Course syllabus for Assessment Methods for Diet, Energy Metabolism and Body Composition

Specific entry requirements

At least 60 credits from courses within the Bachelor's Programme in Nutrition Science, including 22.5 credits in chemistry courses (of at least 7.5 credits in biochemistry), and at least 5 credits from the course Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Genetics. In addition, at least grade Pass in the courses Physiology, Anatomy and Histology, and Nutritional Physiology within the Bachelor's Programme in Nutrition Science is required.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• propose and discuss different methods for measuring dietary intake, energy expenditure and body composition at both individual and group level.
• interpret and evaluate data in relation to the strengths and limitations of different measurement methods at individual and group level, and discuss the validity and generalisability of the results.
• explain and apply basic statistical methods to compare and validate different measurement methods.
• write a scientific report in accordance with generally accepted scientific structure and apply fundamental principles of academic writing.
• discuss ethical principles and challenges related to clinical research.

Content

The course covers fundamental theory and practical laboratory work in methods for measuring dietary intake, energy expenditure and body composition. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the reliability of the methods and the uncertainties that may arise at both individual and group level. The course also addresses basic statistical methods for comparing and validating different measurement techniques. In addition, the course includes practical training in scientific writing and discussion of ethical aspects related to clinical research.

Teaching methods

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, exercises and laboratory sessions.

Examination

The examination consists of a written report (graded Pass with Distinction/Pass/Fail), and a written exam (graded Pass with Distinction/Pass/Fail). To pass the course, all assignments must fulfil the criteria for Pass. To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction on the course, the grade Pass with Distinction on the written exam is required.

In the case of a fail, the examination may be retaken a maximum of five additional times. If a student has failed an examination six times, no further examination opportunity will be offered for that examination. For the written report, a failed assignment may be complemented in order to achieve a pass. If the student does not submit the complementation within the specified time, the grade Fail will be awarded. A student who has failed an examination twice is entitled to have another examiner appointed unless there are special reasons to the contrary.

Compulsory participation:
Seminars and laboratory sessions are compulsory. The examiner assesses if and, in that case, how absence from compulsory parts can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence according with the examiner's instructions, the student's study results cannot be finalized. Absence from a compulsory activity may result in that the student cannot compensate absence until the next time the course is given.

If there are special reasons, or need for adaptions for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to depart from the syllabus's regulations on examination form, number of examination opportunities, possibility of complementation of or exemption from compulsory activities, etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities must not be altered, removed or lowered.

Other directives

Parts of the teaching may be conducted in English.

Literature and other teaching aids

Mandatory literature:

• Nordiska Ministerrådet: Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 (NNR2023). Finns tillgänglig elektroniskt utan kostnad.
• Diet, Anthropometry and Physical Activity (DAPA) Measurement Toolkit. MRC Epidemiology Unit. Finns tillgängligt elektroniskt utan kostnad
• Gert Helgesson, Forskningsetik. 2:a upplagan. Studentlitteratur, 2015. ISBN: 9789144088495

In addition, articles and other course materials will be made available electronically.