Science Department
IONA CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL
Course Code: SBI 4U1
Course Name: Biology, Grade 12 University Preparation
Instructor: Mr. B. Kells
Period:
Room Number: 229
Course Overview:
This course furthers student's understanding of the processes involved 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
Strands
of Study and Overall Expectations include:
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
Strands of Study and Overall Expectations include:
Ministry guidelines for specific course:
A1. 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);
A2. identify and describe careers related to the fields of science under study, and describe contributions of scientists, including Canadians, to
those fields.
B1. analyse technological applications of enzymes in some industrial processes, and evaluate technological advances in the field of cellular
biology;
B2. investigate the chemical structures, functions, and chemical properties of biological molecules involved in some common cellular
processes and biochemical reactions;
B3. demonstrate an understanding of the structures and functions of biological molecules, and the biochemical reactions required to maintain
normal cellular function.
C1. 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;
C2. investigate the products of metabolic processes such as cellular respiration and photosynthesis;
C3. demonstrate an understanding of the chemical changes and energy conversions that occur in metabolic processes.
D1. analyse some of the social, ethical, and legal issues associated with genetic research and biotechnology;
D2. investigate, through laboratory activities, the structures of cell components and their roles in processes that occur within the cell;
D3. demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to molecular genetics, and how genetic modification is applied in industry and
agriculture.
E1. evaluate the impact on the human body of selected chemical substances and of environmental factors related to human activity;
E2. investigate the feedback mechanisms that maintain homeostasis in living organisms;
E3. demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of human body systems, and explain the mechanisms that enable the body
to maintain homeostasis.
F1. analyse 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;
F2. investigate the characteristics of population growth, and use models to calculate the growth of populations within an ecosystem;
F3. demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to population growth, and explain the factors that affect the growth of various
populations of species.
Efforts will be made to meet the individual learning needs of students in order to
ensure these expectations are being met.
Course Breakdown
UNITS OF STUDY:
Unit B
Unit C
Unit D
Unit E
Unit F
Biochemistry
Metabolic Processes
Molecular Genetics
Homeostasis
Population Dynamics
Resources:
The course will use a variety of resources including video, CDROM, Internet Applications and a variety of print sources. The
textbook will be distributed to students during the first week of
the course. The text and all other resources assigned to students
are the responsibility of the student. Any damage incurred will
result in payment for replacement. Replacement cost for the text
will be posted in the classroom.
Evaluation Structure::
Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking
Communication
Application
25%
35%
15%
25%
The above is reflected both in the term work (worth 70% of the
final mark) and the summative work (worth 30% of the final
mark). Summative work consists of the Final Exam (30%)
TEXTS AND RESOURCES:
Biology 12: Nelson
Evaluation Policy
Students will be assessed & evaluated according to the work produced & skills displayed. Methods of providing feedback will include assessing work in
process & evaluating completed assignments, tests, co-operative learning activities, simulations and presentations. Peer & self-evaluations will also be
utilized. Student marks will be determined by evaluating process & product according to 4 categories & 4 levels. Please see the chart below for specific
skills and key words used to determine student competency in the different categories.
Category
Knowledge/Understanding: Knowledge of
content and understanding of content.
Level 1:
Level 2:
Level 3:
Level 4:
50-59%
60-69%
70-79%
80-100%
Limited display of:
knowledge of content
Some success in:
knowledge of content
Considerable display of:
knowledge of content
Thorough understanding of:
knowledge of content
uses creative thinking
initiating, processing
and planning skills
and strategies with
limited effectiveness
uses creative thinking
initiating, processing
and planning skills and
strategies with some
effectiveness
uses creative thinking
initiating, processing and
planning skills and
strategies with considerable effectiveness
uses creative thinking
initiating, processing and
planning skills and
strategies with a high degree
of effectiveness
Communication: Expression and organization
of ideas and information and use of conventions
vocabulary, and terminology of the discipline in
oral, graphic, and written forms.
communicates, uses
conventions and
terminology,
organizes ideas and
information with
limited effectiveness
communicates, uses
conventions and
terminology, organizes
ideas and information
with some
effectiveness
communicates, uses
conventions and
terminology, organizes
ideas and information
with considerable
effectiveness
communicates, uses
conventions and
terminology, organizes ideas
and information with a high
degree of effectiveness
Application: Application and transfer of
knowledge and skills; Making connections
between science, technology, society, and
the environment.
transfers and applies
knowledge and skills
to unfamiliar contexts
and proposes courses
of practical action
with limited
effectiveness
transfers and applies
knowledge and skills
to unfamiliar contexts
and proposes courses
of practical action
with some
effectiveness
transfers and applies
knowledge and skills to
unfamiliar contexts and
proposes courses of
practical action with
considerable
effectiveness
Thinking: Use of planning skills, processing
skills and critical/creative thinking skill.
transfers and applies
knowledge and skills to
unfamiliar contexts and
proposes courses of
practical action with a high
degree of effectiveness
Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Skills like RESPONSIBILITY, ORGANIZATION, INDEPENDENT WORK,
COLLABORATION, INITIATIVE, and SELF-REGULATION are assessed independently from student achievement and will be conducted through the
use of a rubric indicating specific criteria to be achieved to receive each of the following letter grades:
E –Excellent
G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
Other Evaluation Issues
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LATE ASSIGNMENTS The due dates for major assignments will be clearly articulated by the teacher when the task is assigned. The
teacher will establish a deadline and each day late after this date an appropriate penalty will be established. The exact conditions and
penalties can be obtained from the school handbook.
INCOMPLETE ASSSIGNMENTS Assignments will be graded according to the extent with which they meet the criteria established in the
rubric or evaluation structure.
MISSED TESTS . Teachers will give the class ample notice for up-coming tests/evaluations. It is the responsibility of the student to make
arrangements for an alternative assessment date (which may not be during class time) with the teacher before the scheduled time for the
test/evaluation. If a test is missed due to a legitimate reason, verification (note only to be handed in on the day of the student’s return)
from a parent/guardian must be given to the subject teacher indicating that the parents are aware the student has missed a test. If a
test is missed as a result of truancy, a mark of zero will be assigned with no opportunity for a re-write.
PLAGIARISM in any form reflects academic dishonesty and will result in a mark that is determined by the administration in collaboration
with the classroom teacher. Further information can be obtained from the school handbook.
ATTENDANCE It is the responsibility of each student to be punctual and in attendance, with proper materials, at all classes and
scheduled activities. Students who miss classes may put their credit in jeopardy. It is the student’s responsibility to catch up on
missed work when absent.