St. James Catholic High School
Course Overview
Course Title:
Biology, Grade 12, University Preparation
Course Code:
SBI 4U
Credit Value:
1
Course Description:
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.
How This Course Supports the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations:
This course profile integrates relevant Catholic beliefs, values and Church teachings within the
overall context of the knowledge and skills being addressed. While each unit has an integrity
and autonomy of its own, there are also identifiable themes that bridge each of the units and
connect them in a holistic way. The homeostasis unit raises issues about the value of human
life, the sacredness of the body and the conjugal act, and the accessibility and marketing of
health care. The molecular genetics unit also raises the question of stewardship of the
environment. The population dynamics unit includes values related to the common good. In
addition to addressing specific issues raised in the course, this course further contributes to the
development of the Ontario Catholic Graduate by developing his/her skills of discernment,
reflection, communication, analysis, collaboration and self-direction. Please see the Course
Calendar / Agenda Book for a listing of the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations.
Unit Titles:
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
Biochemistry
Metabolic Processes
Molecular Genetics
Homeostasis
Population Dynamics
Evaluation:
Course Grade Weighting
Term Work…………………. 70%
Culminating Activities……... 30%
(final exam – 30%)
Category Weighting
Knowledge and Understanding…………. 30%
Thinking and Inquiry……………………. 30%
Application……………………………… 20%
Communication…………………………. 20%
Missed Evaluation:
Failure to complete assessment and evaluation activities reduces the body of evidence upon
which the teacher can evaluate student achievement of the curriculum expectations and could
jeopardize the granting of a credit for the course.
Missed Tests:
If a test is missed, the absence must be confirmed with the office. Students are expected to
write the test on the day they return unless previous arrangements have been made with the
teacher. For those students who are 18 years old, parental confirmation or a medical note is
needed.
Late Assignments:
For each day an assignment is late 10% will be deducted up to a maximum of three days late (30%).
Assignments will not be accepted after three days late or after the assignments have been returned
which ever is first. Students will have one grace late day per course to be used without explanation.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
Note: Copying lab reports is a form of plagiarism and both students will be subject to the
penalties. Each student is expected to submit his or her own work. For lab partners,
calculations, if done correctly, may be the same. Any written work such as descriptive
observations or answers to questions and conclusions may express the same information but
must be written in their own words. Under no circumstances should a student give their lab
report to another student.
The use of electronic devises during all forms of evaluation including tests is strictly prohibited.
It will be considered cheating if a student is found with a devise.
Consequences for cheating can be found in the Student Agenda.
Parent / Guardian Signature:
My signature below indicates that I have read and understood the course overview.
Student Signature: ________________________________________________
Date: __________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________
Date: __________
Parent Contact: phone ______________________________
e-mail ______________________________