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PERS30070

Academic Year 2025/2026

Skill Acquisition (PERS30070)

Subject:
Performance Science
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dave O'Neill
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The purpose of this module is to understand the principles underlying skill acquisition. Specifically, students will learn the stages of motor learning, the cognitive processes supporting skill acquisition, how motor skills are acquired, how learning can be enhanced and why skills attempts might fail. Each class will comprise of theoretical and practical components designed to encourage student interaction, curiosity and discussion. Most often examples from sport will be used to clarify these, however it is important to keep in mind that the principles and concepts introduced in class apply to any situation in which movement is the primary means of achieving a particular goal (e.g. leisure activities, activities of daily living, rehabilitation, & sport).

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the module, the student should be able to:
1. Analyse the role of neural mechanisms in the preparation and execution of motor skills.
2. Differentiate between stages of motor learning, explaining key features and transitions between stages.
3. Design targeted learning activities that enhance motor skills, incorporating motor learning theories and principles of practice design.
4. Design appropriate strategies to correct observed errors in motor skills by evaluating the cause of the error.

Indicative Module Content:

Example content that can be included in the module is:
- Classification of skills
- The sensory system
- Movement and response preparation
- Behavioural theories: Motor program theories and Dynamic interactions theories
- Stages of motor learning
- Feedback and retention/transfer of learning
- Practice design and schedules

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Specified Learning Activities

36

Autonomous Student Learning

60

Total

120


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is primarily lecture-based with in-class discussion of critical cases.

Staff may utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) during the programme to support teaching and learning and it will be clearly indicated if and when AI is used.

Students are prohibited from representing work as their own that they did not write, code or create. Submission of AI-generated content to this Module by a student without explicit permission and attribution is not allowed and it may reflect unacceptable professional behaviour.

This may result in the initiation of a student disciplinary procedure in accordance with the University Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
SMGT10100 - Theory of Coaching

Equivalents:
Skill Acquisition (SMGT30210)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Presentation Week 11 Graded No
50
No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Assignment including MCQ and short essay-style answers that test knowledge acquired in lectures. Week 5, Week 10 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
50
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 13:00 - 14:50