Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - BPK 207 D100

Sensorimotor Control and Learning (3)

Class Number: 3352

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2022
    Thu, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BPK 142 or permission of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students are introduced to basic concepts in the sensorimotor planning and control of movement. Topics include the factors and disorders affecting movement, sensory and motor physiology, sensorimotor integration, current theories of motor control, and motor learning. Taught from a behavioral and neurophysiological perspective that explores psychological influences on motor control.

COURSE DETAILS:

Mode of teaching:

Lecture – in-person, Mondays and Wednesdays
Tutorials – in-person – do NOT meet first week – (Weeks 3, 5, 8, 11; to be confirmed at beginning of term)
Midterm – in-person, Friday Feb 18 (date to be confirmed at beginning of term)
Quizzes – Synchronous, via Canvas, Fridays (Jan 28, Feb 11, Mar 11, Apr 1;  to be confirmed at beginning of term)
Final exam – in-person, date TBD

Important Information:

Each week students are expected to study and learn a certain section of the course based on the material provided on Canvas. Lectures will integrate and apply the material of the previous week. Most Friday classes will be optional (except where noted above) and will be treated as a drop-in question and answer (Q&A) office hour during which students can ask the instructor questions via Zoom. Tutorials will not run every week; a schedule will be provided at the beginning of the term.

Topics Covered: 

  1. Introduction to sensorimotor control
  2. Methods for studying motor behaviour
  3. Sensory contribution to sensorimotor control
  4. Cognitive factors influencing movement
  5. Motor systems and organization of action
  6. Principles of speed and accuracy
  7. Sensorimotor control (theories, internal models)
  8. Motor learning
  9. Effects of neurological conditions on movement

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. Illustrate how a movement or motor skill emerges from the interaction of factors related to the environment, task, and individual
  2. Apply knowledge of the sensorimotor systems to explain how the nervous system controls movement in real-life situations
  3. Integrate core course concepts to propose effective techniques to facilitate motor learning
  4. Identify possible sensory and motor signs and symptoms associated with damage to different areas of the nervous system

Grading

  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Canvas quizzes 10%
  • Tutorial/Lab 30%
  • Final exam 35%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Access to reliable highspeed internet (Canvas quizzes). Microphone for asking questions (for optional online office hours).

REQUIRED READING:

There are NO required textbooks for this course.            

Weekly assigned reading and/or video are all available on Canvas site.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

It is the responsibility of the student to keep their BPK course outlines if they plan on furthering their education.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.