What are semiconductors? Why are they so important in modern technology? In this short course, you will gain fundamental knowledge about these materials, emphasizing the properties that make them highly desirable for current microelectronics. A brief historical overview will elucidate how fundamental studies led to the synthesis of the first transistors. Semiconductor properties will be discussed and elucidated based on their atomic structure, and an overview of experimental techniques to address carrier transport in semiconductors will be provided.