PHYSIOL 3120 - Neuromotor Control of Human Movement
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code PHYSIOL 3120 Course Neuromotor Control of Human Movement Coordinating Unit Physiology Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 4 per week Prerequisites PHYSIOL 2510 Assessment Laboratory quizzes and reports, journal article critique, mid semester and final examination Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Associate Professor John Semmler
Course Coordinator: John Semmler
Phone: +61 8 8313 7192
Email: john.semmler@adelaide.edu.au
Location: Room S428, Medical School South
Additional Academic Staff: Steve Wiederman
Phone: +61 8 8313 8067
Email: steven.wiederman@adelaide.edu.au
Location: Room S405a, Medical School SouthCourse Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1 Describe the structure and function of the sensory and motor systems, and to understand the generation and control of human movement. 2 Understand the major somatosensory receptors for position and movement, the information they convey, and the major pathways that convey this information to the central nervous system. 3 Describe the major structural characteristics and functional roles of the motor cortex, cerebellum, basal ganglia and the brain stem in movement control. 4 Describe the neural organisation of locomotion, including central pattern generators, brainstem areas and spinal cord organisation. 5 Describe the major changes in the neural control of movement that occur throughout the lifespan, and how these change with training and fatigue. 6 Understand the neural factors that contribute to neuromotor adaptation with increase and decreased muscle use. 7 Understand the role of neuroplasticity in improvements in motor function and how it may be used in the rehabilitation of motor function after injury. 8 Describe the motor deficits that accompany common disorders of the somatosensory system, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and motor cortex. 9 Demonstrate an ability to use neurophysiological procedures for assessing and quantifying human movement. 10 Understand the scientific method and the critical review of the research process as it applies to the neural control of human movement. 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) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-10 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1, 7-10 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 9-10 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1-10 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 9-10 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-10 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 10 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
In Neuromotor Control of Human Movement, there are no required textbooks. The material covered is largely derived from reviews and original articles in the scientific literature.Recommended Resources
E books (available via university library website)
Mark Latash and Francis Lestienne (eds) Motor Control and Learning, Springer, 2006
Textbooks
Eric Kandel, James Schwartz, Thomas Jessell: Principles of Neural Science (Fourth Edition) McGraw Hill, 2000.
Mark Latash, Neurophysiological Basis of Movement (2nd Edition), Human Kinetics, 2008.
Philip F. Gardiner: Neuromuscular Aspects of Physical Activity, Human Kinetics, 2001.
Philip F. Gardiner: Advanced Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology, Human Kinetics, 2011.
Roger M. Enoka: Neuromechanics of Human Movement (Fourth Edition), Human Kinetics, 2008.
Journals (available online for University students)
Journal of Applied Physiology
Journal of Neurophysiology
Motor Control
Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Journal of Physiology
Human Movement Science
Experimental Brain Research
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair
Brain Stimulation
Journal of Motor Behavior
Muscle and NerveOnline Learning
Textual and audiovisual material will be provided online regularly through MyUni to assist with learning of topics covered in lectures as well as assessment preparation. In addition, a number of lectures will be delivered entirely online. As such, students are reminded to view MyUni often throughout the semester as it is assumed that information that is posted there will be read by all students. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
The course will be delivered via lectures, practicals and tutorials using a traditional face-to-face approach, which will be supplemented by electronic learning materials in the MyUni environment. Fortnightly practical sessions will provide the opportunity for students to gain hands on experience with advanced skills in neurophysiological techniques used in understanding the control of human movement. Fortnigthly tutorial sessions will be held to extend the learning of the lecture material. The students understanding of the material will be assessed using written assessments, quizzes and reports.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
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 (e.g. lectures, tutorials, practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g. reading and revision). Neuromotor Control of Human Movement 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 formal lectures, practicals and tutorials.
Week Theme Theoretical Component Practical/Tutorial (2 hrs) 1 2 1 Assessing Neuromotor Function Action Potentials and EMG Synapses None 2 Assessing Nerve Function Reflexes I Tutorial Activities 1 3 Reflexes II Motor Units Laboratory 1: Neurons in Action 4 Neuromotor Structures & Disorders Motor Cortical Areas Sensory Cortical Areas Tutorial Activities 2 5 Sensory Perception Paper A (Weeks 1-3) Laboratory 2: EMG 6 Vision and Eye Movements Posture and Balance Tutorial Activities 3 7 Descending Pathways Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum Laboratory 3: Muscle 8 Proprioception Locomotion Tutorial Activities 4 9 Neuromotor Behaviour & Adaptation Cortical Plasticity Plasticity and Rehabilitation Laboratory 4: Brain structure and reflexes 10 Ageing Fatigue Tutorial Activities 5: 11 Strength Training Reduced Use Laboratory 5: Sensory Illusions 12 Muscle Damage Endurance Training Revision Tutorial -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Details of each assessment task are shown below. In brief, the course contains 2 written exams covering lecture material, and a number of summative assignments in tutorials and lectures. Dates and explicit details for each assessment task will be given in advance via MyUni.
Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning Outcome(s) being addressed Mid semester examination Summative 15% 1-3 Pre-Laboratory Quiz Summative 10% 9 Laboratory Reports Summative 10% 9 Revision Tutorials Summative 10% 9-10 Tutorial Activities Summative 10% 1-10 Final examination Summative 45% 4-8 Assessment Related Requirements
Marks for the different components of the course are assigned in the following proportions.
Written Exams (60% of total mark)
Paper A 15%
Paper B 45%
Practical Components - (20% of total mark)
Pre-Laboratory Quiz 10%
Laboratory Activities 10%
Tutorial Components - (20% of total mark)
Revision Tutorials 10%
Tutorial Activities 10%Assessment Detail
Note that the final marks for Neuromotor Control of Human Movement may be moderated under some circumstances. Moderation is only ever used to improve a mark or grade, not to decrease it.
WRITTEN EXAMS
Written exams are designed to assess learning over the first 5 weeks (mid-semester exam) and the last seven weeks (end-semester exam). Students must sit each exam and achieve a combined grade of 50% or higher to be eligible to pass the course overall. These exams will assess understanding of principles and problem solving (both written and computational) capabilities. Questions will be based around lecture material delivered throughout the semester.
PRE-LABORATORY QUIZ
Students will complete a laboratory quiz that will be administered online and be due before each laboratory. The questions will cover the background reading in preparation for the laboratory.
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES
Students will be required to submit a laboratory report at the end of the laboratory session that includes details of data collection, analysis and interpretation.
REVISION TUTORIALS
Revision tutorials are used to reinforce key concepts from the lectures that are important for the block examinations (Papers A and B).
TUTORIAL ACTIVITIES
The tutorials will be interactive and used to extend the foundation material presented in lectures. To accomplish this goal, students will answer questions after discussing problems within small groups.
Hurdle Requirements and Course Criteria
To successfully pass the course students must achieve all of the following criteria:
- Achieving a final combined mark for theory papers A and B of 50% or higher.
- Complete all practical assignments, including practorials, to a passable standard
Any student not meeting these barrier requirements will not be eligible to pass the course, regardless of performance in other components.Submission
Submission of work for assessment
Staff will clearly indicate the deadline (date and time) for coursework submission in the course information contained within MyUni. In addition, assessment deadlines will be announced via MyUni at least 7 days prior to the submission deadline. Unless otherwise indicated, coursework should be submitted electronically via MyUni. Any students experiencing technical difficulties should contact the course coordinator and MSTRC staff at the earliest opportunity. Coursework submitted to any location other than those specified will not be accepted. This includes submissions to personal staff email addresses.
Extensions for Assessment Tasks
Submission dates may be extended under exceptional circumstances. Please see the course coordinator at the earliest opportunity if you feel that you require an extension. Upon receipt of an application for extension, 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.
Please note the School of Medical Sciences policy that assessments handed in late to 3rd year courses will receive a penalty of 30% of the mark for each day late, with a mark of zero after 3 days. Any potential difficulties in meeting assessment deadlines should be discussed in good time with the practical co-ordinator (Dr David Wilson) Please note that attendance at all practical sessions is expected. Occasional absences for medical, compassionate, or other reasons are OK, but these need to be justified with appropriate documentation. Anticipated absences should be cleared with the course co-ordinator, and the rest of the group informed. Absences beyond this will result in a zero supervisor mark, and an adjusted mark for poor contribution to group assignmentsCourse 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 .
Replacement Exams Policy
This applies to ALL exams, including those held during class, not just those at the end of semester exam period
(1) 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
(2) For all assessments other than the final exam, requests for replacement examinations should be made by submission of the completed form and supporting documentation to the Medical Sciences Teaching Resource Centre (MSTRC) located on level 4, Medical School South. For the final exam, applications for supplementary assessment must be directed to your Faculty Office. 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 an examination supervisor 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 of Medical Sciences 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.
(3) 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 practioner to complete sections 3 and 4 of the appropriate form (see http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/mod_arrange.html) 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.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING ACADEMIC SUPPS: Academic supps cannot be applied for. They may be offered at the discretion of the School of Medical Sciences examinations committee, to permit students to re-sit either one or all of the examination papers if their overall performance was close to the required level (45% average standard). -
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.
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Student Support
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
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- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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