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

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	A minimum of 24 credit points
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	EXSS1039
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kenneth Daniel, kenneth.daniel@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Sheran Guo, sheran.guo@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Elizabeth Machan, elizabeth.machan@sydney.edu.au
	Isabel Young, isabel.young@sydney.edu.au
	Kenneth Daniel, kenneth.daniel@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Rebecca Hay, rebecca.hay@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

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: 10 Jun 2025 at 23:59	5-10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online Quizzes Online Quiz via Canvas (Weeks 6, 10, 13). Week 6 is weighted at 5%. Week 10 and Week 13 are weighted at 10% and include complex case studies and application based questions.	25%	Multiple weeks	8-10 Questions
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Early Feedback Task #earlyfeedbacktask Online Quiz via Canvas, short release.	5%	Week 03	10 Questions
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Practical Exam Part A In person demonstration of practical skills. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate these skills starting Week 3.	5%	Week 07	4 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Practical Exam Part B Exam of skills / theory learned in practical lessons	25%	Week 09	20 - 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: Consists of 4 online quizes that will be released at 9 AM Wednesday 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 9 AM and is due at 9 AM on Friday of Week 3].

This assessment is comprised of an Early Feedback Task (EFT) on Canvas due on Week 3 worth 5%, a quiz in Week 6 worth 5%, and 2 quizzes at Week 10 and Week 13 worth 10%.

Differences in weighting considers that the first 6 weeks of lectures focus on methods and complement practical skills examined elsewhere. The later quizzes examine both methods and applications covered in lectures, which will include more case based scenarios. 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 informed consent, and demonstration of mark up and measurement of two anthropometric sites on a subject. You will then provide a short verbal feedback to your subject. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate this task at the end of a practical class starting Week 3. You will have 1 attempt and this will comprise 5% of the final grade.

Part B in Week 9 will examine skills/theory learned in practical lessons and is weighted at 25% 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 7. 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:

Part 1: A single page feedback document (infograph) which includes a clear and concise executive summary of the sample data and your interpretations. This feedback sheet should be designed with the client in mind, and aimed for a general audience.
Part 2: 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, and should include a comprehensive interpretation of the data provided in the case study.
Part 3: 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 (Part 1), and how you might have selected to present the data provided in accordance with best practice recommendations.

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 guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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 not attempted by 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.

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 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. 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	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and Equipment	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	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), ultrasound, deuterium, K+, N	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	DXA Scanning and BodPod, including use of equations, interpretation of results	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Interpretation of body composition results	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Review and demonstration of practical skills	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Application of body composition - body image - ideals and aspirations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Application of body composition – Athletes / sports performance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Application of body composition – Lifespan: Children and adolescents	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Application of body composition – Lifespan: Young adults to Elderly	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Application of body composition – Gender and Ethnicity differences	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Application of body composition – Disease States - low/high weight	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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 which comprise of the early feedback task and the quizzes weeks 6, 10, 13) must be attempted to avoid an absent fail (AF) in the unit. The quizzes 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

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.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 11.2.2. Identify the strengths and limitations of commonly used methods for measuring and analysing dietary intake and body composition. 4.2.2. Interpret data obtained during a client assessment to prescribe, deliver and monitor physical activity and exercise-based interventions. 5.2.4. Describe the impact of body proportions on body composition and function. 7.2.3. Identify and describe the limitations, contraindications or considerations that may require the modification of assessments and make appropriate adjustments for diverse individuals. 7.2.4. Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 11.2.2. Identify the strengths and limitations of commonly used methods for measuring and analysing dietary intake and body composition. 4.2.2. Interpret data obtained during a client assessment to prescribe, deliver and monitor physical activity and exercise-based interventions. 5.2.4. Describe the impact of body proportions on body composition and function. 7.2.3. Identify and describe the limitations, contraindications or considerations that may require the modification of assessments and make appropriate adjustments for diverse individuals. 7.2.4. Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 6.2.1. Describe the stages of growth, maturation and development across the lifespan, from conception through to reproduction and death. 6.2.4. Describe the structural, physiological, motor and psychosocial developmental changes across the lifespan, and the effect, and timing of, physical activity and exercise to elicit change.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - 3.3.5. Choose and apply (before, during and after assessment and exercise) guidelines and measurement tools/techniques to measure and assess clients’ clinical and functional status; and safe and effective exercise ranges and limits, for all target conditions in the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular domains and a broad range of target conditions across the other AEP pathology domains. Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 8.2.1. Identify anatomical structures as they relate to all body systems. 8.2.5. Utilise relevant anatomical or lay terms in communication with clients, and families, carers and other health or exercise professionals where appropriate.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 1.2.3. Choose and apply a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication methods appropriate to the client and/or population, carers and other health and exercise professionals. 14.2.4. Cite the research of others in written and oral communication 2.2.5. Choose and apply appropriate communication to explain scientific data and movement techniques to clients and other professionals. 4.2.2. Interpret data obtained during a client assessment to prescribe, deliver and monitor physical activity and exercise-based interventions. 7.2.8. Analyse, interpret, communicate and record information and results from assessments including the accuracy and limitations of the assessment with the client, and families, carers and other health and exercise professionals where appropriate.

Responding to student feedback

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

Adjustments were made following feedback from 2024 which includes reweighting of assessment task from previous versions of the unit, an update to Practical Exam Part A, and adjustments to the assessment instructions and rubric. We've incorporated a new activity following acquisition of new state of the art body composition equipment (Bod Pod) in 2024. We also aim to continue developing more unique 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.

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

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

Alignment with Competency standards

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

EXSS2040: Introduction to Body Composition Methods

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

Alignment with Competency standards

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