Units
Foundations of Motor Control, Learning and Development
Unit code: HMB271
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit introduces students to the behavioural and neural bases of movement control through an examination of the central nervous and neuromuscular systems, hierarchical control, human information processing and dynamical systems. It covers elements of sensory mechanisms related to movement. Foundations of motor learning and adaptation are introduced, linking underlying mechanisms of learning with principles that may be applied in teaching, coaching and rehabilitation.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This is an introductory unit which provides an overview of relevant theories and research in motor learning and control. This is a multidisciplinary perspective which draws on research from psychology, neuroscience, neurophysiology, biomechanics and medicine. The overall orientation of the course is towards understanding how we learn different skills and control different actions in both everyday and highly skilled behaviours. This course also examines how damage to the nervous system, either through injury or disease, affects these capabilities.
Aims
This unit will provide you with fundamental knowledge required to understand motor learning and control. You will learn principles and theories in motor control. You will also develop a multidisciplinary understanding of how movements are affected by ageing and disease.
Objectives
- To develop an understanding of the underlying neural, physiological and psychological processes involved in motor control and learning.
- To develop an understanding of basic theories in motor learning and control.
- To demonstrate the application of current theories towards theoretical and applied problems in motor learning and control.
- To provide an understanding and competency in measurement and recording techniques in motor learning and control.
- To provide an understanding of research methodology and experimental techniques in motor learning and control.
Content
The following topics will be covered during the unit:
- Past and present approaches to the study of motor control and learning.
- Laws, properties and relationships that underlie human performance.
- Measurement of motor learning and performance.
- Understanding of the psychological and neurophysiological processes involved in motor control and learning.
- How movement disorders arising from injury and disease affect motor learning and control.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit is based principally on lectures which introduce the major topics. The tutorials and laboratories are designed to integrate with and complement the lectures. Use is made of assigned readings, videotapes and the internet. Students are encouraged to actively participate with questions and discussions during the lectures and laboratories.
Assessment
Formative assessment in this unit will involve feedback during the laboratory practicals and discussion in the tutorial sessions.
Assessment name:
Tutorial and Laboratories
Description:
Laboratories and tutorials, Tutorial attendance is compulsory
Relates to objectives:
N/A
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Throughout Semester
Assessment name:
Mid-Semester Exam
Description:
Mid-semester examination
Relates to objectives:
N/A
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Mid Semester
Assessment name:
Final Examination
Description:
Examination
Relates to objectives:
N/A
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Examination Period
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
No actual text books are required for this unit. All materials are provided through the CMD OLT system at QUT.
Risk assessment statement
You are required to read and abide by the Health and Safety Rules for School of Human Movement Studies Laboratories and Clinics prior to undertaking any of the laboratories for this unit. These Health and Safety Rules are provided in electronic form on the online teaching site for this unit and are prominently displayed in hardcopy within the laboratory/clinic.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 27-Sep-2012
