Competencies and objectives
Course context for academic year 2024-25
The course "Foundations for the Control of Human Movement and the Acquisition of Motor Skills" is part of the subject area "Behavioral and Social Foundations of Human Motor Skills." It aims to provide an understanding of the dimensions that comprise Motor Behavior, the conceptualization of motor skills based on motor control processes, perceptual processes, explanatory models of motor behavior, and the neurocognitive processes involved in movement control.
Learning outcomes / Course competencies (verified by ANECA in official undergraduate and Master’s degrees) for academic year 2024-25
Transversal Competences
- CGUA1 : Foreign language skills.
- CGUA2 : Computer and information technology skills.
- CGUA3 : Oral and written communication skills.
General Competences
- CG1.1 : Capacity to identify, list, analyse, synthesise and apply the conceptual content determined by the subjects studied for the Sciences of Physical Activity and Sport degree.
- CG1.2 : Ability to manage information and knowledge in new and complex situations, problem solving and decision making for the development of instrumental and procedural contents of the subjects of the degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.
- CG2.2 : Use and integration of computer science applied to the field of Physical Activity and Sport Science subjects.
Specific Competences
- AC1.1 : Understand, develop and know how to apply the procedures, strategies, activities, resources, techniques and methods involved in the teaching-learning process efficiently, developing the whole course of action in all sectors of professional intervention in physical activity and sport (formal and informal physical-sports teaching; physical and sports training; physical exercise for health; management of physical activity and sport).
- AC1.2 : Design and apply the methodological process comprising observation, reflection, analysis, diagnosis, implementation, technical-scientific evaluation and/or dissemination in different contexts and in all sectors of professional intervention in physical activity and sport.
- AC1.3 : Communicate and interact appropriately and efficiently, in physical activity and sport, in diverse intervention contexts, demonstrating teaching skills in a conscious, natural and continuous way.
- AC1.4 : Adapt the educational intervention to the individual characteristics and needs of the whole population and with emphasis on special populations such as: schoolchildren, the elderly, people with reduced mobility and people with pathologies, health problems or similar (diagnosed and/or prescribed by a doctor), taking into account gender and diversity.
- AC2.1 : Knowing how to guide, design, apply and technico-scientifically assess physical exercise and physical condition at an advanced level, based on scientific evidence, in different areas, contexts and types of activities for the whole population and with emphasis on special populations such as: the elderly, schoolchildren, people with disabilities and people with pathologies, health problems or similar (diagnosed and/or prescribed by a doctor), taking into account gender and diversity.
- AC2.2 : Identify, communicate and apply scientific anatomical-physiological and biomechanical criteria at an advanced level of skills in the design, development and technical-scientific evaluation of procedures, strategies, actions, activities and appropriate guidance; to prevent, minimise and/or avoid a health risk in the practice of physical activity and sport in all types of population.
- AC2.3 : Design and apply with fluency, naturalness, consciously and continuously adequate, efficient, systematic, varied physical exercise and physical condition, based on scientific evidence, for the development of the processes of adaptation and improvement or readaptation of certain capacities of each person in relation to human movement and its optimisation; in order to be able to solve unstructured, increasingly complex and unpredictable problems and with emphasis on special populations.
- AC2.4 : Articulate and display an advanced level of skill in the analysis, design and evaluation of tests for the assessment and control of physical fitness and physical-sporting performance.
- AC2.6 : Develop an advanced level in the planning, application, control and evaluation of physical and sports training processes.
- AC3.1 : Analyse, identify, diagnose, promote, guide and evaluate strategies, actions and activities that encourage the adherence to an active lifestyle and the participation and regular and healthy practice of physical activity and sport and physical exercise in an adequate, efficient and safe way by citizens in order to improve their overall health, well-being and quality of life, with emphasis on special populations such as: elderly people (senior citizens), schoolchildren, people with disabilities and people with pathologies, health problems or similar (diagnosed and/or prescribed by a doctor), taking into account gender and diversity.
