Course coordinator
Professor Timothy Carroll
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Human Movement & Nutrition Sci
Students will be introduced to advanced concepts in biomechanics and motor control (neuromechanics). Issues concerning i) muscle, tendon and muscle architecture, ii) motion analysis, iii) reflex pathways and excitability, iv) postural control and v) neural plasticity and motor learning will be covered in three modules. Lectures, demonstrations, laboratory sessions and prescribed readings will be used to facilitate learning within the course.
Students will be introduced to advanced concepts in biomechanics and motor control (neuromechanics) - with a particular emphasis on applications to sport. Issues concerning i) neuromuscular performance and adaptation, ii) skill acquisition, iii)ﾠ motion analysis and muscle/tendon architecture will be covered in three modules. Lectures, demonstrations, laboratory sessions,ﾠ prescribed readings, in-class exams, and a major research report presentation will be used to facilitate learning within the course.
Course requirements
Assumed background
A good grounding in Anatomy (ANAT1005); Biomechanics (BIOL2630);and Motor Control (NEUR2530), or their equivalents, is assumed.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
HMST2530 or NEUR2530, HMST2630 or BIOL2630
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
HMST7733; HMST3733
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Andrew Cresswell
Professor Timothy Carroll
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
There will be 1 xﾠ2-hour lecture per week. The lectures should be attended as they will often include group discussion not captued by Echo360.
There are FIVE (5) compulsory practical / laboratoriesﾠ scheduled to last 2 hours during the course (in weeks 2, 7, 8, 11, 12). Attendance at laboratories is required to allow submission of associated assessments (5% of total grade each). Sign-on for the laboratory slots will be administered though Allocate+. ﾠPlease follow all directions carefully to avoid disappointment.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of advanced levels of biomechanics and motor control and how this can be applied to practical situations to improve or understand human sporting performance in healthy or clinical populations.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
develop an understanding of the neuromechanical aspects of human movement including the neural, physiological and cognitive basis for controlling movement and changes that underpin the acquisition of movement skills
LO2.
develop an objective and scientific approach to the study of sensorimotor control of human movement and how this might vary with training, development, ageing and with various clinical disorders
LO3.
develop an understanding of the use of instrumentation in the neuromechanical analysis of human movement.
LO4.
develop skill in analysing, interpreting and presenting data and concepts related to the neuromechanics of human movement
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation |
Practical Assessments
|
15% (3 x 5% each) |
Practical Report Reflection 1 21/08/2025 2:00 pm In-class practical exam 17/09/2025 Practical Report Reflection 2 30/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Quiz |
In Class Quizzes for Modules 1, 2 and 3
|
45% (3 x 15% each) |
25/08/2025 2:00 pm 22/09/2025 2:00 pm 27/10/2025 2:00 pm
During timetabled lecture. |
| Presentation, Project |
Neuromechanics in Practice Research Presentation
|
40% |
22/10/2025
During timetabled practical. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Practical Assessments
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 15% (3 x 5% each)
- Due date
Practical Report Reflection 1 21/08/2025 2:00 pm
In-class practical exam 17/09/2025
Practical Report Reflection 2 30/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Attendance and participation in each practical is required (Weeks 3, 7, 8, 11 & 12). Data and/or other information collected in the practical needs to be analysed and synthesised based on specific requirements of each practical discussed appropriately within the class. Students will be required to demonstrate practical skills in Neuromechanical techniques and interpretation of data as well as being able and interpret results from research literature using similar methods.
During the practical you will be required to collect some data that is relevant to the specific learning module. Some basic instructions for analysis will be provided. This data will then be scrutinised with respect to a specific practical or research question that is assigned to you in the practical. You will be required to generate appropriate graphs or tables so that you can present this data to the class. You will also need to examine the research literature and relate your results to what you find is already known. This will involve some critical analysis of research literature to demonstrate that you understand the methods used in the practical and how your research goal / question might be relevant in the general field of exercise or sports science.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)
Practical Report Reflections:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
In-class practical exam:
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
There are a total of five (5) compulsory practicals. Missing two (2) or more practicals without an approved absence will result in students being unable to achieve a grade higher than a grade of 4 (pass) for the course.Submission guidelines
Practical Report Reflections: To be submitted via the relevant Turnitin submission portal on the course Blackboard site.
In-class practical exam: Completed in-person during timetabled practical.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Lab Report Reflection 1: You may be able to apply for an extension.
In-class Exam: You may be able to defer this exam.
Lab Report Reflection 2: You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In Class Quizzes for Modules 1, 2 and 3
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 45% (3 x 15% each)
- Due date
25/08/2025 2:00 pm
22/09/2025 2:00 pm
27/10/2025 2:00 pm
During timetabled lecture.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Quizzes will be conducted in Weeks 5, 9, and 13 that cover content from Modules 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Each exam is worth 15%, and will be done in regular class time.
Each quiz focuses on both recall of knowledge from the lectures as well as demonstrated understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing the neuromechanical control of movement.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Your new deferred quiz date and time will be determined by the course coordinator and communicated to you via your UQ student email account.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Neuromechanics in Practice Research Presentation
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
22/10/2025
During timetabled practical.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Choose one of the practical scenarios/problems/questions proposed by the teaching staff and consider i) your current understanding of neuromechanics along with ii) relevant research literature to provide your response to the scenario/problem/question. You will deliver a presentation of your report in the final practical session for the course in week 12.
