HLTH SC 3201 - Human Motor Behaviour and Learning

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

Human Motor Behaviour and Learning is a third-year course that consists of short online lectures, workshops, practicals and small group discovery component. In this course, students will be introduced to the theory and application of knowledge in the field of human movement; with an emphasis on the role of the nervous system in influencing optimal motor control and learning. Students will also be exposed to changes in motor control and learning across the lifespan as well as with abnormalities (including Stroke and Parkinson?s disease). The practical component will provide the hands-on experience with conducting experiments relevant to movement control and learning and reinforce concepts covered in lecture.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code HLTH SC 3201
    Course Human Motor Behaviour and Learning
    Coordinating Unit Medical Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites PHYSIOL 2510 or HLTH SC 2101 or MEDIC ST 1000B
    Incompatible Not available to students who completed HLTH SC 3201 Exercise, Movement & Cognition. This course has had a title change from Exercise, Movement & Cognition to Human Motor Behaviour & Learning.
    Assumed Knowledge PHYSIOL 3120
    Course Description Human Motor Behaviour and Learning is a third-year course that consists of short online lectures, workshops, practicals and small group discovery component. In this course, students will be introduced to the theory and application of knowledge in the field of human movement; with an emphasis on the role of the nervous system in influencing optimal motor control and learning. Students will also be exposed to changes in motor control and learning across the lifespan as well as with abnormalities (including Stroke and Parkinson?s disease). The practical component will provide the hands-on experience with conducting experiments relevant to movement control and learning and reinforce concepts covered in lecture.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Simran Sidhu

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1 Describe the components of the sensory/perceptual systems and contributions from the action systems in movement control.
    2 Describe the major (neuro)physiological mechanisms and changes underlying motor learning and recovery of function.
    3 Describe the development of postural control, how postural control modulates with aging and the aspects underlying abnormal postural control
    4 Describe the characteristics of normal reach, grasp and manipulation and how these changes across the lifespan and with abnormalities
    5 Demonstrate an ability to use neurophysiological and psychophysical procedures for assessing and quantifying optimal human movement control and learning
    6 Apply scientific methods and research processes as it relates to movement control learning




    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1-6

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    5-6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    5-6

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    5-6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    In Exercise, Movement and Cognition, there are no required textbooks.
    Recommended Resources
    Several texts will be helpful in guiding your understanding of the course material, and you will be directed to the relevant resources at the appropriate time. A sample of helpful resources is provided below:  
          
    1. Shumway-Cook, A. & Woollacott, M.H. (5th Edition) Motor Control: Translating Research Into Clinical Practice. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
    2. Magill, R.A. 2011 (9th Edition) Motor Learning and Control: Concepts and Applications. McGraw-Hill
    3. Ives, J.C. (2014) Motor Behaviour: connecting mind and body for optimal performance. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
    4. Schmidt, R. A., & Lee, T. D. (2011). Motor Control and Learning: A Behavioral Emphasis (5th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
    5. Kandel Schwartz & Jessel (2000/2013). Principles of Neural Science 4/e and 5/e. McGraw-Hill.
    6. Lord SR, Sherrington C, Menz HB & Close JCT  (2007). Falls in older people: Risk factors and strategies for prevention. 2nd Ed.
      Cambridge Uni Press.
    References to various scientific journal articles will also be made. Understanding the science/research in relation to these articles is essential for a high score in the course. These journals are available online on the library website (e.g. pubmed) for university students.
    Online Learning
    Lectures will be implemented online using audio-visual recordings and students are expected to view and go through the online lectures prior to the two-hours workshop. The workshops will be used as an informal platform to reinforce lecture content, discuss and engage in activities related to lecture material. Students will also be involved in a research-based discovery project during the workshops. The workshops will not be recorded.


  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course will be delivered via online lectures, workshops and practicals. A total of 4 practicals will be held in the semester to provide students with an opportunity to translate concepts learnt in online lectures and workshops to practical/research contexts and to demonstrate their innovativeness. Attendance at these sessions is mandatory. Students’ understanding of the material will be assessed using in-class/online tests and practical reports. Students should use the lecture outline and learning objectives at the beginning of each lecture as study guide for all assessments in the course. The activities and questions attempted in the workshop will also prove beneficial and provide guidance on how students should be studying for the course.



    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A full-time student should expect to spend, on average, a total of 48 hours per week on their studies.  This includes both the formal contact time required for the course (i.e. workshops, practicals), as well as non-contact time (i.e. viewing online lectures, reading and revision for exams). Human Motor Behaviour and Learning is a 3-unit course.  As such, the expected workload will on average be 12 hours per week, including up to 4 contact hours per week.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Students will cover the following topics in a series of online lectures,workshops and practicals (tentative semester schedule below). Please note that this schedule is subject to minor changes at the discretion of the course coordinator.

