STUDENT FRIENDLY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS – SCIENCE
GRADE 9
Science, Grade 9 – Academic
SNC 1D0
This course enables students to understand basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space
science, and physics; to develop skills in the processes of scientific inquiry; and to relate science
to technology, society, and the environment. Students will learn scientific theories and conduct
investigations related to ecology and ecosystems; atomic and molecular structures and the
properties of elements and compounds; the universe and space exploration; and the principles of
electricity.
Prerequisite: None
Science, Grade 9 – Applied
SNC 1P0
This course enables students to understand basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space
science, and physics; to develop skills in the processes of scientific inquiry; and to apply their
knowledge of science to everyday situations. Students will design and conduct investigations
into real-world problems and issues related to ecology and ecosystems; atomic and molecular
structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the universe and space exploration;
and the principles of static and current electricity.
Prerequisite: None
Science, Grade 9 – Locally Developed
SNC 1L0
The focus of this course is the development of transferrable scientific skills, e.g. observation,
inference, recording and reporting, through problem-solving and experimentation. Topics may
include, though are not limited to: Nature of Science, Space/Our Solar System, Chemicals and
Their Properties, The Human Body/Nutrition. Students will design and conduct investigations to
test a product claim of their choosing. They will also build and present a model of a habitat used
for space exploration.
Prerequisite: None
GRADE 10
Science, Grade 10 – Academic
SNC 2D0
This course enables students to enhance their understanding of basic concepts in biology,
chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to further develop their scientific investigation
skills; and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Students will design and
conduct investigations and develop their understanding of scientific theories related to cells and
organ systems in animals and plants; chemical reactions; forces affecting climate and climate
change; and the interaction of light and matter.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 9, Academic (SNC 1D0) or Applied (SNC 1P0)
Science, Grade 10 – Applied
SNC 2P0
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of basic concepts in biology,
chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to further develop their scientific investigation
skills; and to apply their knowledge of science to real-world situations. Students will design and
conduct investigations into real-world problems and issues related to human cells and body
systems; chemical reactions; forces affecting climate and climate change; and the interaction of
light and matter.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 9, Academic (SNC 1D0) or Applied (SNC 1P0)
BIOLOGY
Biology, Grade 11 – College Preparation
SBI 3C0
This course focuses on the processes involved in biological systems. Students will learn concepts
and theories as they conduct investigations in the areas of cellular biology, microbiology, animal
anatomy and physiology, plant structure and physiology, and human genetics. 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 (SNC 2D0) or Applied (SNC 2P0)
Biology, Grade 11 – University Preparation
SBI 3U0
This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes involved in biological systems.
Students will study concepts related to genetic continuity and how traits are inherited; the theory
of evolution and mechanisms by which evolution occurs; the anatomy and interrelationship of
internal animal organ systems; the diversity of living things; and the anatomy, growth, and
functions of plants. This course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study, and
helps students refine skills related to scientific investigation.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic (SNC 2D0)
Biology, Grade 12 – University Preparation
SBI4U0
Students should be aware that this course has a heavy theoretical emphasis on biochemistry. The
first two units (biochemistry and metabolism) rely on chemical foundations learned in Grade 11
Chemistry. Even though chemistry is not a prerequisite, it is highly recommended for best
success in this course. The other three units involve the biochemistry of molecular genetics
where we explore genetic processes in the cell as well as genetic engineering; homeostasis of
nervous, endocrine, and excretory systems and population dynamics, where we look at the
statistics related to understanding ecological concepts. This course will continue to refine skills
related to scientific investigations.
