The fourth edition of this established textbook offers a modern introduction to the fundamentals of materials science. The book presents the structure of materials and their properties in two parts. Mechanical and thermal material properties, electrical properties of semiconductors, metals, and insulators, as well as magnetic material properties are discussed in detail. A comprehensive appendix addresses material testing, optical material properties, contact materials, composite materials, ceramic components in electrical engineering, new superconductors, the magnetism of small particles and thin films, electrochemical fundamentals, and the relationship between materials and the environment.