- AC3.2 : Knowing how to promote, advise, design, apply and technically-scientifically evaluate appropriate and varied physical activity, physical exercise and sport programmes, adapted to the needs, demands and individual and group characteristics of the whole population, with emphasis on the elderly, women and diversity, schoolchildren, people with disabilities and people with pathologies, health problems or similar (diagnosed and/or prescribed by a doctor).
- AC3.3 : Articulate and deploy programmes of promotion, guidance, coordination, supervision and technical-scientific evaluation of physical activity, physical exercise and sport for the entire population, with emphasis on populations of a special nature, with the presence of a professional or carried out autonomously by the citizen, in different types of spaces and in any sector of professional intervention of physical activity and sport (formal and informal physical-sports teaching; physical training and sport; physical exercise for health; physical activity and sport management) according to the possibilities and needs of citizens, with the aim of achieving their autonomy, understanding, and greater and adequate practice of physical activity and sport.
- AC3.4 : Promote education, dissemination, information and constant guidance to individuals and leaders on the benefits, significance, characteristics and positive effects of the regular practice of physical activity and sport and physical exercise, of the risks and harm of inappropriate practice and of the elements and criteria that identify its appropriate execution, as well as information, guidance and advice on the possibilities of appropriate physical activity and sport in their environment in any sector of professional intervention.
- AC3.5 : Organise the promotion of policies, strategies and educational programmes on aspects of public health, in relation to physical activity and sport (for the prevention of risk factors and diseases); as well as cooperate with other agents involved in the same: in any sector of professional intervention of physical activity and sport.
- AC4.1 : Fluently develop procedures and protocols to solve unstructured, unpredictable and increasingly complex problems, articulating and deploying a mastery of the elements, methods, processes, activities, resources and techniques that make up the basic motor skills, physical activities, sports skills, play, expressive body and dance activities, and activities in nature in an appropriate, efficient, systematic, varied and methodologically integrated way for the entire population and with emphasis on special populations such as: elderly people (senior citizens), schoolchildren, people with disabilities and people with pathologies, health problems or similar (diagnosed and/or prescribed by a doctor), taking into account gender and diversity and in any sector of professional intervention in physical activity and sport (formal and informal physical-sports teaching; physical and sports training; physical exercise for health; management of physical activity and sport).
- AC4.2 : Fluently develop procedures and protocols to solve unstructured, unpredictable and increasingly complex problems, articulating and deploying a mastery of the elements, methods, procedures, activities, resources, techniques and processes of physical fitness and physical exercise in an adequate, efficient, systematic, varied and methodologically integrated way for the whole population and with emphasis on special populations such as: elderly people, schoolchildren, people with disabilities and people with pathologies, health problems or similar (diagnosed and/or prescribed by a doctor), taking into account gender and diversity and in any sector of professional intervention in physical activity and sport.
- AC4.3 : Develop and implement the technical-scientific evaluation of the elements, methods, procedures, activities, resources and techniques that make up the manifestations of movement and the processes of physical fitness and physical exercise; taking into account the development, characteristics, needs and context of individuals, the different types of population and the spaces where physical activity and sport are carried out; in the various sectors of professional intervention and with emphasis on special populations.
- AC6.1 : Know and understand the bases of the methodology of scientific work.
- AC6.2 : Analyse, review and select the effect and effectiveness of the practice of methods, techniques and resources of research and scientific work methodology, in the resolution of problems that require the use of creative and innovative ideas.
- AC6.4 : Articulate and deploy procedures, processes, protocols, own analysis, with rigour and scientific attitude on matters of social, legal, economic, scientific or ethical nature, when necessary and relevant in any professional sector of physical activity and sport (formal and informal physical and sports education; physical and sports training; physical exercise for health; management of physical activity and sport).
- AC7.1 : Knowing and knowing how to apply ethical and deontological principles and social justice in professional performance and involvement, as well as having habits of scientific and professional rigour and a constant attitude of service to citizens in the exercise of their professional practice with the aim of improvement, excellence, quality and efficiency.
