PHYS30270 The Brain and Motor Control

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module outlines the main structures within the brain and central nervous system, which co-ordinate neuromuscular activity. It addresses the initiation and integration of information between muscle and brain. Topics include skeletal muscle contraction, metabolism, and brain centres involved in perception, sensory and motor control. In addition, the regulation of core brain-muscle coordinated behaviours such as walking and balance are covered. Important clinical phenotypes relevant to neuromuscular control are highlighted.

Tutorial and/or practical demonstration sessions focused on selected topics will also be carried out.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:
Describe the mechanisms underlying brain-muscle interaction.
Describe those factors affecting brain-muscle information flow from transduction and integration to motor outcome in the central nervous system.
Explain the integrated control of movement and locomotion
Describe the neural basis of complex behaviours, the process of neural plasticity and the neural basis of learning and memory.
Describe the biology underlying clinically relevant neuromuscular diseases

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20
Small Group

4
Autonomous Student Learning

96
Total

120
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Small group lectures, tutorials and / or practicals 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
PHYS20040 - Cell and Tissue Physiology


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Continuous assessment 2: Assessment relating to content from all remaining lectures not assessed in Continuous Assessment 1 Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50
Continuous Assessment: Continuous assessment 1: Assessment relating to content from lectures 1-10 Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
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
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided on request from students