This course is designed to acquaint students with all sciences of oceanography with a focus on the modern concepts in physical oceanography and marine geology that describe the oceans as a unique environment of critical importance to the abundant life forms of the ocean and to human well-being. Topics include: sedimentary/structural framework of the ocean margins and deep basins; theory of plate tectonics; water mass formation; wind-driven ocean currents; beaches; tides; climate change; pollution; interrelationships of physical ocean processes and marine life; the exploitation of ocean resources; technological developments that lead to the understanding current and future societal issues involving the oceans.