Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This is an advanced unit which provides an in-depth view of theories and concepts in motor learning and control - how we control actions in both everyday and skilled behaviours, and how this capability is acquired. This course provides a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing on research from psychology, neuroscience, biomechanics, robotics, neural networks and medicine. Included in the unit will be the effects on the capacity for movement of changes in the nervous system (resulting from development, aging, disease or injury).

The unit is organized around major themes of Postural Stability, Visuomotor Control and Proprioception. These themes will be explored from perspectives of movement disorders, sensorimotor integration, perception and action, cognitive neuroscience as well as clinical applications

Aims

This unit will provide you with critical thinking and research skills with which to analyse, critique and understand movement learning and control. You will develop a multidisciplinary approach to understanding movement and how it is affected by ageing and disease.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Develop an understanding of the underlying physiological processes involved in motor control.


2. Develop an understanding of theories in motor learning and control.


3. Develop an understanding of the process involved in perception and action.


4. Provide an understanding of and competency in measurement and recording techniques in motor learning and control.


5. Provide an understanding of research methodology and experimental techniques in motor learning and control.

Content

The following topics will be covered within the major thematic areas:

1. Overview of motor control and learning.


2. Laws, properties and relationships that underlie human performance.


3. Measurement of motor learning and performance.


4. Neurophysiological basis of motor control and learning.


5. Understanding of the cognitive and neurophysiological processes involved in co-ordinating movement.


6. How movement disorders arising from injury and disease affect motor learning and control.


7. Clinical applications of motor control.

Note that the depth and extent of coverage of the following topics, demonstration, tutorials and laboratories will depend on available resources and class interests.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is based principally on discussion of key articles which introduce the major topics with some supplementary lecture material where required. This will require reading of articles by all students as well and complement the lectures. Use is made of assigned reading, video tapes etc. Students are encouraged to actively participate with questions and discussions during the lectures and laboratories.

Assessment

NB: All students must complete all items of assessment. Attendance at ALL lectures, laboratories, seminars and presentations is compulsory. If a student is unable to attend any of these then they are required to present a medical certificate and complete an alternative assignment.Formative assessment in this unit will involve feedback during:
- student/lecturer negotiation on the development of the research project;
- discussion in seminar and laboratory sessions.

Assessment name: Classes & Seminars
Description: (Summative) A pass will require students to show evidence of careful preparation, adequate understanding, active participation and clear presentation. Weight: Pass / Fail
Relates to objectives: ~
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Progressive

Assessment name: Laboratories
Description: (Summative) There will be four laboratories, each worth 10% of the final grade.
Relates to objectives: ~
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Progressive

Assessment name: Final Exam
Relates to objectives: ~
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: Review, critique and assessment of selected articles
Relates to objectives: ~
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Progressive

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

There is no set text for this unit due to the multidisciplinary nature of the course.

Readings are provided via the course material database.

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