This course is an introduction to the psychological principles and underlying neural mechanisms of skilled performance and motor control. In addition, experimental methods employed in the study of motor control will be demonstrated in the laboratory. Topics include the role of attention, information processing and feedback in controlling performance, as well as the contribution of the central nervous system in voluntary motor performance and motor learning.

Prerequisites: AS/SC KINE 2050 3.0 or equivalent "Statistics" Course and AS/SC PSYC 1010 6.0

See the York University Lecture Schedule for the days and times of labs.

*Labs commence the week of September 12, 2011

Required texts: 

Mosher, M. and Henriques, D. Lecture Notes and Laboratory Manual: Skilled Performance and Motor Learning.

 York University, 2011.  [Bookstore]

Course Evaluation: 

N.B. An appeal against a grade assigned to an item of course work must be made in writing to the course director within 7 days of the graded work being made available to the class. The result of an appeal may cause the grade to increase, decrease or remain the same.

Last Date to drop a course without receiving a grade: November 11, 2011.

Learning Expectations:

After completion of KINE 3020 3.0 [Skilled Performance and Motor Learning], students will be able to:

a) 	describe the basic components of the human nervous system.
b) 	compare and contrast different cellular components of the human nervous system.
c) 	describe key processes involved in the passage of information between neurons. 
d) 	describe how the nervous system controls muscles and monitors body and limb positions.
e) 	describe how the brain utilizes visual information to control skilled movement.
f) 	describe how various structures of the brain control human movement.
g) 	identify different types of memory involved in learning.
h) 	define skilled performance.
i) 	describe the describe the connotations associated with skilled behaviour.
j) 	compare and contrast the common motor skill classification systems.
k) 	describe methods of assessing the production and outcome of motor skills.
l) 	describe characteristics of learners as they progress through stages of learning.
m) 	construct a model of information processing used by skilled performers.
n) 	summarize the differences in processing abilities between expert and novice performers.

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the following information, available on the Senate Committee on Curriculum & Academic Standards webpage (see Reports, Initiatives, Documents)  - http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/senate_cte_main_pages/ccas.htm 

         ·        York’s Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures/Academic Integrity Website

·        Ethics Review Process for research involving human participants 

·        Course requirement accommodation for students with disabilities, including physical, medical, systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities

·        Student Conduct Standards

·        Religious Observance Accommodation

Course Accommodations for Students with Disabilities [Click Here]

Definitions of Grading Descriptions 

A+ Exceptional. Thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques and exceptional skill or great originality in the use of those concepts/techniques in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course. 

A Excellent. Thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with a high degree of skill and/or some elements of originality in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course. 

B+ Very Good. Thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with a fairly high degree of skill in the use of those concepts/techniques in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course. 

B Good. Good level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with considerable skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course. 

C+ Competent. Acceptable level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with considerable skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course. 

C Fairly Competent. Acceptable level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with some skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course. 

D+ Passing. Slightly better than minimal knowledge of required concepts and/or techniques together with some ability to use them in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course. 

D Barely Passing. Minimum knowledge of concepts and/or techniques needed to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course. 

E Marginally Failing. 

F Failing.