Large scale deformation and fluid or melt transport phenomena occurring within the Earth's crust and mantle are ultimately controlled by processes operating at the micro- and mesoscopic scales. In order to model geodynamic processes operating in the crust and mantle, and to interpret deformation- and transport-related structures preserved in rocks, an understanding of the mechanisms of deformation and transport that operate in Earth materials is needed. This course addresses such mechanisms, using an advanced materials science approach. Topics covered include: Elastic behaviour and thermodynamics of stressed solids; Defects and diffusion; Diffusion creep, superplasticity, deformation of solid/liquid/melt systems; Dislocation dynamics and intracrystalline plastic flow; Microstructure, recrystallization and deformation fabrics; Fracture mechanics and failure of rocks and ceramics;  Fault slip and stability; Deformation behaviour of key rock materials under crustal and mantle conditions; Properties of geofluids, fluid/melt transport through rock, electrical conductivity of rock, percolation theory; Effects of deformation and microstructural change on transport properties. Throughout the course, examples will be given of applications in Geology, Geophysics, Geomechanics, geological storage of CO2, and Engineering.

Aims
The course aims to provide a state-of-the-art background in materials science, as needed:

• to interpret field and experimental data and observations on rock behaviour at a quantitative, mechanistic level;
• to critically evaluate current research literature on rock deformation and physical properties;
• to construct models of rock and fault behaviour under conditions relevant to the crust and mantl';
• to apply such models in the solution of geological, geophysical, geo-technical and materials science problems;
• to begin independent research in the field and/or laboratory.

The pass grade for the courses is 5.5 out of 10, with all assignments completed.  Grades between 5.50 and 5.99 are rounded up to 6.0.  Grades between 5.0 and 5.49 are rounded down to 5.0.  The right to a re-sit examination is granted if the final grade lies between 4.0 and 5.0 and if the student has completed and obtained a pass for all assignments. Any re-sit will be a single exam covering the entire course.  The result will be expressed as a pass (grade = 6.0) or a fail.  Failure in the resit implies redoing the course in the following academic year.