The core material will consist of basic features of physical transducer behaviour, mathematical constitutive models and material properties, characterization methods and experimental data, sensor and actuator devices, translation of material behaviour to device behaviour, solid state devices, nonsolid state devices (motors and pumps), mesoscale and MEMS devices, and adaptive structures. However, due to the rapid evolutions in the field, the syllabus will be dynamic to respond to the new developments in materials and their applications. The topics will be continually reviewed and monitored for currency. Selected topics from the following list will also be covered: fundamental principles, mechanisms and applications of piezoelectric materials, ‘negative’ materials, conductive polymers, advanced composites, shape memory materials, magnetorheological fluids and intelligent textiles.