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Neural Control of Movement and Motor Learning
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:47:53
Abstract
This course extends the students knowledge regarding the neural control of movement and motor learning. Particular emphasis will be put on those methods and experimental findings that have shaped current knowledge of this area including fMRI, EEG, TMS, electrical brain stimulation and classical behavioural experiments.
Objective
Knowledge of the neurophysiological basis underlying the neural control of movement and motor learning. One central element is that students have first hands-on experience in the lab where small experiments are independently executed, analysed and interpreted.
Content
1. Motor System • Central pattern generators (CPGs) in locomotion • Evolution of the motor system in mammals • Corticomotoneuronal (CM) cells and their role in manual dexterity 2. TMS Basics • History of non-invasive brain stimulation • Technical principles of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) • Depolarization of brain cells using TMS • Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) 3. TMS Application • Safety considerations regarding TMS • How to investigate changes of corticomotor excitability • Different TMS protocols used in human neuroscience 4. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging • Basics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) • MRI safety • Measuring brain activity using functional MRI (fMRI) • Example fMRI studies that studied brain activity 5. Sensorimotor Plasticity • The somatosensory system • How are sensorimotor maps formed? • Sensorimotor plasticity after major changes in sensorimotor processing • Persistent organisation after major changes in sensorimotor processing 6. Motor Control • The (Generalized) Motor Program • The Bernstein Problem • Minimum Variance Theory • Open and closed loop models • Minimum Intervention Principle • Movement coordination • Movement timing 7. Motor Learning I • Different memory systems but similar processes • Sensorimotor learning: the phenomenon • Use-dependent plasticity • Homeostatic metaplasticity • Observation learning • Expertise helps to read movements • Error-based learning • Reinforcement learning 8. Motor Learning II • The learning phenomenon • Practice makes perfect: use-dependent plasticity • Watch and Learn: Learning by observing • How to find a better movement solution • Error-based learning • Reinforcement learning • Skill learning and optimisation 9. Sleep and Its Assessment Methods • Characteristics of sleep and its measurement • Measuring sleep: EEG • Neurophysiology and regulation of sleep 10. Sleep and (Motor) Memory Consolidation • Functions of sleep • Foundations of memory • Sleep and memory mechanisms 11. Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: Transcranial Current Stimulation (tCS) • Basic principles of tCS • Neurophysiology and mechanism of tCS • Application of tCS with a specific focus on motor learning
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , SHE , MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- Keine Hilfsmittel erlaubt (ausser neutrales Wörterbuch)
- Digital
- The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Neural Control of Movement and Motor Learning
Online lecture: This lecture will primarily take place online. Reserved rooms will remain blocked on campus for students to follow the course from there.
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3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Sport Teaching Diploma (Detailed information on the programme: )
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