You have been provided with a database of anonymous anthropometric measurements. You are required to calculate the relevant anthropometric indices and undertake analysis of this data against national and international reported values and cut-offs for health risk. Each student will submit a written report in the style of a scientific journal paper, presenting and interpreting their results and critically evaluating the reliability of anthropometry in nutrition assessment. All discussion should be supported by relevant literature in the area. All relevant results should be presented in tabular/graphical format in an appendix. The report should be structured as follows: • Title page – to include title of the assignment, student name, B number and course title.
• Introduction (15%) – this should give a concise background to the use of anthropometry in nutrition assessment and should be appropriately referenced (approx. 300 words).
• Methodology (15%) – this should briefly describe in scientific terms the methods used to obtain anthropometric measurements and indices. As you have been provided with the raw data, you are advised to use the practical instructions on taking measurements, which were included in your lecture notes, to guide you on writing this. (approx. 200 words).
• Results (15%) – clearly state main results in the body of the text (approx. 300 words). The report should: o Present the mean, SD and range (min-max) for ALL measurements AND indices; o Compare groups to each other, e.g. males to female or by age; o Compare results to recognised reference ranges.
• Tables and figures (10%) – should be presented as appendices and referred to within the main body of text where relevant. Tables and figures should be self-explanatory and be able to stand alone (i.e. short informative title/legend and use appropriate footnotes). They need to include reference ranges for comparison and have an appropriate title (max 3 tables/figures). Students are advised to consult a recent paper published in the British Journal of Nutrition to see an example of how to correctly format tables/figures.
• Discussion including evidence of background reading & a valid conclusion (35%) – critically discuss the results you have presented comparing the findings to reference data and where possible with other published research (e.g. NDNS and NANS results). You should consider the limitations of the findings (small sample size, restricted age range), and suggest how this could be improved if you repeated the assignment. (approx. 400 words) November 2018 • Referencing (5%) – Referencing should be in the Faculty Harvard style (see separate guidance document). Poor referencing format (incorrect/inconsistent style) will result in a 5% reduction in your mark. • Presentation, Grammar and Spelling (5%) – Reports should be written scientifically, this means not using personal terms such as “I”, “we”, “he”. Ensure consistency of font size (minimum font 12) and style, check spelling, and make sure that grammar is correct throughout. Remember to proof-read your work before submission. Report Word limit: 1200 words +/- 10%, excluding reference list and appendices. Minimum font size 12. Word count is to be stated at the end of report. Exceeding the word limit will result in a 10% reduction in your mark. Plagiarism: All reports should be written in your own words, with referencing as appropriate. Reports are individual and excessive similarity will be investigated and may result in marks being deducted. Plagiarism will be subject to the School of Biomedical Sciences regulations.
