Holy Cross Catholic Academy
Course Information Sheet
Course Title:
Course Code:
Grade 12 University Biology
SBI4U
Prerequisite:
Biology, Grade 11, University
Preparation
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.
CONNECTION TO OUR CATHOLIC FAITH
This course will help students address the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectation that they become reflective and creative
thinkers who create, adapt, and evaluate new ideas in light of the common good.
Strands
SCIENTIFIC
INVESTIGATION SKILLS
AND CAREER
EXPLORATION
Overall Expectations
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BIOCHEMISTRY
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
METABOLIC
PROCESSES
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
MOLECULAR
GENETICS
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HOMEOSTASIS
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POPULATION
DYNAMICS
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Demonstrate scientific investigation skills (related to both inquiry and research) in the
four areas of skills (initiating and planning, performing and recording, analyzing and
interpreting, and communicating);
Identify and describe careers relating to the fields of science under study, and describe
the contributions of scientists, including Canadians, to those fields.
Analyse technological applications of enzymes in some industrial processes, and
evaluate technological advances in the field of cellular biology;
Investigate the chemical structures, functions, and chemical properties of biological
molecules involved in some common cellular processes and biochemical reactions;
Demonstrate an understanding of the structures and functions of biological molecules,
and the biochemical reactions required to maintain normal cellular function.
Analyse the role of metabolic processes in the functioning of biotic and abiotic
systems, and evaluate the importance of an understanding of these processes and
related technologies to personal choices made in everyday life;
Investigate the products of metabolic processes such as cellular respiration and
photosynthesis;
Demonstrate an understanding of the chemical changes and energy conversions that
occur in metabolic processes.
Analyse some of the social, ethical, and legal issues associated with genetic research
and biotechnology;
Investigate, through laboratory activities, the structures of cell components and their
roles in processes that occur within the cell;
Demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to molecular genetics, and how
genetic modification is applied in industry and agriculture.
Evaluate the impact on the human body of selected chemical substances and of
environmental factors related to human activity;
Investigate the feedback mechanisms that maintain homeostasis in living organisms;
Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of human body
systems, and explain the mechanisms that enable the body to maintain homeostasis.
Analyse the relationships between population growth, personal consumption,
technological development, and our ecological footprint, and assess the effectiveness
of some Canadian initiatives intended to assist expanding populations;
Investigate the characteristics of population growth, and use models to calculate the
growth of populations within an ecosystem;
Demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to population growth, and explain
the factors that affect the growth of various populations of species.
Units and Timelines
Unit Title
Approximate Time
22 periods
22 periods
20 periods
18 periods
3 periods
Biochemistry
Metabolic Processes
Molecular Genetics
Homeostasis
Population Dynamics (independent study unit)
Instructional strategies: modeled, shared and guided instruction, cooperative group learning, accountable talk, independent
application and consolidation, experiential learning, inquiry-based learning, robust thinking (critical analysis and reflection).
Assessment and Evaluation Breakdown
Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking
Communication
Application
25%
20 %
10%
15 %
TERM
70%
EXAM
30%
Assessment and Evaluation Strategies: classroom presentations, conferences, essays, response journals, demonstrations,
interviews, learning logs, quizzes, tests, and exams, observations, performance tasks, portfolios, question and answers,
self-assessment. Assessment and Evaluation Tools: Checklists, exemplars, rating scales, rubrics, metacognition,
self and peer assessment, anecdotal notes.
Focus on Learning Skills:
Responsibility
 Fulfills
responsibilities
and commitments
within the
learning
environment.
 Completes and
submits class
work, homework,
and assignments
according to
agreed-upon
timelines.
 Takes
responsibility for
and manages own
behaviour.
Organization
 Devises and
follows a plan
and process for
completing work
and tasks.
 Establishes
priorities and
manages time to
complete tasks
and achieve
goals.
 Identifies,
gathers,
evaluates, and
uses information,
technology, and
resources to
complete tasks.
Independent
Work
 Independently
monitors, assesses,
and revises plans to
complete tasks and
meet goals.
 Uses class time
appropriately to
complete tasks.
 Follows
instructions with
minimal supervision.
Collaboration
Initiative
 Accepts various roles
and an equitable share of
work in a group
 Responds positively to
the ideas, opinions,
values, and traditions of
others.
 Builds healthy peer-topeer relationships through
personal and mediaassisted interactions.
 Works with others to
resolve conflicts and build
consensus to achieve
group goals.
 Shares information,
resources, and expertise,
and promotes critical
thinking to solve problems
and make decisions.
 Looks for and
acts on new ideas
and opportunities
for learning.
 Demonstrates
the capacity for
innovation and a
willingness to take
risks.
 Demonstrates
curiosity and
interest in
learning.
 Approaches
new tasks with a
positive attitude.
 Recognizes
and advocates
appropriately for
the rights of self
and others
Self-Regulation
 Sets own
individual goals and
monitors progress
towards achieving
them.
 Seeks clarification
or assistance when
needed.
 Assesses and
reflects critically on
own strengths, needs,
and interests.
 Identifies learning
opportunities,
choices, and
strategies to meet
personal needs and
achieve goals.
 Perseveres and
makes an effort when
responding to
challenges.
N.B. Additional Information Found in Student’s School Agenda/Board Policy:
Lates, Absences and Missed Assignments follow the YCDSB Assessment & Evaluation Guidelines, in compliance with the Ministry of
Education Policy on Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting.
Title of Textbook: Nelson Biology 12
Replacement Cost: $105
Name of Teacher:
________________________________________
Student Signature
________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature