Host department: Bioengineering

Time slot: PM

Who can study this module: Open to Y4 from Computing, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ECTS: 5

FHEQ Level: 7

How to apply: Via DSS

August resit opportunity: No

Approximate places available to students from other departments: 10

Historic number of applications from students of other departments: 1

Criteria used to select students: None


Human Neuromechanical Control and Learning

Module aims

This module will provide a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of the control of human movement from the perspective of both adaptation of the neural control system and adaptation of properties of the mechanical plant, incorporating approaches from physiology, engineering and computational neuroscience.

Learning outcomes

Understand and apply the Neuromechanics of human motor control and learning; Utilise Mathematical modelling appropriately; Model of human motor control and biological dynamic systems in general; Model of biological systems dynamics and control

Module syllabus

Introduction Muscle mechanics and control Single joint neuromechanics Multi-joint multi-muscle kinematics Multi-joint dynamics and control Motor learning and memory Motor learning under unstable conditions Motion planning and online control Integration and Control of Sensory Feedback Neurorehabilitation modes; rehabilitation neuroscience.

Pre-requisites

The course is for students with background in computer science, mechanical, electrical and bioengineering, as well as psychology, kinesiology, rehabilitation therapy, neurology, physics, who are interested in understanding the algorithms of human motor control. The material is self-contained so that it can be understood by these distinct communities with their different perspectives and knowledge. Linear differential equations, linear algebra.

Teaching methods

Lectures: 15 hours
Labs: 6 hours
Study groups: 12 hours
Workshop: 2 hours

Assessments

Examinations:

●  Written exam: Main exam; 80% weighting

    Rubrics: The exam paper will contain 3 questions, which have to be answered in 2 hours. These understanding questions are conceived so that they can be answered by people from different background, so either with physiology or engineering background.

     Outline answers to past papers will be available

Courseworks:

●  Written report: Tutorial 1; 4% weighting; Tutorial 1

●  Written report: Tutorial 2; 4% weighting; Tutorial 2

●  Written report: Tutorial 3; 4% weighting; Tutorial 3

●  Written report: Tutorial 4; 4% weighting; Tutorial 4

●  Written report: Tutorial 5; 4% weighting; Tutorial 5

Module leaders

Professor Etienne Burdet