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Students undertaking studies in the area of sport and exercise will be required to develop knowledge and skills related to the discipline area of motor control and learning. This course will introduce the theoretical basis of motor control and learning to select and perform assessments of motor skills. The course will provide the opportunity for students to develop the knowledge and skills to be able to design a suitable program, based on best practice, for teaching motor skills to meet the unique needs of clients across a range of groups in the population. The course also presents students with the opportunity to explore practical research in the area and to be able to integrate with other sport and exercise discipline areas, particularly biomechanics, to ensure best possible outcomes for individuals (based on their needs, including remedial and rehabilitation).

This course will provide students with an understanding of the nature of motor control and learning. It outlines the theoretical basis of motor control and learning to be able to select and perform assessments of motor skills. The course will assist students develop knowledge and skills relevant to the design of suitable programs, based on best practice, for use in teaching motor skills to meet the needs of clients. The course will also provide information relevant to a generally healthy population, especially those involved in sport and physical activity and, to individuals and groups across a range of populations. The use of motor control and learning in the development of motor skills and in rehabilitation will be a focus. Current research and the relationship to other discipline areas will be outlined.

This course contains a mandatory residential school for external students and mandatory on-campus laboratories or practical classes for on-campus students.

On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Describe the structure and function of the neuromuscular and sensory systems as they relate to the control of voluntary and involuntary movement and motor learning.
2. Identify the strengths and limitations of techniques to assess processes of motor learning and motor control.
3. Explain the changes in motor function that may occur with motor learning and development across the lifespan.
4. Design motor learning environments and protocols to maximise each individual’s specific motor learning and control outcomes, as appropriate in physical activity and exercise contexts.
5. Discuss the common theoretical models proposed to explain motor control and the processes of motor learning.