Role of instrumental methods in quality control (QC); Quality control vs quality assurance – objectives and scope; Quality attributes and quality indicators in industrial products; Physical basis of instrumental measurements in QC; Transport phenomena (momentum, mass transfer) as the basis of selected instrumental methods; Principles and applicability of instrumental methods used in QC: spectrophotometric methods, chromatographic methods, optical methods, and rheological methods; Instrumental assessment of structure‑related quality attributes; Physical stability of products and dispersed systems – mechanisms and indicators; Accelerated aging tests and shelf‑life assessment; In‑line, at‑line and off‑line measurements in quality monitoring; Interpretation of instrumental data for quality control purposes: variability and repeatability, trends and degradation patterns, and acceptance criteria and quality limits; Limitations of instrumental methods and sources of uncertainty in QC measurements

Laboratory classes focus on the practical application of instrumental methods used in quality control of industrial products. Students perform selected measurements using instrumental techniques commonly applied to assess quality‑related attributes such as flow behaviour, structure, texture and physical stability.

During laboratory exercises, students identify key quality attributes of the analysed systems, select appropriate measurement methods, and evaluate the relevance of the obtained data for quality control purposes. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of experimental results, comparison of samples or variants, and assessment of method suitability and limitations in the context of quality monitoring.

Laboratory work develops students’ ability to analyse instrumental data, recognise sources of variability and uncertainty, and formulate conclusions supporting quality‑related decisions.

The seminar complements the lecture and laboratory classes by focusing on the critical analysis of instrumental methods applied in quality control. Students prepare and deliver presentations based on selected scientific publications or case studies related to quality assessment in the food, pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries.

Seminar activities emphasise the interpretation of instrumental results, comparison of alternative analytical approaches, and discussion of the advantages and limitations of different methods from a quality control perspective. Particular attention is paid to the clear and structured presentation of data, results and conclusions, including communication in English at the B2 level.

The seminar fosters critical thinking, technical discussion and the ability to communicate quality‑related findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

To pass the lecture component, the student is required to:

• obtain at least 50% of the total points from short tests/quizzes conducted during the course,
• demonstrate basic engagement during lectures, including participation in discussions and flipped‑classroom activities, assessed through teacher continuous assessment.

To pass the seminar component, the student is required to:

• prepare and deliver a multimedia presentation based on a selected scientific publication or case study related to instrumental methods of quality control,
• actively participate in seminar discussions,
• take part in peer assessment by providing constructive, content‑related feedback on other students’ presentations.

Peer assessment consists of evaluating the quality of presented material with respect to:

• clarity of data presentation,
• correctness and depth of result interpretation,
• relevance of conclusions for quality control practice.

The seminar grade is based on the multimedia presentation, peer assessment (quality of feedback and engagement) and teacher continuous assessment.

To pass the laboratory component, the student is required to:

• actively participate in laboratory exercises,
• correctly perform assigned measurements and analyse experimental data,
• submit laboratory report(s) presenting results and their interpretation in the context of quality control.

The laboratory component is passed based on laboratory reports and teacher continuous assessment, including evaluation of student engagement, data interpretation skills and quality of conclusions.

The learning outcome is considered achieved if the student:

• explains the physical basis of selected instrumental methods used in quality control, referring to momentum and/or mass transfer mechanisms,
• correctly links the measured instrumental signal with the underlying physical transport phenomena,
• interprets examples of instrumental data in relation to quality attributes of industrial products.

The learning outcome is considered achieved if the student:

• compares alternative instrumental methods or measurement approaches used for quality control of selected products,
• identifies advantages and limitations of instrumental techniques in relation to quality assessment objectives,
• analyses experimental or literature data and formulates conclusions supporting quality control decisions.

The learning outcome is considered achieved if the student:

• prepares a clear and structured multimedia presentation or laboratory report in English,
• correctly presents and interprets instrumental data and analytical results,
• formulates coherent conclusions adapted to a technical or non‑technical audience,
• actively participates in technical discussion using appropriate engineering terminology.