Outline

Overview

Measurement or estimation of body composition is frequently undertaken in clinical practice, research studies and sports performance settings. An in depth understanding of the scientific rationale of body composition methodologies and their applications would assist exercise scientists and exercise physiologists to more capably support their clients. This unit would cover laboratory (e.g. air displacement plethysmography, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) and field methods (e.g. bioelectrical impedance analysis/spectroscopy and anthropometry) of body composition, body composition across the lifespan/gender differences/ethnicity differences, and body composition in health and disease. Anthropometry is the measurement of body dimensions, proportions and composition, and has particular application in health professions such as dietetics and sports science and will be a focus of this unit of study. Along with technical skills, students will also learn about uses and interpretation of body composition data.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	EXSS2040
Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	EXSS1039
Prerequisites ?	A minimum of 24 credit points
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kenneth Daniel, kenneth.daniel@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s)	Shaun Abbott, shaun.abbott@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kenneth Daniel, kenneth.daniel@sydney.edu.au
	Angelo Sabag, angelo.sabag@sydney.edu.au
	Isabel Young, isabel.young@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Rebecca Hay, rebecca.hay@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Body Composition Profiling and Feedback Case report covering materials from week 1 - 13	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 03 Jun 2024 at 23:59	5-10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online Quizzes Online Quiz via Canvas (Weeks 3, 6, 10, 13).	40%	Multiple weeks	8-10 Questions
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Practical Exam Part A Video submission comprising feedback and peer review of practical skills	5%	Week 07	5-10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Practical Exam Part B Exam of skills / theory learned in practical lessons	15%	Week 09	20 - 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: Consists of 4 online quizes that will be released at 5pm the day after the lecture for the relevant week, and will be due 48 hours later, after which late penalties will apply. [For example, Week 3 Quiz will be released on Wednesday of week 3 at 5pm and is due at 5pm on Friday of Week 3]. An exception has been made for the Quiz in Week 6 which will be due on Thursday 11:59 PM due to the Friday public holiday. Further instructions can be found on canvas.

Assesment 2: The practical exam consists of 2 parts. Part A is due on week 7 and involves filming of mark up and measurement of an anthropometric site. You will then provide a short written feedback to your colleague (your peer who performed the assessment). Submission of the video, feedback received from your peer, and tutor feedback will comprise 5% of the final grade.

Part B in Week 9 will examine skills/theory learned in practical lessons and is weighted at 15% of the final grade. The assessment will be for 20-30 minutes per student according to a schedule. An optional practice session will be held in Week 8. Students will be assessed on competency with practical skills taught. Part A and Part B combined contributes 20% to the overall grade.

Assessment 3: This task involves critical analysis of a series of case study data for the development of feedback sheet. A rubric will be provided via canvas and a template suggested for the structuring of your report. There will be three key components to this task:

A single page feedback document which includes a clear and concise executive summary of the sample data. This feedback sheet should be designed with the client in mind, and aimed for a general audience.
A short introduction of your client, your interpretation of the sample data with supporting evidence, appropriateness of the technique used to collect body composition data, alongside a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the technique specific to your individual case. This section is targetted towards your examiners and other health professionals.
A personal reflection based on learnings from the course, extending examples of positive and negative approaches to the dissemination of information in the context of body composition. This my include justification for specific communication strategies that you may have selected in creating your feedback document.

Referencing is required for this assessment task.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

For Assessment 1, 5% late penalty applies for each 24hours that the quiz is completed after the due date/time for up to 10 calendar days, after which zero marks will be awarded. Assessment 2 requires special consideration for non-attendance (Part B). If Part A is submitted past the due date without an approved extension, a zero mark will be awarded for that component of Assessment 2. If assignment 3 is submitted late without an approved extension, a late penalty will apply. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero marks will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to Body Composition - Applications	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Two compartment model methods: Underwater Weighing (UWW) and Bod Pod, Intro to anthropometry	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Equipment and basic technique - anthropometry (girths, mass and stature)	Practical (1 hr)
Week 03	Surface Anthropometry and Accreditation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Anthropometry (landmarks and skinfolds)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and Equipment	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Somatotypes, Technical Error of Measurement (TEMs), anthropometry profile, interpretation of results	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and Equipment	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	DXA/Scanning/BIA including use of equations, interpretation of results	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Alternative methods to body composition measurements - CT, MRI, 3D scan (virtual anthropometry), US, deuterium, K+, N	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Anthropometry filming, feedback and peer review	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Interpretation of body composition results	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Application of body composition - body image - ideals and aspirations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Practice / review for practical exam	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Application of body composition – Lifespan: Children and adolescents	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Practical Exam	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Application of body composition – Lifespan: Young adults to Elderly	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Application of body composition – Gender and Ethnicity differences	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Application of body composition – Disease States - low/high weight	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Application of body composition – Athletes / sports performance	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Unless otherwise advised, lectures will be provided live (either online or on campus). Students are encouraged to attend lectures, participate in class discussion, and use recommended resources to optimise engagement with the material.

Tutorial and practical class attendance is recorded. Attendance is expected so students can gain mastery over practical skills prior to the practical examination.

Assessments are required to be completed in the timeslot/by the due date advertised on Canvas. Please note days/times required on Canvas. Special consideration will be required for non-completion/non-attendance of assessments. Failure to complete the practical exam (Assessment 2B) or the final report (Assessment 3) will result in an absent fail (AF) grade.

At least one of the online quizzes (Assessment 1) must be attempted to avoid an absent fail (AF) in the unit. The quizzes do form a substantial part of the final grade and as such, completion of the quizzes are highly recommended for revision purposes and to help students gauge their progress in the unit. Late penalties will be applied for students submitting online quizzes outside the timeframe specified on Canvas.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The text for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve or Reading List tab available on Canvas. Other readings may be prescribed by individual lecturers and listed on the relevant lecture page.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Explain the scientific rationale and assumptions, accuracy, and purpose of using anthropometry as a method of measuring body dimensions, proportions and composition.
LO2. Explain the scientific rationale and assumptions, accuracy, and strengths and limitations of other commonly used methods for measuring and analysing body composition.
LO3. Understand and explain the professional applications of anthropometry and other body composition measurement techniques in healthy (across the lifespan), athlete and clinical populations.
LO4. Develop practical skills in anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance body composition assessment.
LO5. Understand how to record, analyse and interpret information from body composition assessments and convey the results, including the accuracy and limitations of the assessments, through relevant verbal and/or written communication with the client or involved professional.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

One of our priorities for 2024 was to update both the online quiz and final assessments based on feedback received in 2023 when this unit was first offered.This includes updates to the assessment rubric, instruction, and development of more case studies to better reflect real life applications of the unit content.

Additional information

Additional costs

There are no additional costs expected for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

WHS Induction will need to be completed to attend practicals. More details will be provided on Canvas.

COVID-specific requirements for on-campus activities must be followed.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

EXSS2040: Introduction to Body Composition Methods

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect