Despite being the largest subfield of research in physics, condensed matter physics remains relatively unknown to the general public. Condensed matter physicists study the properties of materials and develop models that help in understanding their behavior. New materials and new properties are discovered on a daily basis, making this research field extremely active. Although the characteristics of individual electrons and lattices are well known, unexpected phenomena emerge as the result of complex collective behaviors that remain poorly understood. This course will introduce the field of research, various physical properties of materials and the current challenges that attract the attention of physicists.