Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School
Course Outline: Grade 12 University Biology
Teacher: Mrs. LeGros
Course Description:
Semester Date: September 2014
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: Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation
Big Ideas
Biochemistry
Technological applications that affect biological processes and cellular functions are used in the food, pharmaceutical, and
medical industries. Biological molecules and their chemical properties affect cellular processes and biochemical reactions.
Biochemical compounds play important structural and functional roles in cells of all living organisms.
Metabolic Processes
All metabolic processes involve chemical changes and energy conversions. An understanding of metabolic processes
enables people to make informed choices with respect to a range of personal, societal, and environmental issues.
Molecular Genetics
DNA contains all the genetic information for any living organism. Proteins control a wide variety of cellular processes.
Genetic research and biotechnology have social, legal, and ethical implications.
Homeostasis
Organisms have strict limits on the internal conditions that they can tolerate. Systems that maintain homeostasis rely on
feedback mechanisms. Environmental factors can affect homeostasis.
Population Dynamics
Population growth follows predictable patterns. The increased consumption of resources and production of waste associated
with population growth result in specific stresses that affect Earth’s sustainability. Technological developments can
contribute to or help offset the ecological footprint associated with population growth and the consumption of natural
resources.
Final Mark Calculation
70% of the final mark comes from Assessments OF Learning during each unit of the term.
30% of the final mark comes from the Final Exam at the end of the course.
 Assignments that include plagiarism will receive a zero (work copied from the internet, peers, etc).
 Missed evaluations whereby no arrangements have been made to make up the work, will also be assigned a zero.
 Once an evaluation has been returned to students, submission of that evaluation is no longer a valid assessment.
 Food, drinks, backpacks, and electronics (cell phones, etc.) are PROHIBITED in science class.
Updates (field trips, homework, tests, projects, exam review) are found on the PJ website!
You can contact me by phone (756-1320 ext276437) or email (tammy.legros@granderie.ca)
Parent Signature:
Student Signature:
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Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School
Course Outline: Grade 12 University Biology
Unit One: BIOCHEMISTRY
Key Expectations/
Essential Learning Goals:
 demonstrate scientific investigation skills (related to both
inquiry and research) in the four areas of skills (initiating
and planning, performing and recording, analysing and
interpreting, and communicating);
 identify and describe careers related to the fields of
science under study, and describe contributions of
scientists, including Canadians, to those fields.
 analyse technological applications of enzymes in some
industrial processes, and evaluate technological advances
in the field of cellular biology;
 investigate the chemical structures, functions, and
chemical properties of biological molecules involved in
some common cellular processes and biochemical
reactions;
 demonstrate an understanding of the structures and
functions of biological molecules, and the biochemical
reactions required to maintain normal cellular function.
Assessments OF Learning (Evaluations)



Activities:
(Assessments For & As Learning)
Lab investigations, activities, and research topics
related to course material; as well as quizzes on
specific content may include:

Demonstration of Enzyme Activity

Structural Diagrams of Macromolecules

Comparing Synthesis and Hydrolysis

Analyzing Functions of Nutrients
Various text book questions for daily homework
assignments will be given out for practice.
Properties of Water Lab
Factors Affecting Enzymes
Chapter 1 Test
Unit Two: METABOLIC PROCESSES
Key Expectations/
Essential Learning Goals:
 demonstrate scientific investigation skills (related to both
inquiry and research) in the four areas of skills (initiating
and planning, performing and recording, analysing and
interpreting, and communicating);
 identify and describe careers related to the fields of
science under study, and describe contributions of
scientists, including Canadians, to those fields.
 analyse the role of metabolic processes in the functioning
of biotic and abiotic systems, and evaluate the importance
of an understanding of these processes and related
technologies to personal choices made in everyday life;
 investigate the products of metabolic processes such as
cellular respiration and photosynthesis;
 demonstrate an understanding of the chemical changes
and energy conversions that occur in metabolic processes.
Assessments OF Learning (Evaluations)



Fermentation Lab
Cellular Respiration Test
Photosynthesis Test
Activities:
(Assessments For & As Learning)
Lab investigations, activities, and research topics
related to course material; as well as quizzes on
specific content may include:

Demonstration of CO2 Production

Metabolic Pathways Poster

Comparing Aerobic and Anaerobic
Respiration

Analyzing Pigment Composition
Various text book questions for daily homework
assignments will be given out for practice.
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Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School
Course Outline: Grade 12 University Biology
Unit Three: MOLECULAR GENETICS
Key Expectations/
Essential Learning Goals:





demonstrate scientific investigation skills (related to
both inquiry and research) in the four areas of skills
(initiating and planning, performing and recording,
analysing and interpreting, and communicating);
identify and describe careers related to the fields of
science under study, and describe contributions of
scientists, including Canadians, to those fields.
analyse some of the social, ethical, and legal issues
associated with genetic research and biotechnology;
investigate, through laboratory activities, the
structures of cell components and their roles in
processes that occur within the cell;
demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to
molecular genetics, and how genetic modification is
applied in industry and agriculture.
Assessments OF Learning (Evaluations)

Biotechnology Report

Genetics Test
Activities:
(Assessments For & As Learning)
Lab investigations, activities, and homework
assignments related to course material. Quizzes on
various topics.
Possible assessments:

Comparing DNA and RNA

Isolating DNA from Cells

Transcribing and Translating the Code
Various text book questions for daily homework
assignments will be given out for practice.
Unit Four: HOMEOSTASIS
Key Expectations/
Essential Learning Goals:



evaluate the impact on the human body of selected
chemical substances and of environmental factors
related to human activity;
investigate the feedback mechanisms that maintain
homeostasis in living organisms;
demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and
physiology of human body systems, and explain the
mechanisms that enable the body to maintain
homeostasis.
Assessments OF Learning (Evaluations)




Urinalysis Lab
Vision and Hearing Lab
Independent Investigation
Unit Test (2 parts)
Activities:
(Assessments For & As Learning)
Lab investigations, activities, and homework
assignments related to course material. Quizzes on
various topics.
Possible assessments:
 Kidney Dissection

Brain Dissection

Eye Dissection
Various text book questions for daily homework
assignments will be given out for practice.
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Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School
Course Outline: Grade 12 University Biology
Unit Five: POPULATION DYNAMICS
Key Expectations/
Essential Learning Goals:



analyze the relationships between population
growth, personal consumption, technological
development, and our ecological footprint, and
assess the effectiveness of some Canadian
initiatives intended to assist expanding populations;
investigate the characteristics of population growth,
and use models to calculate the growth of
populations within an ecosystem;
demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to
population growth, and explain the factors that
affect the growth of various populations of species.
Assessments OF Learning (Evaluations)

Estimating Population Size

Unit Test
Activities:
(Assessments For & As Learning)
Lab investigations, activities, and homework
assignments related to course material. Quizzes on
various topics.
Possible assessments:

Population Growth Calculations

Modeling Relationships

Population Growth Study
Various text book questions for daily homework
assignments will be given out for practice.
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