Materials science is often described as an enabling discipline because all technologies depend on the availability of suitable materials. This short book describes ten big ideas that underpin materials science. It is not a textbook on materials science but it provides a unique insight by an acknowledged expert into the essence of the subject. It is suitable for pre-university students, undergraduates of materials science and graduates in other subjects considering
postgraduate study in materials science. Professional materials scientists will also find it stimulating and occasionally provocative.