- AC7.2 : Know, develop and know how to apply the ethical-deontological, organisational structural, professional performance and regulations of the professional practice of Graduates in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, in any professional sector of physical activity and sport (formal and informal physical and sports education; physical and sports training; physical exercise for health; management of physical activity and sport); as well as being able to develop multidisciplinary work.
- AC7.3 : Understand, know how to explain and disseminate the functions, responsibilities and importance of a good professional Graduate in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences as well as analyse, understand, identify and reflect critically and autonomously on their identity, training and professional performance to achieve the aims and benefits of physical activity and sport in an appropriate, safe, healthy and efficient way in all physical-sport services offered and provided and in any professional sector of physical activity and sport.
Learning outcomes (Training objectives)
- Know, understand and analyse the conceptual frameworks of the subject.
- To know the historical evolution and the main current guidelines of the study of motor behaviour.
- Understand and relate to other disciplines the main concepts and basic principles that constitute the theoretical core of the subject.
- To know the biological foundations of motor behaviour.
- Value the cognitive processes that condition behaviour and motor competence.
- Know and know how to apply the instruments of measurement for the evaluation of movement and motor skills.
- Know the fundamentals and applications of motor learning.
- Learn and know how to apply the procedures and techniques that affect the development of motor skills.
- Be able to carry out research work and bibliographic research in the field of motor control and learning.
Specific objectives stated by the academic staff for academic year 2024-25
1. Understand the concept and history of motor control and learning:
- Identify and explain the fundamental concepts of motor control and learning.
- Analyze the historical evolution and development of theories of motor control and learning within the analysis of human motor skills.
2. Explore the theoretical foundations of motor control and learning:
- Examine the main theories and models that explain motor control and learning.
- Relate the theories of motor control and learning to sports practice and the acquisition of motor skills.
3. Analyze the neurophysiological bases of motor control:
- Describe the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying motor control.
- Relate the structure and function of the nervous system to the control and execution of movements.
4. Investigate perceptual and attentional processes:
- Explain the role of perceptual and attentional processes in the acquisition and execution of motor skills.
- Evaluate how perception and attention influence motor control and decision-making.
5. Examine cognitive control and executive function:
- Analyze the relationship between cognitive control and executive function in the coordination and execution of movements.
- Explore how executive functions impact motor learning and adaptation.
6. Distinguish between reflexive and automatic decision-making systems:
- Identify and differentiate between reflexive and automatic systems in motor decision-making.
- Analyze how these systems contribute to efficiency and effectiveness in the execution of motor skills.
7. Study motor coordination:
- Describe the principles of motor coordination and its importance in performing complex motor tasks.
- Explore strategies to improve motor coordination in different sports contexts.
8. Investigate motor anticipation and its training:
- Explain the concept of motor anticipation and its relevance in sports performance.
- Design training programs to improve motor anticipation in athletes.
9. Evaluate motor variability:
- Analyze the role of motor variability in learning and adapting motor skills.
- Examine how variability can be used to enhance motor performance and prevent injuries.
10. Analyze the relationship between motor control and fatigue:
- Investigate how fatigue affects motor control and performance.
- Explore strategies to mitigate the effects of fatigue on movement execution.
11. Explore motor adaptation:
- Examine the mechanisms of motor adaptation to different demands and contexts.
- Evaluate how practice and experience contribute to the adaptation of motor skills.
12. Investigate motor skills and their learning:
- Identify and classify different types of motor skills.
- Explore effective methods and techniques for learning and perfecting motor skills.
13. Control of contingencies in motor learning:
- Examine how contingency control influences motor learning.
- Design training programs that incorporate contingency control to optimize motor learning.
General
Code:
16600
Lecturer responsible:
Alarcón López, Francisco
Credits ECTS:
6,00
Theoretical credits:
0,60
Practical credits:
1,80
Distance-base hours:
3,60
Departments involved
-
Dept:
General Didactics and Specific Didactics
Area: Physical Education and Sports
Theoretical credits: 0,6
Practical credits: 1,8
This Dept. is responsible for the course.
This Dept. is responsible for the final mark record.
Study programmes where this course is taught
-
DEGREE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORTS SCIENCES
Course type: CORE (Year: 1)

