Anthropometry and Body Image

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
HLTH 3006
Course ID icon
Course ID
203797
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
3
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The aim of this course is to compare and evaluate different methods of assessing body composition with a particular focus on surface measurements widely used in the spheres of public health and sport.
Theoretical components: a comparison of methods of assessing body composition; quantifying measurement error using technical error of measurement; somatotyping; scaling body size to permit comparisons between individuals; the application of anthropometry to sport; the relationship between anthropometric variables and physical and psychological health. Practical components: location of measurement sites; measurement of skinfolds, girths, limb lengths and bone breadths; calibration and care of equipment; introduction to various instruments for assessing body image; issues associated with anthropometric measurement.

Course learning outcomes

  • Analyse issues (eg gender, culture, body image) associated with taking anthropometric measures on children and adults.
  • Demonstrate practical anthropometric skills to the standard of Level 2 of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry.
  • Describe and evaluate the applications of anthropometry to the contexts of sport, physical and psychological health.
  • Describe limitations of anthropometry.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A