The course examines the physics of electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, condensed matter and semiconductors. Electrons are the sources of electric and magnetic fields and fundamentals to our information society. Electrons are considered particles but also have a wave nature, while electromagnetic waves also have a particle nature, the photon. This particle-wave dualism is unfamiliar to our personal macroscopic experience but is essential for the microscopic world. Electrons and photons also give rise to the functionality of the semiconductor materials that underpin our modern technology. The course includes a laboratory program relating to and supplementing the lecture material.