This chapter introduces materials science and engineering. It discusses the relationships between structure, processing, and properties of materials. Structure is described at the subatomic, atomic, microscopic, and macroscopic scales. Key terminology for measuring small lengths is introduced. The chapter outlines how materials are classified and provides examples of metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, and composites. It discusses how electrical, magnetic, optical, thermal, mechanical, and deterioration properties depend on composition, bonding, crystal structure, and microstructure. The chapter goals are to enable selection of the right material for an application and understand how structure and processing influence material properties and new design opportunities.