This course provides an overview of the physical and mechanical properties of materials and how these properties depend on microstructure. Students will investigate metals, non-metals, composites, ceramics and polymers in terms of their physical state, atomic bonding, crystallinity, and defect structure. Various strengthening mechanisms will be discussed such as alloying, cold working, heat treating, nanocrystalline grain sizing, and the incorporation of nanoparticles in composite materials.