The field of marine science relates to living and non-living resources and physical aspects of the ocean. As a maritime nation, Malaysia gives emphasis on education and research in marine science. UKM is among the earliest to offer marine science study at the undergraduate level. At the early stage the academic programme and research on marine science in UKM concentrated on ecology aspects, diversity and marine resources. Now the academic programme and research in marine science in UKM has developed and covers almost the entire sub-field of marine science. The academic staff involved in teaching and research has expertise covering areas such as biology, ecology and taxonomy of marine invertebrates; biology and ecology of coral reef; physiology; bacterioplankton ecology and diversity; phytoplankton and sea weed; marine biotechnology; marine chemistry; marine geology; marine remote sensing and GIS; physical oceanography; marine meteorology and ocean climate and others. Students from the Marine Science Programme are given the opportunity to learn and understand both the biological (marine biology) and physical (oceanography) aspects of marine sciences. Numerous marine science courses are offered based on current demands and development.