Biomechanics and Motor Control in Sports and Exercise, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course covers the following areas:

* Motor control - how the human body interacts with its surroundings to produce and control voluntary movements. Perspectives, such as age and development level, are also considered.

* Motor learning - learning new movements and factors affecting such learning. Feedback is considered based on both neurophysiological and educational aspects.

* Biomechanics and movement analysis, including measurement methods in the laboratory - application of basic biomechanical principles to describe and analyse movements in exercise from the perspective of performance.

First the course covers theories and principles of motor control and learning with relevance to exercise and sports. Then the course looks at basic biomechanical principles with a focus on analysing movements in sports. Application of the above principles with a focus on data collection, analysis and intervention occur on an ongoing basis throughout the course.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:
1. Explain the necessary neurophysiological functions and processes for controlling and adapting voluntary movements
2. Explain theories on motor development, learning and feedback in the context of sports
3. Explain biomechanical concepts used to describe muscular load and power development while static and in motion

Skills and abilities:
4. Apply theories of motor learning and feedback when instructing new movements
5. Apply biomechanical concepts and principles for describing muscular load while static and in motion for various sports activities
6. Use field and laboratory-based instruments to analyse activities

Judgement and approach:
7. Evaluate the performance of movements in sports in field and laboratory tests.

Required Knowledge

Anatomy corresponding with at least 7.5 HEC, human physiology corresponding with at least 7.5 HEC and strength training 7.5 HEC.

Form of instruction

Students need access to a computer with an internet connection.

Instruction takes the form of lectures, experiments in exercise settings including the Umeå Movement and Exercise Lab, group seminars, practical application exercises, and individual and group work.

The course is held in English.

Examination modes

Course objectives 1-3 are assessed individually through written supervised on-campus exam.
Course objective 5 is assessed individually through oral presentation at a seminar.
Course objectives 4, 6 and 7 are assessed as a group through a written report.
Course objectives 1-3 are graded as pass with credit, pass or fail.
Course objectives 4-7 are graded as pass or fail.

Earning a pass grade requires at least a pass on all components. The grade pass with credit also requires earning pass with credit on the written on-campus supervised exam.

Deviating from the examination format indicated on the syllabus is permissible if a student has been approved for pedagogical support due to disability. Individual modification to the examination format will be considered based on the student's need. The examination format is modified within the framework of the expected learning outcomes on the syllabus. Upon student request, the course instructor, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide upon a modified examination format. The student must then be notified of the decision.
 
Assessment for a grade in the course is based on all mandatory components. The assessment criteria are presented in the course assignment descriptions. The following grades are possible for the full course: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with credit (VG). The grade is an overall assessment and is given only when all mandatory components have been completed and assessed.

If tests or mandatory components cannot be repeated according to the applicable rules for retakes, another reasonable, proportionate assignment may be given. The number of test occasions is limited to a total of five. The first retake must be offered no later than two months after the original test, but no earlier than ten business days after the results of the original test have been made available. For tests given in May or June, the first retake may be offered within three months of the original test date. The date of the retake must be announced no later than the original test date.
 
Students who fail twice have the right to request another examiner from the Programme Committee. Otherwise, refer to the programme syllabus.
 
The examiner may decide to allow supplementary work to earn a passing grade and must adapt this work individually based on the unfulfilled objective(s). Supplementary work must take place within two weeks after students have been notified of the examination results but before the next examination date.

Supplementary work may only lead to at most a grade of pass and no higher. If the examiner has decided to allow supplementary work, the student has the right to choose to do the supplementary work or to retake the examination to have the opportunity to earn a grade higher than pass.

If the course is no longer offered or if the syllabus undergoes significant changes, a test/new test based on the same syllabus as the original examination is guaranteed for two years after the student's initial registration in the course. 

Credit transfer

Students are entitled to have previous studies or professional work evaluated to see if credit be given for all or part of the course. For more information, see the Higher Education Ordinance and http://www.student.umu.se/examen/tillgodoraknanden. A decision to not give credit may be appealed to the Higher Education Appeals Board. A negative decision is to be explained in writing.

Other regulations

Studies are to be conducted on equal terms in accordance with Umeå University's policy documents regarding gender equality and equal opportunities (www.umu.se).

Students who violate Umeå University's plagiarism policy will face measures as defined in Chapter 10 of the Higher Education Ordinance.