The main objective of the course is to provide the student with a comprehensive introduction to the characterization of solid materials, especially catalysts and sorbents. The main focus is on a description of the different techniques and a strategy for selecting appropriate experimental techniques to characterization of catalysts with respect to catalyst chemical composition, particle size and shape, catalyst pore size and distribution, catalyst structure, surface composition and properties catalyst, type and concentration of active centres, acid-base properties, redox properties, properties of metal catalysts. In addition, attention is focused on in-situ characterisation and 'high throughput methods'.