Prerequisite: Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation (SBI 3U0)
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry, Grade 11 – University Preparation
SCH 3U0
This course focuses on the concepts and theories that form the basis of modern chemistry. We
begin by looking at matter, chemical bonding, and trends in the periodic table and investigate
physical and chemical properties of elements and compounds. We investigate the quantitative
relationships in different types of chemical reactions and solve related word problems. We
investigate gas laws that explain the behaviour of gases through experimentation and
calculations. A strong math background is highly recommended for success in this course as
three of the five units are calculation-based.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic (SNC 2D0)
Chemistry, Grade 12 – University Preparation
SCH 4U0
This course prepares a student to be successful in a first year university chemistry course that is
typically required for any science or engineering program. You will rely heavily on the skills
learned in Grade 11 Chemistry, to write balanced chemical reactions and calculate chemical
quantities. You will extend your understanding of the atomic and molecular structure of matter
and explore structure and property relationships. You will analyze chemical reactions in terms of
energy released or absorbed, factors affecting the rate of reactions and different equilibrium
conditions. You will learn about the naming and classification of organic molecules and how
they transform through different reactions. We will also explore the principles of oxidationreduction reactions. Students will further develop their problem-solving and investigation skills
as they investigate chemical processes, and will refine their ability to communicate scientific
information.
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation (SCH 3U0)
Chemistry, Grade 12 – College Preparation
SCH 4C0
Grade 12 College Preparation Chemistry uses a variety of scientific inquiry activities to gain a
deeper understanding of chemistry including: qualitative and quantitative analysis, organic
chemistry, electrochemistry, and the effect chemicals have on our lives and the
environment. Strong emphasis is placed on scientific investigation where students are asked to
follow the scientific inquiry process which includes: forming hypothesis, data collection, data
analysis and drawing conclusions.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic (SNC 2D0 - highly recommended) or Applied (SNC
2P0)
PHYSICS
Physics, Grade 11 – University Preparation
SPH 3U0
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will
study motion and the laws of dynamics and explore different kinds of forces, the quantification
and forms of energy (mechanical, sound, light, thermal, and electrical), and the way energy is
transformed and transmitted. They will develop scientific-inquiry skills as they verify accepted
laws and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students
will also analyze the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact
of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic (SNC 2D0)
Physics, Grade 12 – University Preparation
SPH 4U0
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of the concepts related to motion,
dynamics and energy transformations, electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields,
electromagnetic radiation and the interface between energy and matter. They will further develop
inquiry skills and learn how to interpret experimental data to provide indirect evidence of laws of
physics. Students will also consider technological applications of physics and its impact on
society and the environment.
It is recommended that students consider this course if they meet the following:
1. Level 3 in Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation
2. Excellent Math skills required to study Physics (rearranging equations, trigonometry,
graphing, algebra, computations, integers, exponents)
3. Excellent work habits: homework, assignments and in-class assignments
Prerequisite: Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation (SPH 3U0)
Physics
Physics, Grade 12 – College Preparation
SPH 4C0
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of the concepts and theories of
physics. Students will explore further the laws of motion with kinematics as well as dynamics
and energy transformations. Students will investigate electrical, gravitational and magnetic
fields, and understand how electrical circuits work. They will understand how hydraulic and
pneumatic systems operate both with theory and with calculations. They will further develop
inquiry skills, by building, testing, and analyzing different structures based on the five units in
the course. Students will have the ability to be creative in their building process and will make
calculations to support their process and analyze their findings. The course enables students to
test a handful of variables in their experiments in order to visualize relationships and deepen
their understanding of physics concepts. Students will further consider the impact on society and
the environment of past and current technological applications of physics.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic (SNC 2D0 - highly recommended) or Applied (SNC
2P0)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Environmental Science, Grade 11 – University/College Preparation
SVN 3M0
This course enables students to understand some advanced concepts in environmental science,
including those involved in scientific solutions to environmental challenges, human health and
the environment, sustainable agriculture, reducing and managing waste and methods of energy
production and conservation. This course focuses upon many issues that our society encounters
on topics related to human health and the environment, and on how we are able to coexist with
nature in our daily lives.
Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science, Applied (SNC 2P0) or Academic (SNC 2D0)
EARTH AND SPACE
Earth and Space Science, Grade 12 – University Preparation
SES 4U0
This course focuses on the Earth as a planet, and on the basic concepts and theories of Earth
science and their relevance to everyday life. Students will examine the Universe and Earth’s
place in the solar system and, after a general introduction to Earth science, will explore in more
detail the materials of the Earth, its internal and superficial processes, and its history. The course
draws on astronomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics in its consideration of
geological processes that can be observed directly or inferred from other evidence.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic (SNC 2D0)