SubjectsSubjects(version: 982)
Course, academic year 2025/2026
  
   
Applied Analysis of Biologically Active Substances and Contaminants - M323026
Title: Aplikovaná analýza biologicky aktivních látek a kontaminantů
Guaranteed by: Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition (323)
Faculty: Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology
Actual: from 2025
Semester: winter
Points: winter s.:4
E-Credits: winter s.:4
Examination process: winter s.:
Hours per week, examination: winter s.:2/1, C+Ex [HT]
Capacity: unknown / unknown (unknown)
Min. number of students: unlimited
State of the course: taught
Language: Czech
Teaching methods: full-time
Level:  
Note: course can be enrolled in outside the study plan
enabled for web enrollment
Guarantor: Dvořáková Darina doc. Ing. Ph.D.
Annotation -
The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students to solve real analytical challenges in the field of environmental and food chemistry. It focuses on the issue of determining important biologically active substances and contaminants of the environment and food using modern instrumental techniques. Students will be introduced to the following key areas: 1. Explanation of the causes and possible solutions to the problems that are connected in practice with the use of liquid and gas chromatography in connection with various detectors. 2. Current trends in the analysis of environmental and process contaminants, pesticides, mycotoxins, cannabinoids, volatile substances and vitamins. 3. Risk assessment focusing on assessing human exposure to contaminants with an emphasis on biological monitoring methods. 4. Basics of studying the metabolome of biological systems and its application in analytical chemistry.
Last update: Cibulková Jana (22.11.2024)
Course completion requirements -

Lecture attendance is recommended but not monitored. Consultations are available upon request, and all lectures are accessible through e-learning materials.

Last update: Dvořáková Darina (06.03.2026)
Literature - Czech

Volitelná:

  • Picó García, Yolanda. Advanced mass spectrometry for food safety and quality. : , , xviii, 713 stran s. ISBN 978-0-444-63340-8.
  • Stauffer M. (ed.). Calibration and Validation of Analytical Methods, A sampling of Current Approaches . : , 2018, s. ISBN 978-1-78923-085-7.
  • Naushad M. & Khan M.R. (ed). Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, Evaluation and Applications in Food Analysis . : , , s. ISBN 9780429073953.
  • Kusch P. (ed). Gas Chromatography, Derivatization, Sample Preparation, Application . : , , s. ISBN 978-1-83881-866-1.

Last update: Dvořáková Darina (06.03.2026)
Teaching methods -

The course is delivered in the form of lectures supplemented with anonymous test questions. These questions are designed to assess both students’ prior knowledge and their understanding of the course content, and they allow the lecturer to clarify common mistakes. In a simpler sense, the questions also serve as preparation for the written exam.

The course credit project is carried out in a group. Students are expected to divide tasks among team members and prepare a presentation, paying attention to its visual design, adherence to the assigned time slot, and effective management of their own time. The project also includes actively searching for relevant publications and participating in a critical discussion of the topic with the lecturer and fellow students.

Last update: Dvořáková Darina (06.03.2026)
Requirements to the exam -

A requirement for receiving course credit is the preparation and presentation of a group project according to the instructions that will be explained by the course coordinator during the introductory class.

The examination consists of a written and an oral part.

The written part is mandatory and consists of multiple-choice questions covering all topics discussed in the lectures (usually 35 questions). The evaluation is based on the number of correct answers. The minimum requirement for passing the written test is 60%.

An oral examination may follow the written test. The oral part is not mandatory but is recommended, particularly when the test result is on the borderline between two grades or when further clarification of the student’s knowledge is needed. It allows the student to explain possible mistakes and demonstrate a broader understanding of the subject. If the student demonstrates sufficient knowledge during the oral examination, the final grade may be improved compared to the result of the written test.

Last update: Dvořáková Darina (06.03.2026)
Syllabus -

1. Introduction to the issue, presentation and classification of biologically active substances and contaminants, strategy for choosing, developing and validating an analytical method

2. Liquid chromatography (in conjunction with various detectors, causes and solutions to problems in practice)

3. Gas chromatography (in conjunction with various detectors, causes and solutions to problems in practice)

4. Analysis of environmental contaminants

5. Analysis of process contaminants

6. Analysis of pesticides

7. Analysis of mycotoxins

8. Analysis of cannabinoids

9. Analysis of volatile substances

10. Analysis of vitamins

11. Risk assessment (introduction, human exposure assessment strategy, case studies)

12. Biomonitoring (definition, biological samples, analytical methods, data quality assurance, case studies)

13. Metabolomics (introduction, definition - targeted vs. untargeted metabolomics, data processing strategy, specifics of metabolomic approaches for different target organisms / microorganisms, case studies)

14. Credit projects, discussions, preparation for the exam test

Last update: Dvořáková Darina (05.12.2024)
Learning outcomes -

Students will be able to navigate the following areas:

  • Connecting knowledge of modern analytical methods principles with practice (ability to identify and solve common problems in chromatographic analyses)
  • Knowledge of sample preparation procedures for analyzing various types of substances, including the ability to select appropriate analytical methods for their determination
  • Understanding the basics of risk assessment and biomonitoring, experience with contaminant exposure assessment
  • Understanding the field of metabolomics

Last update: Dvořáková Darina (05.12.2024)
 
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