This course provides an introduction to scan probe microscopy (SPM). Scanning tunneling microscopy, molecular (atomic) force and near-field scanning optical microscopy will be covered. The course will cover a broad range of topics, including theory behind tunneling from metals and through organic layers, contact mechanics, the molecular basis of adhesion, single molecule mechanics, basic principles of nanophotonics, experimental considerations in implementing and using SPM, and applications to imaging and spectroscopy. Applications to both synthetic and biological materials will be considered.