Overview
This unit is designed as a follow-up from ESSC11003- Skill Acquisition and Movement. The unit will focus on the neuromotor system and examine the central mechanisms that are involved in postural control, gait locomotion and various human movements that are essential in activities of daily living. This unit starts by examining the concept of neuroplasticity and the neurophysiological changes associated with motor learning and memory consolidation. It will also address how the brain controls essential human movement such as walking and static posture and how it adapts itself functionally to injury or environmental stimulus. With this knowledge, the unit will further explore how concepts of motor control and learning may be applied to rehabilitation of neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. The practical component of this unit will allow students to be involved in self-directed research projects pertaining to motor control and learning. Distance education (FLEX) students will be required to have access to a computer to make frequent use of internet resources and to attend a residential school on Rockhampton campus to promote development of unit learning outcomes.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisite - ESSC11003 Skill Acquisition and Movement
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2018
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Residential Schools
This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback via 'Have your say' survey
Students commented that communication with the unit coordinator was excellent, and that the assessment was well-structured and relevant to industry.
Continue the practice of regular contact with students and continue with current assessment tasks.
Feedback from Self-reflection
Endeavour to maintain industry relevance of unit content, while continuing to meet external accreditation requirements
Maintain industry contacts to ensure content, assessment and residential school experiences results in industry-ready graduates.
Feedback from Face-to-face feedback from students at residential school
Students commented favourably on the highly applied nature of the residential school laboratories and enjoyed the varied topics.
Continued with highly applied topics which have industry relevance, at residential schools.
- Analyse the central mechanisms involved with postural control and locomotion.
- Examine the concept of neuroplasticity and apply this knowledge in motor learning.
- Examine the principles, interventions and assessments used in neuro-rehabilitation.
- Describe and differentiate motor disorders that influence motor control.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Online Test - 40% | ||||
| 2 - Presentation - 30% | ||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||
| 4 - On-campus Activity - 0% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Online Test - 40% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Presentation - 30% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||||||||
| 4 - On-campus Activity - 0% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
Additional Textbook Information
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- EndNote or similar bibliographic software is recommended. EndNote is available free of charge from CQUniversity via the Library or IT services.
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
- Zoom Conferencing (Webcam and Microphone)
- Real Statistics 'add-in' for Microsoft Excel (see Moodle link)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
n.elsworthy@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to motor control - Fundamentals of sensorimotor behaviour and neuromechanics
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Neuroanatomy (I) - Structure and function of the cerebral cortex
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Neuroanatomy (II) - Functions of the subcortical and spinal structures
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Concepts of neuroplasticity - Implications for motor learning and rehabilitation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 1 available between 28 March 2018 at 8:00 am until 1 April 2018 at 11:55 pm AEST. This quiz will cover content from Weeks 1-3 inclusive.
Module/Topic
Reflex circuitry and voluntary motor control
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Static postural control - Orienting to the environment and controlling upright stance
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Residential School/Laboratory Block Session
Mixed Mode & Rockhampton students (16 - 17 April 2018)
Mackay (19 - 20 April 2018)
Module/Topic
Dynamic motor control (I) - Locomotion of the legs
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 2 available 25 April 2018 at 8:00 am to 29 April 2018 at 11:55 pm AEST. This quiz will cover content from Weeks 4-6 inclusive.
Module/Topic
Dynamic motor control (II) - Visual control of locomotor manoeuvres and staying on track
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
File submission for Oral presentation - Review of the Literature Due: Week 8 Friday (4 May 2018) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Programs and pattern generation in voluntary action
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Oral presentation. Zoom seminars will take place on 8 - 11 May 2018 inclusive. Specific times will be confirmed by the Unit Coordinator and communicated to students via Moodle.
Module/Topic
Understanding movement disorders - Parkinson's disease, dystonia and multiple sclerosis
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 3 available 16 May 2018 at 8:00 am until 20 May 2018 at 11:55 pm AEST. This quiz will cover content from Weeks 7-9 inclusive.
Module/Topic
Understanding CNS injuries - Stroke and spinal cord injury
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Ticking all the boxes - A final look at the guidelines and marking criteria for the written research laboratory manuscript
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 4 available 30 May 2018 at 8:00 am until 3 June at 11:55 pm AEST. This quiz will cover content from Weeks 10-11 inclusive.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Laboratory / Residential School Information
Mixed Mode students
- A residential school will take place during Week 6, on the Rockhampton North campus. Attendance at this residential school is compulsory and you cannot pass the unit without attending the residential school.
Rockhampton students
- A two-day block laboratory session will be held on the Rockhampton North campus to coincide with the residential school. Attendance at this two-day laboratory block is compulsory and you cannot pass the unit without attending the laboratory block session.
