Motor Control and Behavior
Graduate Advisors:
Andrea Mason, Ph.D.;
Peter L.E. van Kan, Ph.D.
Synopsis: The graduate program in Motor Control and Behavior involves
advanced study of the psychological and neurophysiological foundations of motor
control, motor learning, motor development, and disorders of movement. The program
emphasizes the development of a competent independent researcher and is designed
to provide a thorough grounding in the area of motor performance, exposing the student
to the underlying theoretical processes that influence the control, acquisition,
and development of motor behavior. Students may focus specifically on control, learning,
or developmental issues, or design their program to expose them to a broad range
of study in motor behavior. The graduate student will work closely with his/her
advisor in both formal and informal educational settings.
Laboratory Facilities and Experimental Approaches: Several laboratories
(human, animal) are available for research in the area of Motor Control and Behavior.
The Motor Behavior Complex in Unit II Gymnasium is a two-story multi-user instructional/research
space for the areas of Biomechanics, Motor Development, Motor Control and Learning
and Movement Disorders. The first floor Biomechanics Laboratory is set up and fully
equipped for on-line analysis of kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic (EMG)
activity associated with human movement, particularly gait and posture. The Motor
Control Laboratory in Unit II Gymnasium is primarily designed for research focusing
on human upper limb movement control. Research methods include the kinematic, kinetic
and electromyographic (EMG) analysis of unimanual and bimanual movements, with special
emphasis on associated movement, distal force regulation and visuo-motor tracking
in normal and neurologically-impaired populations. The Motor Systems Physiology
Laboratory in the Medical Science Center is available for study of the circuits
and basic neural mechanisms involved in the guidance and control of voluntary limb
movements in animals.
Routinely used research methods include
- recording signals transmitted along neuroanatomically defined pathways in behaving
monkeys and cats using microelectrodes
- studying behavioral deficits resulting from reversible inactivation of specific
cell groups
- defining relevant neural pathways using contemporary neuroanatomical techniques
Purpose of MS: The Master's degree with a specialization in Motor
Control and Behavior is designed toward
- introducing the beginning graduate student to the field of Motor Control and Behavior
including the areas of the neural control of movement, motor learning, and motor
development
- preparing students for advanced Ph.D. level work
Purpose of Ph.D.: Those students entering the Ph.D. program should have a commitment
to research in the motor control and behavior area. Within the first year, the graduate
student is usually conducting research under close supervision. Students are encouraged
to begin research early and to engage in it throughout their graduate career.
Prerequisites for admission to Motor Control and Behavior MS and Ph.D. programs
Course requirements for MS and Ph.D. in the Motor Control and Behavior track