High School
Marine Biology Course
Tuesdays
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Grades 9 - 12
$500 per student
Expanding curriculum at the High School Home School Level
Dive into marine science with a dynamic, hands-on semester-long a-g approved course that brings the ocean to life! This course blends engaging labs, live animal interactions, immersive field trips, and thoughtful academic work to create a truly integrated and memorable learning experience.
Students will explore the incredible diversity of marine life found in the San Francisco Bay Estuary and local Pacific Ocean ecosystems. They'll get hands-on with live animals and professional-grade scientific tools—building real research skills and ecological understanding. Weekly homework assignments support in-class learning and help prepare students for a culminating final project that spans the semester.
This course is ideal for students who love the ocean, want to learn more about marine ecosystems, and enjoy a mix of fieldwork, lab science, and project-based learning.
What Does "A-G Approved" Mean?
This course meets the University of California and California State University’s “A–G” subject requirements—college-preparatory standards that help students become eligible to apply to UC and CSU campuses. While A–G courses don’t count for college credit, they show that students are taking academically rigorous classes that prepare them for college-level work.
Forms and Information
*This link will direct you to our registration site, away from our webpage
Textbook is required: ISBN 13: 9780076929092 Castro, Marine Science, 2019, 2e
You are welcome to buy or rent them at the vendor of your choice. Click here for a vendor that offers a premium bundle, which includes a print student edition, lab manual with 42 labs, and an online student edition subscription for one year. Lab manual is not required.
Course Schedule Overview:
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Weeks 1–2: Unit 1 – Ocean Environment
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Week 3: Field Trip – Creek Study at Stulsaft Park
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Weeks 4–5: Unit 2 – Waves, Tides, and Atmospheric Circulation
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Weeks 6–7: Unit 3 – Organisms of the Sea
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Weeks 8–9: Unit 4 – Marine Animals
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Week 10: Ocean Lab – Adaptations of Rocky Shore Animals
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Optional end-of-semester boat trip aboard the R/V Robert G. Brownlee, a 2-hour on-the-water adventure exploring the Bay (separate registration required; open to family members ages 5 and up)
Questions? Contact programmanager@sfbaymsi.org
Cancellation Policy
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30% nonrefundable deposit for cancellations made more than 2 weeks before the start of the program.
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$25 to transfer credit to account prior to 2 weeks.
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No refunds or transfers for cancellations made within 2 weeks of the program start date.
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If a medical issue arises and your child is unable to attend the program, MSI will assess on an individual basis.
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MSI will fully refund tuition if the session is cancelled*.
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*If the Marine Science Institute facilities are rendered unsuitable for the operation of Marine Science Institute programs by reason of Force Majeure such as natural events (fire, earthquake, flooding, etc.), political events (war, strike, massive protests, etc.), governmental action (pandemic response, etc.), or any other causes beyond the reasonable control of Marine Science Institute, then a credit transfer to a future program will be issued. Date effective April 14, 2022.
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Amilia registration system: processing fees are nonrefundable at any time.