Mackay students
- A two-day block laboratory session will be held on the Mackay City campus during Week 6. Attendance at this two-day laboratory block is compulsory and you cannot pass the unit without attending the laboratory block session.
1 Online Test
The online test will consist of 4 (four) separate quizzes administered at various points across the Term. Each quiz consists of 20 questions and will cover the various lecture topics. Quizzes may include multiple choice questions, short-answer questions, or both. Each quiz will be worth 10% and therefore these assessment tasks comprise 40% of the total grade for this course. Due dates for each quiz are available in the Schedule section of this unit profile. In the absence of an approved extension, there will be no late submissions allowed for this assessment item.
Four online quizzes will be administered at various points across the Term. Details on the due dates for each quiz can be found on the course schedule. In the absence of an approved extension, there will be no late submissions allowed for this assessment item.
Upon successful submission of each quiz, you will immediately receive your mark. Correct answers will be provided once all students have completed the quiz.
You will be assessed on your knowledge of key concepts in applied skill acquisition and movement delivered throughout the term.
- Analyse the central mechanisms involved with postural control and locomotion.
- Examine the concept of neuroplasticity and apply this knowledge in motor learning.
- Examine the principles, interventions and assessments used in neuro-rehabilitation.
- Describe and differentiate motor disorders that influence motor control.
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
2 Presentation
You will undertake a review of the literature on one (1) of the topics provided by the unit coordinator. You will then prepare a slide presentation on your review of the literature using PowerPoint or similar software, and deliver this presentation to the unit coordinator and your peers during one of the available online seminars, to be held during Week 9, Term 1 (8 - 11 May 2018). Online seminars will be conducted using ZOOM videoconferencing software and the seminars will be recorded. Specific presentation times will be confirmed within the first 2 weeks of term.
There are some strict guidelines on how you should prepare your presentation. An overview of these is provided below, and you will receive more detailed information in lectures and on Moodle. Therefore you are strongly encouraged to attend and/or review the lectures online, and regularly check Moodle for tips on preparing a great presentation.
General format of the presentation
- Duration: Not more than ten (10) minutes (approximately 8-15 slides), with an additional five (5) minutes for questions immediately following the presentation. Total time: 15 minutes.
- Figures and tables: The use of figures, tables or diagrams to report your findings is encouraged but not mandatory.
- Pictures or images: The use of pictures or images for the purpose of filling space on a slide or making the presentation ‘pretty’ is discouraged.
- Font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri
- Language: English (Australian).
- Transition between slides: None.
- References: These are to be cited following the statement to which they pertain. The citation should be in the same font as the rest of the text, but size 12 point. The format should be (Author, year). If more than 1 author, list the first author then use et al. For example (Elsworthy et al, 2017). Do not use the complete citation. This will appear in the reference list which will form part of the Moodle submission.
Moodle submission
By the due date prescribed below, you will submit via Moodle, two (2) files;
a) a PDF of the final slides you intend to present at the seminar; and
b) a Word document which contains the following information:
- Your name and student number.
- The title of your Review of the Literature.
- A brief summary (not more than 250 words) of your Review of the Literature.
- A reference list which contains a minimum of ten (10) references from the current (within 10 years) peer-reviewed literature which must be cited in your presentation. You may use EndNote or similar bibliographic software to format your references if you choose, or you may format them manually. If you choose to use EndNote, it can be obtained from CQUniversity’s ITD website. You are encouraged to trial this software early as I will be providing tips on its use and links to instructions each week. Referencing will be in APA 6th - full name format and this style is included in EndNote.
Moodle submission: Presentation file and word document due 4 May 2018 at 5:00 pm; Presentation: To be delivered during Week 9 (8 - 11 May 2018, Times TBC)
Week 10 Friday (18 May 2018)
The oral presentation will be marked using a detailed marking rubric. The completed rubric will be available on the Moodle site and grades will assess the presentation content, presentation skills, and Moodle submission.
- Analyse the central mechanisms involved with postural control and locomotion.
- Examine the concept of neuroplasticity and apply this knowledge in motor learning.
- Examine the principles, interventions and assessments used in neuro-rehabilitation.
- Describe and differentiate motor disorders that influence motor control.
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
3 Written Assessment
At the residential school/laboratory block sessions for this unit, you will undertake a number of laboratory experiments designed to examine the impact of a variety of stimuli on motor performance. You will also have read many peer-reviewed manuscripts during your program of study. Now is your opportunity to write a similar paper, not for publication, but for assessment. Your task is to write a brief written laboratory report on one (1) of the laboratory experiments undertaken during the ESSC13006 compulsory residential school/laboratory block sessions.
