Faculty of Business: Leisure, Sport and Tourism
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Undergraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 27180 Functional Kinesiology
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are also course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Handbook description

This subject examines the structure of the motor control system, the processes underlying movement control, methods of assessing muscle and nerve function, posture and balance control, and the development of coordinated movement patterns.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Classify and measure the performance of skilled movements.
2. Understand the neural & physiological fundamentals associated with human movement.
3. Identify the central processes that contribute to skilled motor behaviour.
4. Discuss the current theories of human motor control.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject is a core subject in the BA Human Movement Studies degree. It examines the structure of the motor control system, the processes underlying movement control, methods of assessing muscle and nerve function, posture and balance control and the development of co-ordinated movement patterns.

Teaching and learning strategies

A range of face-to-face and online (UTSOnline) teaching strategies will be used in the delivery of the subject. Lectures involve face-to-face content delivery and also employ a wide range of media and electronic resources to enhance appreciation of the theoretical concepts covered. A comprehensive tutorial program is included for which students are encouraged to prepare in advance.

Content

• Introduction to motor control
• Defining motor control, characteristics of human action levels of analysis
• Task analysis and classification
• Measuring/displaying changes in motor performance
• Psychological and neurological measures
• Control of co-ordinated movement
• Motor control preparation and attention

Assessment

Mid Semester Examination (Individual)	30%
This addresses objectives 1-3.
Laboratory Exercises (Individual)	30%
Upon completion of each laboratory session, students will be required to submit a synopsis of the session in addition to a series of questions or tasks that are to be performed.
This addresses objectives 1 and 2.
Final Exam (Individual)	40%
This addresses objectives 1-4.

Examinations will be conducted under University examination conditions, and hence thoroughly address concerns regarding secure assessment. Laboratory exercises will be secured through continual updating of assessment tasks across semesters.

Recommended text(s)

Magill, R.A. (2003). Motor learning: concepts and applications, 7th edition. New York: McGraw Hill.

Indicative references

Latash, M.L. (1998). Neurophysiological Basis of Movement. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics.

Newell, K.M. & Corcos, D.M. (eds) (1993). Variability and Motor Control. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics.

Piek, J.P. (ed) (1998). Motor Behaviour and Human Skill: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics.

Schmidt, R. & Lee, T. (2005). Motor Control and Learning: A Behavioural Emphasis, 4th edition. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics.