This course covers topics related to the fundamental concepts of additive manufacturing (AM) and materials characterization. The first 60% of the class focuses on the introduction and basic principles of additive manufacturing, including but not limited to AM of polymeric, ceramic, and metallic parts. Topics such as ink-based direct writing, laser-assisted additive manufacturing, thermal spray, and hybrid AM technologies will be discussed. The second part of the class covers topics on a variety of techniques used to characterize the structure and composition of engineering materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites with a special focus on structures fabricated by AM. The emphasis will be on microstructural characterization techniques, including optical and electron microscopy as well as X-ray diffraction techniques. Topics related to the novel mechanical characterization techniques will be discussed briefly. Real-world examples of materials characterization will be presented throughout the course, including microstructural, mechanical, and failure characterization of additive manufactured structures.