Introduction in the fundamental aspects of the degradation mechanisms induced by (electro)chemical and mechanical interaction on materials. Basics of fracture mechanics, an engineering discipline that draws upon the principles of applied mechanics and materials science. The course gives the tools to a successful application of fracture mechanics concepts to failure analysis.

Introduction to fundamentals of (electro)chemical surface processes on conducting materials: reactivity, degradation, functionalising and deposition. Relevant oxidation/corrosion mechanisms are presented al-ways in relation with suitable characterisations (focus: electrochemical & surface analytical methods) and data analysis. Characterisation of (thin film) metal oxides are also addressed.