1. Introduction and listing of methods of atomic spectrometry: Principle and patterns of atomic spectrum. Emission and absorption spectra. Doppler and Lorentz broadering of the analytical line. Boltzman's relationship. Atomic absorption, fluorescence and emission methods. The most used methods.
2. Common components of instruments: sources of electromagnetic radiation; dispersing elements; detectors.
3. Preparation of samples for trace elemental analysis using atomic spectrometric methods as detectors. Working with solid samples, solid sampling technique, advantages and limitations (sample homogeneity, matrix effects, calibration curves). Mineralization of samples (instrumentation).
4. Atomic emission spectrometry with plasma excitation sources: method principle, plasma definition, plasma formation, physical properties of plasma; plasma excitation sources (DC coupled plasma, microwave-induced plasma, inductively coupled plasma, design, differences, benefits, usability)
5. ICP-MS: principle of joining both methods - instrumentation (interface design and function, plasma sampling area, plasma head, rotary and diffusion pumps, radio frequency generator, quadrupole mass analyzer, signal processing, system control); resolution, sensitivity, examples of spectras of some compounds; isotopic composition; isotope dilution method; mass interference.
6. Atomic absorption spectrometry: AAS principle, instrumentation: radiation sources (Xe-lamp, hollow cathode lamps, superlamps, non-electrodes, tunable dye laser, deuterium lamp); dispersive elements and auxiliary optics; atomization (principle, F-AAS, ETA-AAS, QF-AAS); radiation detection and non-specific background absorption compensation (photomultiplier vs. CCD, HR-CS-AAS correction, Zeeman correction, Smithe-Hieftje, D2 lamp - principles).

7. Atomic fluorescence spectrometry: Principle, fluorescence yield, AFS experimental arrangement, instrumentation, determinations, flame atomizers (DF, FIGS), advantages, special requirements, constraints and applications.
8. Generation of volatile compounds and application in atomic spectrometry methods: (methods, reactions, optimal release conditions - gas / liquid separators, transport of volatile compounds; atomization of volatile compounds (QTA, GF, DBD and other plasma); interferences in the determination of hydride forming elements (liquid phase or gaseous phase; cold vapor technique for mercury determination; applications to various samples in AAS, AFS, ICP-AES and ICP-MS).
9. Comparison of sensitivities and achievable limits of detection of individual methods of atomic spectrometry and comparison with other instrumental analytical methods including economic aspects. Development of individual methods. Numbers of applications of individual methods in publications and comparison with other instrumental methods.
10. Using the atomic spectrometers as highly selective detectors for separation techniques (interfaces, analyte conversion efficiency, post- (HPLC) vs. pre- (cryotrapping) column derivatization). Speciation analysis, extraction of analytes without loss of speciation information. Specifics of speciation analysis. Use of Reference Materials.