Preparative methods of solids (solid to solid, liquid to solid and gas to solid synthesis); Atomic structure and bonding (atomic packing and geometry, symmetry and space groups, reciprocal space); Electrons in solids (electrons in periodic solids, electrons in bonds, understanding band structure); Electron dynamics (metals, semiconductors, superconductors); Dielectric and magnetic properties of solids; Optical properties of solids (luminescence, laser)