every material is dependant on its microstructure, and that microstructure can be controlled by the way in which the material is made and processed. Materials Scientists test the mechanical, physical, chemical and electrical properties of materials and explore how these properties depend on the microstructures they engineer and observe using high powered microscopes. Materials Engineers apply this knowledge to select the most appropriate material and manufacturing process for any given application, to predict how a component will perform in service, and to investigate how and why materials fail. The technological advances that have transformed our world over the last 20 years have been founded on developments in Materials Science and Engineering. Materials are evolving faster today than at any time in history; enabling engineers to improve the performance of existing products and to develop innovative technologies that will enhance every aspect of our lives. Materials Science and Engineering has become a key discipline in the competitive global economy and is recognised as one of the technical disciplines with the most exciting career opportunities. Glossary: Structure -- how the atoms fit together. For crystalline materials, then this involves the size and shape of the crystals (usually called grains). Microstructure -- structure on a small scale so that a microscope is needed to see it.