    THEME 1: SENSORIMOTOR CONTROL

    Week 1: Somatosensory System, Internal Models, Muscle Afferents
    Week 2: Cutaneous and Joint Receptors, Vestibular System, Visual System
    Week 3: Voluntary Movement, Ascending & Descending Pathways, Primary Motor Cortex (Prac 1) + Test 1 (on Theme 1)

    THEME 2: MOTOR LEARNING AND RECOVERY

    Week 4: Motor Behavior, Motor skills and measurement of motor performance, Performance and Action Preparation
    Week 5: Attention, Memory, Motor skill learning and specifics of Internal models
    Week 6: Demonstrations, Instructions, Augmented Feedback, Practice Structure
    Week 7: Learning in Simple Systems, LTP and LTD (Prac 2)
    Week 8: Test 2 (on Theme 2)

    THEME 3: POSTURAL CONTROL

    Week 9: Posture and Balance Terms, Postural Control, Sensory Contributions to Postural Control (*Public holliday - no workshop*)
    Week 10: Risk Factors for Falling, Balance assessment and falls, Cerebellum & Balance, Case studies (Prac 3)

    THEME 4: REACH, GRASP & MANIPULATION

    Week 11 & 12: Normal Reach, Grasp and Manipulation, Movement Control Principles, General Movement Principles, Case Studies (Prac 4)
    Week 13: Test 3 (on Theme 3 & 4)
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Details of each assessment task are shown below. In brief, the course contains 3 written tests covering course content and 4 practical assignments. Dates and explicit details for each assessment task will be given in advance via MyUni.

    Assessment Related Requirements
    Marks for the different components of the course are assigned in the following proportions.

    Written Exams (60% of total mark)

    Test 1 (Theme 1) - 15%
    Test 2 (Theme 2) - 15%
    Test 3 (Themes 3 & 4) - 30%

    Practical Components - (40% of total mark) 

    4 practical mini assignments (10% each - attendance in labs is required to submit assignments and attain the grade)


    Assessment Detail
    The final marks for Human Motor Behaviour & Learning may be moderated under some circumstances. Moderation is only ever used to improve a mark or grade, not to decrease it.

    Tests

    The tests in the course are designed to assess learning during the semester. They will assess understanding of principles and problem solving capabilities. Questions will be based around lecture and workshop material discussed throughout the semester.

    Practical Components

    Students will be required to answer a few questions related to the laboratory session that includes details of data collection, analysis and interpretation. Attendance is compulsory in the practical sessions in order to attain a grade for the submitted answers.

    Hurdle Requirements and Course Criteria

    To successfully pass the course students must achieve all of the following criteria:

    Achieve at least 45% in examinations and achieve an overall grade of at least 50% for the course

    Replacement Exams Policy

    This applies to ALL exams, including those held during class, not just those at the end of semester exam period.

    Students seeking a replacement examination must refer to the University policy. The policy and an application form can be downloaded from the following site: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/supps.html

    Requests for replacement examinations should be made by submission of the completed form and supporting documentation to the course coordinator. If the illness or exceptional personal circumstance occurred before the exam, students must submit their application for supplementary assessment no later than 5 business days after the occurrence of the condition, illness and/or exceptional personal circumstances, which form the grounds on which their application is made, regardless of the date of the
    primary exam. If the illness or exceptional personal circumstance occurred on the day of the exam, students must notify the course coordinator and apply for a supplementary exam within 5 business days of the date of the primary exam. The application will be considered by the School’s Examinations Committee who will decide the outcome based on the materials provided by the student in support of their application and in line with the policies of both the University and the Faculty of Health Sciences.

    The School Examinations Committee will not approve applications for supplementary examinations where the nature of the illness is considered minor. This decision cannot be made where no evidence is provided as to the severity of the illness. We strongly respect the right of students to keep the specific nature of their illness confidential. However the new University Policy on Replacement exams requires your medical practitioner to complete sections 2-4 of the appropriate form: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/3303/?dsn=policy.document;field=data;id=7446;m=view certifying that they considered your illness to be major. Replacement examinations cannot be approved without this certification (i.e. on the basis of a medical certificate alone). Students are strongly advised to take a copy of this form with them for completion by their medical practitioner at the time of their consultation.
    Submission
    1. Staff will clearly indicate the deadline (date and time) for coursework submission in the course information contained within MyUni.
    2. Unless otherwise indicated, coursework should be submitted electronically via MyUni. Any students experiencing technical difficulties should contact the course coordinator at the earliest opportunity.
    3. Coursework received after the deadline will be penalised as follows: 10% of total available points will be penalised per day (24 hour period or fraction thereof). An automatic zero mark will be applied after 7 days.
    4. The deadline time will be strictly enforced according to the digital time displayed. Weekends and public holidays ARE included as penalty days.
    5. Coursework submitted to any location other than those specified will not be accepted. This includes submissions to personal staff email addresses. Submission dates may be extended under exceptional circumstances. Please refer to the Modified arrangements for coursework assessment policy. You need to see the course coordinator at the earliest opportunity if you feel that you require an extension. Upon receipt of an application for extension http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/3303/?dsn=policy.document;field=data;id=7446;m=view staff may: Refuse permission for extension, specifying the appropriate reason(s); or Grant permission for extension without penalty; or Grant permission for extension with a penalty as guided by this policy.


    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

     

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.