Motor control

This course aims at showing students how does the mind move the body

and vice versa. We will traverse through the elegant organization of the

human motor system and see how it influences other, supposedly higher,

cognitive processes.

This course presents students with the opportunity to learn about neural

systems responsible for movements of the body. Parts of the course

loosely follow the outline of David Rosenbaum’s book „Human Motor

Control”, whereas topics not covered by that book will be discussed on

the basis of original research and review papers. The course will be split

into three basic parts: 1) Principles and basic organization of motor

control neural systems 2) Movement control 3) Motor control – beyond

body movements. 1) Deals with anatomical and neurobiological principles

of motor systems organization. 2) Describes basic types of movement that

humans can perform, such as reaching and looking. 3) Provides

perspective on how does movement control expand to other domains of

cognition and how the natural human body can be surpassed by wiring

brain and machine. Each topic will be discussed on the basis of research in

both humans and non-human species, and will combine knowledge of

both normal and abnormal brain function (such as the example of optic

ataxia helps understanding spatio-motor function of parietal lobes). The

focus of the course will be to provide groundwork understanding of motor

systems for future researchers and practictioners in the domains of

neuropsychology and (human) motor neuroscience.

=== Principles and basic organization of motor control neural systems ===

1) Introduction to motor control. Basic terms and concepts.

2) Basic methods in brain research

3) Basic anatomy, neuroanatomy and physiology of movement control

=== Movement control ===

4) Full body movements and walking

5) Gaze control

6) Reaching and grasping

7) Drawing ,writing, and tool use

=== Motor control – beyond body movements ===

8) Language, thinking and movement

9) Neuroprosthetics and brain-machine interfaces.

Literature

Rosenbaum D. A. , Human Motor Control

Schadmehr R. and Wise S. Computational Neurobiology of Reaching and

Grasping

Journal articles: tba.

At the end of the course, students will obtain understanding of neural

systems engaged in human motor control, will have knowledge about

diseases and disorders of movement control and will be able to critically

evaluate research related to motor control and embodiment. This will

match at least the following learning outcomes of the study program:

K_W01, K_W02, KW_06.

The course will be graded on the basis of the final test or practical

assignment. Completing class assignments will be mandatory.

80% attendance required.

Students must have completed at least a basic course introducing to

psychology/cognitive science. Recommended would be completing a basic

course in neuropsychology, neurophysiology or brain anatomy prior to

attending the course. Individual cases may be accepted.

Students must respect the principles of academic integrity. Cheating and

plagiarism (including copying work from other students, internet or other

sources) are serious violations and will be reported to the administration