Introduction about materials in general. Dependency of material properties from atomic, crystal micro and macro structures. Characteristic of atomic and crystal material structures. Imperfections (errors) in crystals. Crystal plasticity. Theory of alloying. Characteristic types of phase diagrams, one-, two- and three- component systems. Phase transformations liquid/solid and solid/solid. Mechanisms of material strengthening and fracture. Classification and characteristics of engineering materials: 1. Metal materials. Impact of microstructure on metal material properties. Importance of mechanical properties and their experimental determination. Metal materials based on iron, copper and aluminium, properties and application. 2. Ceramic materials – structure, properties and application. 3. Polymers – structure, properties and application. 4. Composite materials (nano, micro, and macro composite materials). Properties and application. Selection of materials. Methods of mechanical and microstructural testing of materials. Determination of standard mechanical properties: yield and proof strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, modulus of elasticity, Brinell, Vikers and Rockwell hardness, dynamic strength, impact energy and fracture toughness.