Science Department
Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
Course Code:
Course Name:
Level:
SBI4U1
Grade 12 BIOLOGY
University Level
Course Overview:
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.
Specific Strands of Study and Expectations include:
Unit 1: 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.
Unit 2: 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.
Unit 3: 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.
Unit 4: 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.
Unit 5: 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.
Course Breakdown
Resources:
Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Investigation
Communication
Application
The course will use a variety of resources
including video, CD-ROM, Internet Applications
and a variety of print sources. The textbook
Nelson: Biology 12 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
$118.00.
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%).
Evaluation Structure::
Tests and quizzes will account for approximately 50%
of the term mark.
Labs and assignments will account for approximately
35% of the term mark.
A presentation will account for approximately 15% of
the term mark.
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%
-Limited
display of
knowledge,
skills and
ability to
apply
concepts
Level 2:
60-69%
-Some
success in
displaying
knowledge,
skills and
application
of concepts
Level 3:
70-79%
-Considerable
display of
knowledge
skills and
ability to apply
concepts
Level 4:
80-100%
-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 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: For all assignments the teacher will establish the Primary Due Date and Closure Date. Assignments
submitted after the Primary Due Date will be accepted with a penalty of 10% until the Closure Date. After the Closure Date no
further assignments will be accepted and a mark of zero will be assessed. 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.