Book excerpt: This book is based on a graduate course and suitable as a primer for any newcomer to the field, this book is a detailed introduction to the experimental and computational methods that are used to study how solid surfaces act as catalysts. Features include: First comprehensive description of modern theory of heterogeneous catalysis Basis for understanding and designing experiments in the field Allows reader to understand catalyst design principles Introduction to important elements of energy transformation technology Test driven at Stanford University over several semesters