Crystal chemistry of the major rock forming minerals. The course covers the underlying concepts behind the behaviour of minerals as solid-state materials including: Structure and bonding of minerals, chemical substitutions and solid-state transformations, high temperature and pressure behaviour, chemical weathering and kinetics.

DR=SCI; BR=TBA

Essential Prior Knowledge:

1. Familiar with the concepts of covalent, ionic and metallic bonding
2. Understanding of the periodic table, and the distinction between various element types (i.e., alkalis, halides, transition metals, etc)
3. Basic understanding of the structural classification of materials (crystalline and amorphous)

Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding of basic crystallographic concepts: Symmetry, point
   groups, unit cells
2. Basic understanding of direct and indirect methods for characterization of
   mineral structures
3. Understanding of the structural and thermodynamic origins of phase
   transitions and high P and T behaviour

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Lectures