Your report should provide a brief background of the topic, describe the methods used in the experiment such that it could be replicated, report your findings from the experiment, and discuss you findings in the context of the current body of knowledge on the topic. Finally, you will provide conclusions based on your findings and offer some practical implications of the study. This is what many of your lecturers and tutors do when they prepare manuscripts for publication – now it’s your turn!
Like submitting a manuscript for publication, there are some strict guidelines. An overview of these is provided below, and you will receive more detailed information in lectures and on Moodle. Therefore you are strongly encouraged to attend and/or review the lectures online, and regularly check Moodle for tips on preparing a great manuscript.
General format
- Word processing program: Microsoft Word (or equivalent word processing software).
- Font: Times New Roman or Arial, Size 11
- Spacing: Double spaced throughout.
- Headings: Use the headings listed in the detailed explanation on Moodle.
- Alignment: Justified
- Language: English (Australian).
- Referencing: Where relevant, statements in your manuscript MUST be appropriately referenced using peer-reviewed journals. You are advised to use EndNote or similar bibliographic software to format your references. EndNote is available to both on-campus and Mixed Mode students and is available for Windows and Mac users. You are encouraged to trial this software early as I will be providing tips on its use and links to instructions each week.
- Referencing will be in APA 6th - full name format and this style is included in EndNote.
- Word count: NOT LESS THAN 1500 AND NOT MORE THAN 2000 words excluding the title page, abstract, figures, tables and references. A structured abstract of no more than 150 words is required, however, this is not included in the word count for the main text. You must not exceed the maximum word count as any excess material will NOT be read and will not be marked. Therefore it will not contribute to your overall grade. A suggested word count for each section is provided in greater detail on Moodle, and is a GUIDE only. It is the total word count that will be assessed.
Remember to check Moodle for detailed instructions in the ‘Written Laboratory Research Manuscript’ section, along with a marking rubric, so you can see how the manuscript will be assessed.
Review/Exam Week Friday (8 June 2018) 5:00 pm AEST
Exam Week Friday (15 June 2018)
This assessment item will be graded using an assessment rubric. This outlines in detail, the grade achieved for each assessable section of the written laboratory research manuscript. The complete rubric is available on Moodle and a detailed explanation will be given in lectures and on Moodle.
- Analyse the central mechanisms involved with postural control and locomotion.
- Examine the concept of neuroplasticity and apply this knowledge in motor learning.
- Examine the principles, interventions and assessments used in neuro-rehabilitation.
- Describe and differentiate motor disorders that influence motor control.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
4 On-campus Activity
Throughout this unit, you are required to participate in the residential school/laboratory block sessions. Attendance and active participation during these sessions forms part of your assessment. Details on the residential school/block laboratory sessions in below. Please refer to your timetable via the CQU website to confirm dates and times.
Mixed Mode students
- A residential school will take place during Week 6, on the Rockhampton North campus. Attendance at this residential school is compulsory and you cannot pass the unit without attending the residential school.
- Residential School will run from 16 -17 April 2018, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. During this time, you will undertake several experiments of which the methods and procedures will be outlined on Moodle, and communicated by the Unit Coordinator
Rockhampton students
- A two-day laboratory block session will be held on the Rockhampton North campus to coincide with the residential school. Attendance at this two-day laboratory block session is compulsory and you cannot pass the unit without attending the laboratory block session.
- On-campus Rockhampton students will complete the laboratory block sessions with Mixed mode students 16 - 17 April 2018, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Further information will be outlined on Moodle.
Mackay students
- A two-day laboratory block session will be held on the Mackay City campus during Week 6. Attendance at this two-day laboratory block session is compulsory and you cannot pass the unit without attending the laboratory block session.
- The Mackay based laboratory sessions will be run 19 - 20 April 2018, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
- NOTE: The availability of the Mackay laboratory block session will depend on the number of students wishing to attend this session. Alternative arrangements will be made to attend the Rockhampton laboratory block session (16 - 17 April 2018) if enrollment numbers are not sufficient. The unit coordinator will communicate regularly with students regarding the status of the Mackay laboratory block session.
Compulsory residential school/laboratory block session are scheduled during Week 6 of Term 1 2018. See CQU Timetable for confirmation of dates and times specific to your enrollment.
Attendance and active participation at the compulsory residential school/laboratory block session forms part of your assessment for this unit and you cannot pass the unit without attending these sessions. You will be required to sign the attendance register for each activity during the residential school/laboratory block session, and present your student identification card as verification when signing in.
- Examine the principles, interventions and assessments used in neuro-rehabilitation.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
