Overview

This unit examines the theoretical basis of motor control and learning as well as the application of this theory to the production of movement across the lifespan in healthy, aging and after injury populations.

Requisites

Prerequisites
BIO10004 Anatomy and Physiology
Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
04-August-2025
02-November-2025
Last self-enrolment date
17-August-2025
Census date
31-August-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
19-September-2025
Results released date
09-December-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Describe the structure and function of the neuromuscular and sensory systems as they relate to the control of voluntary and involuntary movement, motor learning and skill acquisition
  • Discuss the common theoretical models proposed to explain motor control and the processes of motor learning and skill acquisition
  • Use and critique techniques used to assess motor control, motor learning and skill acquisition
  • Explain the changes in motor function or motor performance that may occur with motor learning, skill acquisition, aging and injury
  • Examine aspects of a client’s motor function or motor performance to design motor learning environments and protocols to maximise each client’s specific motor control and learning outcomes, as appropriate in health, exercise or sporting contexts

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Online
Lecture		2.00 12 weeks 24
On-campus
Lab		2.00 12 weeks 24
Specified Activities
Various		3.00 12 weeks 36
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning		5.50 12 weeks 66
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
AssessmentIndividual 30% 3,5 
AssignmentIndividual 30% 1,2,3,5 
ExaminationIndividual 40% 1,2,4 

Content

  • Sensory and motor learning skills
  • Application of body function and structures to motor learning theory
  • Contextualise motor control and learning across the lifespan
  • Theories of motor control and learning
  • Skill acquisition, practice and feedback
  • Voluntary and involuntary muscular movement and control
  • Graduate Attribute 2 (Communication 2 - Communicating using different media)
  • Graduate Attribute 6 (Digital Literacies 2 - Technical literacy)

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.