Details of requirements
Examine the scenario/problem/question that you have chosen. Outline your understanding of the main neuromechanical concepts that are relevant to the scenarios/problems/questions that you have chosen. Consult the most recent and relevant research literature that addresses the scenarios/problems/questions you have chosen- the literature does not have to directly answer the practical problem/question, however it should have some direct relevance. Critically analyse the literature, including whether you believe there are flaws or limitations, so that you can make an informed decision about the quality of the research and its potential application to your scenario/problem/question. Remember that the key component of a critical analysis is to determine possible flaws in the research, while also acknowledging the strengths of the research - therefore this should not be a summary of the research. Synthesise the information - and generate a clear response or recommendations to help solve the selected practical scenario/problem/question. Given the quality of the research examined, what can be justifiably concluded and how can this help solve your problem? Note - You may conclude that current research or understanding does not provide sufficient evidence to solve the problem - this is perfectly fine, however you may choose to propose future directions for research if you cannot find a suitable solution. Reflect. Reflect on what you have learnt from this assignment. Examples of questions you might ask yourself include -
· In what ways did examining and critiquing the literature lead you to confirm or question your prior knowledge of this area of study?
· What did you learn about your area of study?
· What are the implications for your professional development moving forward?
· Did you develop any new skills or appreciation for your area of study?
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Discretionary extensions are not available for this task.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Your new presentation date and time will be determined by the course coordinator and communicated to you via your UQ student email account.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The weighted sum of the four assesment items is calculated to determine the final grade. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The weighted sum of the four assesment items is calculated to determine the final grade. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The weighted sum of the four assesment items is calculated to determine the final grade. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The weighted sum of the four assesment items is calculated to determine the final grade. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The weighted sum of the four assesment items is calculated to determine the final grade. Failure to attend two or more laboratory sessions, without an approved absence, will result in a grade of no better than a pass (4). |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The weighted sum of the four assesment items is calculated to determine the final grade. Failure to attend two or more laboratory sessions, without an approved absence, will result in a grade of no better than a pass (4). |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The weighted sum of the four assesment items is calculated to determine the final grade. Failure to attend two or more laboratory sessions, without an approved absence, will result in a grade of no better than a pass (4). |
Additional course grading information
A final percentage mark will be rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g. 64.50 and above will be rounded to 65 and 64.49 and below will be rounded down to 64.)
If you missed two (2) or more practicals without an approved absence and your grade exceeds 64%, you will be limited to a grade of 4 (pass) for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF -
1.ﾠﾠI’ve missed a compulsory practical?
To be eligible to submit and be graded on the practical assessment pieces, students must attend and participate in the relevant practical according to the day and time of the activity group they signed-on to on Allocate.
If the student does not attend then a grade of 0 will be awarded to that assessment piece. However, if the student has a legitimate reason for not attending with supporting evidence then the student will be permitted to attend an alternative practical activity.
If the student's legitimate absence prevents them from attending any of the alternative practical sessions, then an alternative assessment arrangement will be organised.
Please follow the process for missed attendance (below) as soon as you possibly know that you will be absent from a practical. The earlier we are made aware, the easier it is to make alternative arrangements.
Missed Attendance Process
Students are permitted to miss zero practicals for NERU3733 without receiving approval.
If you are unable to attend for medical or extenuating circumstances, you are required to complete an absentee form and email the form as soon as possible to School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences Student Admin team (hmns@enquire.uq.edu.au) within two calendar days of the missed practical.
Failure to attend compulsory practicals session without an approved absence will result in a grade of zero for this assessment piece.ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard will be used extensively throughout the course for
i) communication to students
ii) laboratory quizzes and reports
iii) discussions
iv) lecture notes (generally posted after the lecture)
Please note that while Echo360 will be used in this course, there is no guarantee that all lectures will be recorded. It is highly recommended that all students attend all lectures.
If you are unable to attend a laboratory due to illness, please contact the lecturer responsible for that particular laboratory/module, preferably in advance, for advice.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 1 - Course Introduction and Neurophysiology Methods Course Introduction and Neurophysiology Methods Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2 - Neural adaptations to Strength Training Neural adaptations to Strength Training Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Practical |
Laboratory 1: Neurophysiology Practical Laboratory 1: Sensorimotor measurements. Measurement of M-wave and M-max. Cortical measurements using TMS. Spinal measurements H-reflex. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 3 - Cross Education of Strength Cross Education of Strength Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 4 - Central Fatigue Central Fatigue Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5 - Quiz 1 and Skill Acquisition 1 IN-CLASS Exam 60min, covering Week 1-4 content. Then Introduction to skill acquisition. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6 - Skill Acquisition 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 7 - Skill Acquisition 3 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Practical |
Laboratory 2: Skill Acquisition Practical 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 8 - Skill Acquisition 4 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Practical |
Laboratory 3: Skill Acquisition Practical 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 9 - Quiz 2 and Mechanics and Energetics 1 IN-CLASS Exam 60min, covering Week 5-8 content. Then introduction lecture to Mechanics and Energetics. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11 -Mechanics and Energetics 2 Mechanics and Energetics of Human Movement Walking and Running Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Practical |
Laboratory 4 - Motion Capture Laboratory 3: Motion Analysis Practical - Demonstrate the ability to quantitatively kinematic and kinetic procedures using 3D video analysis, force plates and ultrasound Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 12 - Mechanics and Energetics 3 Eccentric Muscle Damage Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Practical |
Laboratory 5 - Research Report Presentation Students will present their research reports within their scheduled practical session in week 12. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Week 13 - Quiz 3 IN-CLASS quiz 60 min, covering Week 9-12 content. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: