The course covers marine and estuarine processes, features and biota, with relevant discussions on how fundamental concepts such as reproduction, dispersal, population connectivity and productivity may differ in aquatic and terrestrial contexts. Descriptive classes on these processes and features are augmented with discussions on recent and current research within each habitat type, including potential effects of decreases in biodiversity, habitat fragmentation, and changes in water chemistry, which may be brought about through anthropogenic activities. Students will thus gain a basic understanding not only of ecological biological processes operating within these environments, but of the current state of research within these areas.