The chemical composition of the active ingredient of a pharmaceutical dosage form determines the efficacy and stability of the formulation however during manufacturing it is the physical properties of the formulation components that are critical in the unit operations. In order to evaluate the physical properties of a solid it is important to have reliable and reproducible analytical techniques. However the techniques available are not as direct and unambiguous as the chemical techniques available for purity, impurities etc. This seminar will provide an introduction to these physical analytical and screening techniques, the desired ranges and suggestions concerning their application.