Applied Instrumental Analysis

Course Description

COURSE CONTENT

Each student gets a concrete task of analysis that he/she will independently carry out using an appropriate instrument. The seminar work involves the literature review, selection of instrumental analytical methods that will adequately analyze certain foods with regard to the characteristics of the analyzed compounds, the matrix properties, the time and cost analysis, the development and implementation of the analysis, the processing of the obtained results and the writing of the operating instructions. During work, students discuss with other students about the problems that arise during the various phases of the seminar work. Students individually expose their positively assessed seminar assignments to other students. Laboratory exercises are related to a specific task that the teacher arranges with the student at the beginning of the subject. Within laboratory exercises, the student autonomously develops and optimizes the analytical procedure (chromatographic or spectrometric) preparation of the sample and standards and performs the given analysis. Based on the results of the analysis, the student writes the analysis report and brings conclusions related to the analytical problems. Examples of tasks are: 1) determination of free amino acids and low molecular organic acids and oligopeptide profile in food samples using high performance liquid chromatography; 2) monitoring of polyphenol degradation in food samples with simultaneously applied high performance liquid chromatography and UV/VIS spectrometry; 3) determination of volatile compounds in wine by gas chromatography.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• apply gained knowledge for independent planning and optimization of analytical procedures
• describe the steps required to perform analysis using the sofisticated instrumental analytical techniques based on practical experience
• identify and solve the underlying problems that occur during the analysis (technical and analytical nature)
• choose the adequate method of processing the obtained analytical signals in realistic conditions
• interpret the results of the analysis and write the analysis report