MCB-32806 Advanced Sensory Methods and Sensometrics

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

HNE-30506 Principles of Sensory Science; Advanced Statistics (MAT-20306 Advanced Statistics or MAT-24306 Advanced Statistics for Nutritionists).

Continuation courses:

HNE-30606 Instrumental Sensory Science and MCB-33306 Integrated Sensory Science; Thesis Sensory Science and Eating Behaviour.

Contents:

This course is given in 2014-2015 for the first time and currently under development, so course content may deviate slightly from the following description, check the course reader. This advanced sensory science course provides an overview of recent and advanced sensory methods, techniques and data analysis tools. Students will gain insight in how to perform sensory tests (scope, application, testing environment and methods) and conduct advanced analysis of sensory and consumer data.
Theory will be combined with hands-on exercises including: analysis of sensory panel performance, descriptive sensory analysis, descriptive analysis with consumers, discrimination/similarity testing, temporal methods (TI and TDS), fast descriptive sensory methods, acceptance testing and relations to external data (including MDPref, PREFMAP, PLSR and Conjoint Analysis). The methods will be presented, discussed and assessed for their merits and shortcomings in R&D and QC.
Tutorials will include an introduction to specific statistical packages for sensory analysis. Other tutorials will utilise PanelCheck for sensory panel performance analysis and software for multivariate analysis.

Learning outcomes:

The objective is to teach the student to critically reflect on the design of sensory experiments, the analysis of sensory data, the interpretation and consequences of the outcomes for making decisions in industry and research. After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- provide an overview over current and advanced analytical and affective sensory test methods, their scopes, applications and data analysis;
- demonstrate insight in how to handle sensory product evaluation;
- demonstrate knowledge on experimental sensory test designs and data analysis by univariate and multivariate methods;
- know the applications and limitations of different data analyses;
- select test methods in relation to specific sensory and consumer test objectives;
- correctly interpret results of sensory experiments;
- have working knowledge of different statistical software programs;
- evaluate the sensory test objective in relation to selecting the appropriate test method and experimental setup;
- reflect on sensory methods and data analysis tools in realistic sensory and consumer evaluation situations.

Activities:

- lectures;
- intensive practical (study designs and data collection);
- PC practicals for hands-on experience with statistical methods.

Examination:

Written exam and report.

Literature:

To be determined.