The course provides an understanding of the atomistic origin of materials properties and characterisation techniques used to probe such properties; the development of new materials is an area that underpins advances in technology in a diverse range of applications; examples include new materials to store hydrogen; non-linear optical materials for all optical communication; biocompatible materials; materials that withstand extreme heat and pressure; topics studied include: Bonding and interactions; atomistic dynamics in solids; magnetic properties; and electronic properties; there is a research project conducted within 1 of the research groups in the Institute for Materials Research (IMR).