Module information on this degree can be found below, separated by year of study.
The module information below applies for the current academic year. The academic year runs from August to July; the 'current year' switches over at the end of July.
Students select optional courses subject to rules specified in the Mechanical Engineering Student Handbook, for example at most three Design and Business courses. Please note that numbers are limited on some optional courses and selection criteria will apply.
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