The fundamentals of coal chemistry, structure, and properties. Geochemistry and processes of coal formation. Classifications, ranks and types of coal. Modern techniques for extraction, processing, storage, and transportation of coal. Coal characterisation (e.g., petrographic, microstructure, fuel/energetic, thermochemical properties). State of art technologies for coal conversion (e.g., liquefaction, pyrolysis, co-pyrolysis with biomass or other fuels. Gasification technologies. Equipment for coal conversion (gasifiers, pyrolysers, and other reactor designs for low emissions coal utilisation). Coal conversion products (e.g., quantum dots, highly porous/activated carbons, humic acids, fertilizers, fine chemicals). Coal briskets and their production. Illegal production of charcoal and its consequences on the environment.