The discovery of new materials has existed for millions of years, spanning back to the Stone Age. But as chemical, physical, and engineering processes have progressed, how have scientists developed novel ways to construct useful and fascinating materials? In this course, we will introduce the basic principles of material synthesis, followed by an examination of the techniques that probe various properties like texture, color, and resilience. Finally, we will explore modern applications of materials science in nanotechnology, biomaterials, and crystallography.