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In this module you will develop knowledge and understanding about the human motor system, how humans plan and prepare actions and how we are able to initiate and execute voluntary and involuntary actions (e.g. a reflex). You will learn about the function of our muscles and how our anatomy has evolved for the different actions we perform; how we control our actions and how we learn new actions. You will also develop knowledge and understanding about dysfunctions of the central and peripheral nervous systems which can result in movement disorders e.g. Parkinson’s disease. You will learn the different diagnostic criteria of common movement disorders and how they are managed and treated.

Learning will be delivered using a traditional lecture format. Lectures will include taught content, worked examples, demonstrations, and short set problems for students to discuss and solve in small groups. Video content will also be used to enable students to understand some of the main motor symptoms of common movement disorders. In addition, the content will be dovetailed with the Human Neuroscience seminar series that runs through this programme and is a compulsory part of the course.

This module provides learning in the following topics:

• Human Biomechanics
• Muscles
• The corticospinal tract
• The role of the primary motor cortex
• The role of the secondary motor cortices
• The role of the Basal Ganglia
• The role of the Cerebellum
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Huntingdon’s Disease
• Dystonia
• Functional Movement Disorders

Learning outcomes:

• To understand how the basic neurophysiology of muscles and the biomechanical limitations of human movements
• To understand how different areas of the human brain are involved in movement and movement control
• To understand the role of sensory feedback in motor control
• To have an understanding of the underlying causes of common movement disorders, the main motor symptoms of these disorders and therapeutic interventions