This training course will cover advanced material preparation and characterization techniques that are used in the research projects of the network. Both thin film and bulk preparation techniques will be included. Besides standard physical vapour deposition, the chemical solution deposition of complex functional thin films will be trained in detail. Melt texturing of bulk superconductors and mechanical alloying of MgB2 precursor powders will cover bulk preparation methods. The training of advanced material characterization techniques will focus on texture analysis of thin film and bulk samples using x-ray pole figure measurements, Electron Backscatter Diffraction and Reflective High Electron Diffraction (RHEED). Besides theoretical background information direct experimental training using state-of-the-art equipment will be employed for all topics. This training course is organized by Dr. Ruben Hühne and will be take place at the IFW Dresden from March 31st to April 4th.