equipment. Furthermore, some representative research findings will be presented with respect to normal and pathological speech.

In the applied aspect of the course you will be taken through practical demonstrations and exercises relating to aspects of speech physiology (neural, respiratory, phonatory and articulatory) and speech acoustics.

Who is it for?

This course is intended for Speech and Language Therapists who want to further specialize in speech production.

Timetable

This course involves teaching once a week in Autumn Term.

Benefits

This course will deepen your understanding of the speech production process and may inform your therapy plans for the treatment of speech pathology.

This course is worth 15 credits

This short course module is designed to be flexible in allowing you to study and reach your goals at your own pace. Our health CPD courses are credit-bearing modules that contribute to a University degree or award.

Transfer course credits towards postgraduate taught degree

As a health care professional, once you've completed this course you could offset 15 credits as part of a postgraduate programme, continuing your study with further modules to make up a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) 60 credits, Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) 120 credits or Master of Science (MSc) 180 credits qualification (all credits must be awarded within five years of study commencing).

Content outline

• Neurological: neuro-imaging techniques (e.g. CAT-scan, MRI) and neuro-physiology (e.g. electromyography, evoked-response potentials)
• Respiratory: respiratory activity in speech (e.g. pneumotachography, pressure transduction)
• Phonatory: phonatory activity in speech (e.g. electrolaryngography)
• Articulatory: aspects of articulation (e.g. electropalatography, articulography)
• Speech acoustics: the acoustic analysis of speech (e.g. signal processing software: PRAAT)

Knowledge and understanding

• Know the most important instrumental techniques available to speech scientists to investigate the physiological and acoustic aspects of speech
• Show a basic understanding of how these instrumental techniques can be applied in practice
• Recognise the relevance of instrumental techniques in the analysis of speech communication
• Show an understanding of the human speech production process
• Show familiarity with representative research results on speech production.

Skills

• Show the ability to use the instrumental techniques available to speech scientists
• Be able to apply instrumental techniques in exploring speech data
• Communicate clearly about instrumental speech data both in writing and orally
• Critically evaluate and synthesise research relating to the analysis of speech with instrumental techniques
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team; take responsibility for your own learning; manage your own time and apply problem-solving skills.

Values and attitudes

• Show respect and tolerance for other people in the group
• Correctly reference the work of other people.

Teaching

This course is taught through practical demonstrations and exercises relating to aspects of speech physiology.

This course is provided by the School of Health & Psychological Sciences.

Credits

This course is worth 15 credits toward eligible programmes.

Non-EEA students can only apply as part of a programme, not as a stand-alone course.

Course requirements include:

• First or second-class honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject
• The Licentiate Diploma of the Royal college of Speech and Language Therapists is also accepted.

Individuals with less than a second class degree will be considered where they have substantial relevant experience (Clinical, teaching or other relevant professional experience).

Pre-requisites

You are required to have a basic knowledge of speech production processes and articulatory phonetics.

English requirements

If your first language is not English, one of the following is required:

• A first degree from a UK university
• A first degree from an overseas institution recognised by City, University of London as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language, for example, from institutions from Australia, Canada or the United States of America.
• International English Language Test Service (IELTS) a score of 7.0 is required with no subtest below 7.0
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) score 72 required
• TOEFL 100 overall with 24 in Writing, 20 in Listening, 19 Reading and 20 Speaking
• Other evidence of proficiency in the English language, which satisfies the board of studies concerned, including registration with your professional regulator.

• Ball, M., Perkins, M., Muller, N., Howard, S. (2009). The Handbook of Clinical Linguistics. London: Wiley-Blackwell.
• Borden, G., Harris, K. S. (1984). Speech Science Primer. Physiology, Acoustics and Perception of Speech. Baltimore/London: Williams & Wilkins.
• Hardcastle, B., Laver, J. (2004). Handbook of Phonetic Sciences. Oxford: Blackwell. Johnson, K. (2004). Acoustic and auditory phonetics. Oxford: Blackwell.
• Ladefoged, P. (2003). Phonetic data analysis. An introduction to fieldwork and intrumental techniques. Oxford: Blackwell.