SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
Course Code: SBI 3U1
Course Name: Grade 11 Biology
Level:
University Prep.
Course Overview:
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 theoretical aspects of topics under study, and helps students refine skills
related to scientific investigation. University preparation courses are designed to equip students
with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for university
programs. Teaching and learning will emphasize theoretical aspects of the course content and an
emphasis will be placed on the demonstration of both independent research and learning skills.
Specific Strands of Study and Expectations include:
Diversity of Living Things
- Analyse the effects of various human activities on the diversity of living things
- Investigate, through laboratory and/or field activities or through simulations, the principles of scientific classification, using
appropriate sampling and classification techniques.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of living organisms in terms of principles of taxonomy and phylogeny.
Genetic Processes
- Evaluate the importance of some recent contributions to our knowledge of genetic processes and analyse social and ethical
implications of genetic and genomic research.
- Investigate genetic processes, including those that occur during meiosis and analyse date to solve basic genetics problems
involving monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.
- Demonstrate an understanding of concepts, processes, and technologies related to the transmission of hereditary characteristics.
Evolution
- Analyse the economic and environmental advantages and disadvantages of an artificial selection technology, and evaluate the
impact of environmental changes on natural selection and endangered species.
- Investigate evolutionary processes, and analyse scientific evidence that supports the theory of evolution.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theory of evolution, the evidence that supports it, and some of the mechanisms by which it
occurs.
Animals: Structure and Function
- Analyse the relationship between changing societal needs, technological advances, and out understanding of internal systems.
Of humans.
- Investigate, through laboratory inquiry the functional responses of the respiratory and circulatory systems of animals and the
relationships between their respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems. A dissection of the fetal pig will take place.
- Demonstrate an understanding of animal anatomy and physiology and describe disorders of the respiratory, circulatory, and
digestive systems.
Plants: Anatomy, Growth, and Functions
- Evaluate the importance of sustainable use of plants to Canadian society and other cultures.
- Investigate the structures and functions of plant tissues, and factors affecting plant growth.
- Demonstrate and understanding of the diversity of vascular plants, including their structures, internal transport systems. And
their role in maintaining biodiversity.
Resources:
Course Breakdown
Knowledge & Understanding
Thinking and Investigation
Communication
Application
25%
35%
15%
25%
The course will use a variety of resources
including video, CD-ROM, Internet Applications
and a variety of print sources. The textbook
McGraw-Hill Ryerson, BIOLOGY 11 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 is $94.06.
Culminating Activity
5%
Evaluation Structure:
Your Term Mark (70%) will consist of the following:
Exam
25%
Knowledge & Understanding
Thinking & Investigation
Communication
Application
25%
35%
15%
25%
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/Inquiry
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
Making connections
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 t he 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




LATE ASSIGNMENTS: For all assignments the teacher will establish a Primary Due Date. Assignments will be collected on
the Primary due date at the beginning of the class. The student will then lose 2% per day until the Closure Date, to a
maximum of 10% for the assignment. 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: The first test 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 (See your agenda for the details of the school policy). The second missed test will be
recorded as a “no mark” and the value of that test will be added to the Final exam.
PLAGIARISM: in any form reflects academic dishonesty and will result in a mark of zero for the assignment in question.