This course will introduce students to general marine environment, physiography, coastal morphometry, marine resources and productivity.  Aspects Marine law and its application in the protection of marine environment, the rational exploitation of marine resources will be examined. Students will also be introduced to the science of oil and gas exploration, development and production. Oil pollution: behaviour, characteristics and impact on biota and coastal resources will be discussed. Students will also be exposed to the management of oil spills in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, impact assessment and clean-up. Ballast water ecology with focus on introduction of invasive species, the ecological significance of invasive species transfer, survival strategies of invasive species and implications on biodiversity conservation will be discussed.