This 15-point paper focuses on the physical oceanography of the coastal zone. Topics include estuarine circulation, wind driven currents on the shelf, long waves, resonance, seiching, methodologies for quantifying processes and coastal responses; evaluation of design conditions for coastal engineering; and application of numerical models for simulating coastal processes. We focus on how the fundamental forces that drive water motion can be used to explain the types of waves and currents that occur in a range of different coastal environments. The report allows students to set this knowledge in the context of applied problems. This paper follows on from EARTH241 and is a useful paper for students intending to undertake a thesis project in an aspect of coastal marine science. Prerequisites are EARTH241 or EARTH231.