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High School Marine Biology: Curriculum & Course Structure

Alyssa Esposito|October 10, 2025

Homeschooling your children doesn’t have to be a chore – especially when it comes to teaching marine biology. You can make it easier for yourself with help from Apologia’s marine biology curriculum for high school students. Within our 16 modules, your child or children will navigate the deep ocean and develop a better understanding of its ecosystem and resources, as well as the effects humans have on marine biology. 

Watch this sample video lesson of Module 1.

The 16 modules in our marine biology curriculum include the following:

Module 1: The Oceans of Our Planet

In the first module of the course, students will learn all about the Earth’s structure and the geography of our oceans. They’ll also take a look at:

Module 2: Life in the Sea

The process of life in the sea is an important topic for students to learn and understand, which is why Module 2 explores:

Module 3: The First Four Kingdoms

Kingdoms in marine biology refer to a hierarchical classification system that helps scientists understand the extensive diversity of life in all its forms. Kingdoms are the second-highest rank (meaning they are the second broadest) – demonstrating just how these species are related to each other through common ancestors. Module 3 of the curriculum takes a deep dive into:

Module 4: Marine Invertebrates I

Marine invertebrates are animals that inhabit the sea and don’t have a backbone. They take up a large proportion of macroscopic life in the ocean, and are the most diverse group. Module 4 will look at: 

Module 5: Marine Invertebrates II 

Following Module 4, Module 5 will explore:

Check out this flip-through of the Exploring Creation with Marine Biology, 2nd Ed. course textbook.

Module 6: Marine Vertebrates I

Unlike marine invertebrates, vertebrates are animals that live in the sea and have a backbone or vertebral column. Thanks to this structure, these animals have the capacity for more movement. Students will be introduced to these types of animals in Module 6, as well as:

Module 7: Marine Vertebrates II

In continuation of Module 6, Module 7 explores:

Module 8: Marine Ecology 

The study of marine ecology is a topic within science that studies marine organisms, how they interact with each other, and their relationships within the ocean environment. In Module 8, students will cover topics like;

Module 9: The Intertidal Zones 

Intertidal zones describe the coastal areas between high and low tide lines, specifically the temporary moments when they are either submerged in water or exposed to air. As part of Module 9, students will explore: 

Module 10: Estuary Communities

Estuaries are bodies of water where rivers meet the sea. Due to their environment, they provide homes for a diverse array of wildlife, including a wide range of fish species. In Module 10, students will take a look at estuaries, including:

Check out this flip-through of the Exploring Creation with Marine Biology, 2nd Ed. Student Notebook.

Read more: Our High School Chemistry Curriculum

Exploring Creation with Chemistry

Apologia makes high school chemistry for homeschooling students that much simpler. It’s suitable for all learning styles, including auditory (audiobook), reading/writing learners (textbook/snotebook), hands-on (experiments), and visual (video lessons and experiments) learners.

By covering the fundamentals of chemistry in 16 modules (approximately 2 weeks per module), students will gain a deeper understanding of the subject through both practical and theoretical applications. Students will also have the opportunity to review questions and practice problems at the end of each module.

Module 11: Coral Reefs 

A type of underwater ecosystem, coral reefs are vibrant and colourful, often referred to as the ‘rainforests of the sea.’ As they are extremely biodiverse, they support a wide variety of marine species. As part of Module 11, students will take a look at this and: 

Module 12: Continental Shelf Communities 

Within the submerged edges of continents live diverse groups of marine plants and animals. These are known as continental shelf communities. Thanks to the ample sunlight and nutrient availability these environments provide, they offer important habitats for many different species. In Module 12, students will explore this and:

Module 13: The Epipelagic Zone

The topmost layer of the ocean is known as the epipelagic zone. As it is provided with sufficient sunlight, it enables photosynthesis to occur, and therefore encourages the growth of phytoplankton and other larger organisms. Module 13 of the marine biology curriculum explores this, as well as:

Module 14: The Deep Ocean

In a module of its own, students will discover more about the deep ocean. This includes the Mesopelagic zone, its food webs, and its body design. The module will also explore:

Module 15: Ocean Resources

The ocean is endless, and so are its resources. Module 15 of our marine biology curriculum takes a closer look at the food from the sea and its locations, as well as:

Check out this flip-through of the Exploring Creation with Marine Biology, 2nd Ed. Solutions Manual and Tests.

Module 16: Effects of Humans on the Sea 

In the final module, students will assess the effects the human species has on the sea, including: 

Teach High School Marine Biology From Home With Apologia

Our high school marine biology curriculum is crafted with strong, faith-based principles, incorporates hands-on experiments, and is a comprehensive, college-prep level course. Exploring Creation with Marine Biology, 2nd Ed. is also available through our live class and self-paced course options

Self-Paced Marine Biology course product imageLive Class Marine Biology 2nd Edition.Exploring Creation with Marine Science