In this module, students will get the opportunity to explore the underlying physics determining the structure of real materials, building from bonding in solids, through to their macroscopic properties, and all the way to the causes of material failure. We will introduce methods to characterise, interpret and critique the materials underpinning key modern technologies and students will develop their skills to critique the key materials challenges for new and current technologies. The ideas presented in this module will be connected to contemporary research topics in materials physics and real-world technologies towards innovative materials design approaches.