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 experimental methods to characterise the physical properties of materials that underpin key modern technologies. Students will develop their skills to understand the materials challenges for the development of new technologies. The ideas presented in this module will be connected to contemporary research topics in materials physics and innovative materials design approaches.