Science Department

This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth
and space science, and physics, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment.
Throughout the course, students will develop their skills in the processes of scientific investigation.
Students will acquire an understanding of scientific theories and conduct investigations related to
sustainable ecosystems; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds;
the study of the universe and its properties and components; and the principles of electricity. 

Prerequisite: None

This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth
and space science, and physics, and to apply their knowledge of science to everyday situations. They are
also given opportunities to develop practical skills related to scientific investigation. Students will plan and
conduct investigations into practical problems and issues related to the impact of human activity on
ecosystems; the structure and properties of elements and compounds; space exploration and the
components of the universe; and static and current electricity. 

Prerequisite: None

This course enables students to enhance their understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and
space science, and physics, and of the interrelationships between science, technology, society, and the
environment. Students are also given opportunities to further develop their scientific investigation skills.
Students will plan and conduct investigations and develop their understanding of scientific theories related
to the connections between cells and systems in animals and plants; chemical reactions, with a particular
focus on acid–base reactions; forces that affect climate and climate change; and the interaction of light
and matter

Prerequisite: Grade 9 Science, Academic or Applied

This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth
and space science, and physics, and to apply their knowledge of science in real-world situations. Students
are given opportunities to develop further practical skills in scientific investigation. Students will plan and
conduct investigations into everyday problems and issues related to human cells and body systems;
chemical reactions; factors affecting climate change; and the interaction of light and matter.

Prerequisite: Grade 9 Science, Academic or Applied

This course focuses on the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will learn concepts and
theories as they conduct investigations in the areas of cellular biology, microbiology, genetics, the anatomy
of mammals, and the structure of plants and their role in the natural environment. Emphasis will be placed
on the practical application of concepts, and on the skills needed for further study in various branches of
the life sciences and related fields.

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science, Academic or Applied

This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes that occur in biological systems. Students
will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biodiversity; evolution; genetic processes; the
structure and function of animals; and the anatomy, growth, and function of plants. The course focuses on
the theoretical aspects of the topics under study, and helps students refine skills related to scientific
investigation. 

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science, Academic

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of the
properties of chemicals and chemical bonds; chemical reactions and quantitative relationships in those
reactions; solutions and solubility; and atmospheric chemistry and the behaviour of gases. Students will
further develop their analytical skills and investigate the qualitative and quantitative properties of matter,
as well as the impact of some common chemical reactions on society and the environment. 

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science, Academic

This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore
kinematics, with an emphasis on linear motion; different kinds of forces; energy transformations; the
properties of mechanical waves and sound; and electricity and magnetism. They will enhance their
scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, they will analyse the interrelationships
between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on
society and the environment. 

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science, Academic

ONLINE: This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge of and skills relating to
environmental science that will help them succeed in life after secondary school. Students will explore a
range of topics, including the role of science in addressing contemporary environmental challenges; the
impact of the environment on human health; sustainable agriculture and forestry; the reduction and
management of waste; and the conservation of energy. Students will increase their scientific and
environmental literacy and examine the interrelationships between science, the environment, and society
in a variety of areas.

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science, Academic or Applied

This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes that
occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of
biochemistry, metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, and population dynamics. Emphasis
will be placed on the achievement of detailed knowledge and the refinement of skills needed for further
study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.

Prerequisite: Grade 11 Biology, University preparation

This AP Biology course/SBI4UP is at a high level of sophistication and difficulty. In addition to earning a
grade 12 credit, students can write the Advanced Placement examination in May. Many Canadian
universities may grant a university Science credit to students who are successful in this AP course and its
exam. This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes
associated with biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of
metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, evolution, and population dynamics. Emphasis will
be placed on achievement of the detailed knowledge and refined skills needed for further study in the
various branches of life sciences and related fields.

Prerequisite: Grade 11 Biology, University preparation

ONLINE: This course enables students to develop an understanding of chemistry through the study of
matter and qualitative analysis, organic chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical calculations, and chemistry
as it relates to the quality of the environment. Students will use a variety of laboratory techniques, develop
skills in data collection and scientific analysis, and communicate scientific information using appropriate
terminology. Emphasis will be placed on the role of chemistry in daily life and the effects of technological
applications and processes on society and the environment.

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science, Academic or Applied

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic
chemistry, the structure and properties of matter, energy changes and rates of reaction, equilibrium in
chemical systems, and electrochemistry. Students will further develop their problem-solving and
investigation skills as they investigate chemical processes, and will refine their ability to communicate
scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in everyday life and on
evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.

Prerequisite: Grade 11 Chemistry, University preparation

This AP Chemistry course/SCH4UP is at a high level of sophistication and difficulty. In addition to earning a
grade 12 credit, students can write the Advanced Placement examination in May. Many Canadian
universities may grant a university Science credit to students who are successful in this AP course and its
exam. This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of
organic chemistry, the structure and properties of matter, energy changes and rates of reaction,
equilibrium in chemical systems, and electrochemistry. Students will further develop their problem-solving
and investigation skills as they investigate chemical processes, and will refine their ability to communicate
scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in everyday life and on
evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.

Prerequisite: Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation 

ONLINE: This course develops students’ understanding of Earth and its place in the universe. Students
will investigate the properties of and forces in the universe and solar system and analyse techniques
scientists use to generate knowledge about them. Students will closely examine the materials of Earth, its
internal and surficial processes, and its geological history, and will learn how Earth’s systems interact and
how they have changed over time. Throughout the course, students will learn how these forces,
processes, and materials affect their daily lives. The course draws on biology, chemistry, physics, and
mathematics in its consideration of geological and astronomical processes that can be observed directly or
inferred from other evidence. 

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science, Academic

ONLINE: This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will
explore these concepts with respect to motion; mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, energy
transformation, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems; and the operation of commonly used tools and
machines. They will develop their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics and solve both
assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students will also consider the impact of
technological applications of physics on society and the environment.

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science, Academic or Applied

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will
continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, and will investigate
electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the
wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific
investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related to a
variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological
applications of physics on society and the environment.

Prerequisite: Grade 11 physics, University preparation