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EHR330 Neuroscience of Motor Behaviour (8)

Abstract

This subject explores the neuroscience of motor control and learning. Emphasis is placed on the functional neuroanatomy, organisation and integration of the neural subsystems involved in human movement. All levels of the nervous system are examined from peripheral sensory receptors and motor nerves to the highest levels of cerebral cortical function governing cognitive aspects of movement. Sensorimotor adaptations to musculoskeletal injury, exercise training, reduced use, ageing, skill learning and motor disturbances due to neurological disease will also be addressed. Laboratory work employs electrophysiological techniques and kinetics to examine sensorimotor and/or neuromotor function in a variety of situations.
This subject includes a compulsory residential school if the subject is undertaken by Distance Education.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
Online*Bathurst Campus
On CampusBathurst Campus
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: EHR330
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Exercise Science, Sport and Health

Assumed Knowledge

Students undertaking this subject should have a tertiary level understanding of anatomy, exercise physiology, human growth and development and skill acquisition.

Enrolment restrictions

Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Sport Management) Diploma of Exercise Studies or as approved by the Course Director
 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe the morphology and function of different nervous system cells;
  • be able to describe synaptic structure and neural communication processes;
  • be able to describe the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of touch and kinesthesia;
  • be able to explain the pathway of sensory signal transmission from peripheral receptors to the cerebral cortex for touch and kinesthesia;
  • be able to discuss the contribution of cortical and subcortical structures in planning, organising and executing motor commands to produce smooth, coordinated, rhythmical movement;
  • be able to discuss the role of cortical and subcortical structures in motor learning and memory;
  • be able to explain the pathway of motor signal transmission from the cortex to spinal motor neurons;
  • be able to describe the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of vision and balance;
  • be able to discuss sensorimotor integration in joint stability, postural control, locomotion and reaching/grasping;
  • be able to discuss acute and/or chronic changes in sensorimotor function associated with ageing, exercise and injury;
  • be able to discuss neuroplasticity associated with motor learning, musculoskeletal injury and chronic changes in physical activity;
  • be able to discuss key features of the underlying pathophysiology of common neurological diseases and identify implications for motor control and/or learning.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • Cellular neurobiology;
  • Cerebrum;
  • Basal ganglia, cerebellum and brainstem;
  • Spinal cord organisation, central pattern generators and reflex arcs;
  • Somatosensation, ascending sensory pathways and sensory-perception;
  • Decision making, movement planning, organisation, execution and descending motor pathways;
  • Neurophysiological aspects of sensorimotor learning and memory;
  • Vestibular function;
  • Eye movement;
  • Postural control, locomotion and reaching/grasping;
  • Sensorimotor changes with ageing, injury, exercise and reduced use;

Residential School

This subject contains a compulsory 2 day residential school. Distance Education students are required to attend a two (2) day Residential School scheduled during the Residential School period.
This Residential School is necessary in order to comply with accreditation requirements and to complete the appropriate volume of learning required in this subject in laboratory and practical settings.

Specialised Resources

Distance Education students are required to attend a Residential School scheduled during the Residential School period to access laboratory facilities. This will require students to arrange and finance their own travel and accommodation.

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The information contained in the 2017 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 25 August 2017. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.