Essential Catalysis is a two-day course comprising lectures and problem sessions designed to illustrate how state-of-the-art catalytic methods can be applied to practical issues in small molecule synthesis. The content will focus on problems and targets relevant to pharmaceutical and agrochemical interests. An emphasis will be placed on practical solutions. Topics covered will include: Pd and Cu catalysed C-C and C-X bond forming processes; Rh catalysed conjugate additions; metathesis as a practical tool; catalysis in heterocycle modification and synthesis; emerging areas in catalysis.