This course will introduce students to the principles, applications and authenticity of advanced, specialised rapid techniques such as immunoassays for non-microbial analytes, microbiological assay of vitamins; typing of microbial strains, NIR analysis of foods; advanced applications of bioluminescence, biosensors and impedimetric techniques; Protocols for evaluating the reliability and limitations of such technologies will be addressed, along with practical issues of sampling and interpretation of data. Selected practical laboratory sessions will be part of the course.