NS 5510

Nutrition Assessment

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

This course provides students with an in-depth overview of current practices in assessment of human nutritional status across the lifespan for the clinic and research. The content is divided into four modules, biomarker, anthropometric and body composition, dietary, and clinical assessment. Students will be introduced to the different assessment methods, practice the evaluation and interpretation of assessment data, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the methods. The format includes pre-class preparation, in-class mini-lectures, and in-class small-group application of information in case studies, research study design, and evaluation of scientific papers. Using simulated clinical and research cases, students will demonstrate competency in the evaluation of nutrition assessment methods, interpretation of results, and conduct of specific nutrition assessment methods, including the nutrition-focused physical examination.

Prerequisites background equivalent to: NS 1150 or NS 1220 or NS 6310 or NS 6320; STSCI 2150 or STSCI 2200 or PUBPOL 2100 or AEM 2100 or ILRST 2100 or MATH 1710 or PSYCH 2500 or SOC 3010.

Enrollment Information Enrollment limited to: graduate students, professional students, and seniors.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025SP

Learning Outcomes

• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the nutritional assessment tools used in current practice, including the reliability, validity, feasibility, psychosocial impact (where applicable), and appropriateness for clinical and research settings.
• Select appropriate tools for biomarker, anthropometric, body composition, dietary and clinical assessment of nutritional status across the lifespan in simulated clinical and research scenarios.
• Conduct a nutrition focused physical examination.
• Communicate nutrition assessment information and results in written and verbal forms.
• Critically read and interpret nutrition assessment methods and results sections of scientific literature.

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