SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
Course Code: SBI 3C1
Course Name: Grade 11 Biology
Level:
College Prep.
Course Overview:
This course focuses on the processes that occur in biological systems. Students 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: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
Overall Expectations include:
Unit 1: Cellular Biology
This unit will examine how life processes are determined by the structures and functions of biochemical
compounds, cell organelles and body systems. Students will investigate technological devices that support
cellular functions and processes can be used to improve human health. A focus on substances that are present
in our everyday lives that effect cellular functions and processes in both positive and negative ways will be
analyzed.
Unit 2: Microbiology
Students will investigate that groups of microorganisms have common characteristics, and these characteristics
enable them to interact with other organisms in the environment. Microorganisms can have both a positive and
negative effects on the environment and humans. Students will analyze the technological use of microorganisms
and thus, the ethical issues raised.
Unit 3: Genetics
This unit will enable students to examine how genetic research and biotechnology have social, environmental,
and ethic implications. Students will investigate how variability and diversity of living organisms result from the
distribution of genetic material during the cellular process of meiosis.
Unit 4: Anatomy of Mammals
Students will analyze groups of organs with specific structures and functions that work together as systems, with
interact with other systems in the body. Various technologies that are used to maintain human health will be
examined, including the social and economic benefits and costs. Students will investigate how environmental
factors, both natural and those resulting from human activity, can have a wide range of effects on human health.
Unit 5: Plants in the Natural Environment
Students will examine that plants have specialized structures with distinct functions that enable them to respond
and adapt
to made
their environment.
The fact that
plantsneeds
are critical
to the survival
will be investigated.
Efforts
will be
to meet the individual
learning
of students
in order of
toecosystems
ensure these
Students will analyze the affect of the sustainability of ecosystems when they alter the balance of plants within
those ecosystems.
Course Breakdown:
Resources:
expectations are being met.
The course uses a variety of resources including
video, workbook, Internet Applications and a
variety of print sources. A Nelson Biology
textbook will be issued for loan, replacement is
$90. The Destination Quest will require an
interview will a professional within the chosen
field of study. A $7 lab fee will be charged for
this course.
Your Term Mark (70%) will consist of:
Knowledge & Understanding (17.5%)
Thinking and Investigation (24.5%)
Communication
(11.5%)
Application
(17.5%)
Evaluation Structure:
Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Investigation
Communication
Application
The Exam Mark (15%):
The Culminating Task (15%):
25%
35%
15%
25%
The above is reflected both in the;
term work:
70%
exam:
15%
culminating task 15%
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.
Level
Category
Knowledge/Understanding
Knowledge of facts & terms
Understanding of concepts & relationships
Thinking/Investigation
Critical thinking skills
Creative thinking skills
Inquiry Skills
Communication
Communication of ideas and information
Use of symbols & visuals
Oral & written communication
Level 1:
50-59%
Level 2:
60-69%
Level 3:
70-79%
Level 4:
80-100%
-Limited
display of
knowledge,
skills and
ability to
apply
concepts
-Some
success in
displaying
knowledge,
skills and
application
of concepts
-Considerable
display of
knowledge
skills and
ability to apply
concepts
-Thorough
understanding
of concepts and
ability to
communicate,
think creatively
and apply
concepts
Application
Applications in familiar contexts
Transfer of concepts to new contexts
Making logical conclusions and predictions
Use of technology
Connecting Science to Society
Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Skills like working independently, team work, organization,
work habits and homework, and initiative are assessed independently 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
Other Evaluation Issues:




G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
LATE ASSIGNMENTS: All assignments will be handed in on the Due Date, at the beginning of class. After this time the
assignment is considered late. The student will then lose 10% until the Closure Date, which is the day the assignment is
returned to the class or as indicated in advance by the teacher. Repeated lateness in submissions indicates poor organization
skills and will result in parental contact and will be reflected in the learning skills section of the report card.
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: Tests missed with a legitimate reason will be written within a few days of the student returning from the
absence. Student eligibility to write the test and the date of writing will be at the discretion of the teacher in consultation with
the department head. The student must bring a note from home indicating that the parent/guardian was aware of the
student missing a unit test.
PLAGIARISM: Any form of plagiarism reflects academic dishonesty and will result in a mark of zero for an assignment.