We train students and staff from the Norwich Research Park. The level of training ranges from routine FTIR spectroscopy to microscopy and advanced techniques. The training encompasses theoretical and practical instruction (hardware setup, alignment, parameters, troubleshooting) for a variety of specialist applications, and how to process and analyse the data.
Data acquisition
- Theory of vibrational spectroscopy and principles of FTIR spectrometer design
- Practice session: basic operation of spectrometers – starting up, alignment, sample handling, background/sample spectra, troubleshooting
- Infrared Microscopy – Sample preparation, Point measurements and area mapping with different optical configurations
Data analysis
- Spectra interpretation: basic components in food materials (protein, carbohydrates, fats/lipids/oils, phenolics, contaminants)
- Chemometrics techniques like PCA and PLS, discriminant and cluster analysis of large data sets.
- Chemical mapping and image analysis.