SCIENCE 
“The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries,
is not ‘Eureka!’ (I found it!), but, ‘That’s funny…’ ” - Isaac Asimov
SCIENCE PREREQUISITE FLOW CHART
SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SNC1DK Science, Grade 9, Academic
This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to relate science to technology, society and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop their skills in the processes of scientific investigations. Students will acquire an understanding of scientific theories and conduct investigations related to sustainable ecosystems; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the study of the universe and its properties and components; and the principles of electricity.
Students who enrol in this course should have good work habits, review their notes daily and expect regular homework assignments.
Prerequisite: None
SNC1PK Science, Grade 9, Applied
This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to apply their knowledge of science to everyday situations. They are also given opportunities to develop practical skills related to scientific investigation. Students will plan and conduct investigations into practical problems and issues related to the impact of human activity on ecosystems; the structure and properties of elements and compounds; space exploration and the components of the universe; and static and current electricity.
This course will emphasize improving work habits, organization and time-management skills both in and out of the class.
Prerequisite: None
SNC2DK Science, Grade 10, Academic
This course enables students to enhance their understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and of the interrelationships between science, technology, society, and the environment. Students are also given opportunities to further develop their scientific investigation skills. Students will plan and conduct investigations and develop their understanding of scientific of scientific theories related to the connections between cells and systems in animals and plants, chemical reactions, with a particular focus on acid-base reactions; forces that affect the climate and climate change; and the interaction of light and matter.
Students in this course should have good work habits and strong graphing and equation solving skills. Students will be required to review notes daily and should expect regular homework assignments. Students who have taken SNC1PK should successfully complete SNC1DK before enrolling in this course.
Prerequisite: SNC1DK or SNC1PK
SNC2PK Science, Grade 10, Applied
This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to apply their knowledge of science in real-world situations. Students are given opportunities to develop further practical skills in scientific investigation. Students will plan and conduct investigations into everyday problems and issues related to human cells and body systems; chemical reactions; factors affecting climate change; and the interaction of light and matter.
Students in this course will be expected to continue developing good study skills. This course will be recommended to students who’ve achieved less than a level 3 in SNC1DK. This course is a stepping stone to college level senior science courses (SBI3CK, SCH4CK and SPH4CK)
Prerequisite: SNC1DK or SNC1PK
SBI3UK Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation
This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes involved in biological systems. Students will study cellular functions, genetic continuity, internal systems and regulation, the diversity of living things, and the anatomy, growth and functions of plants. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects of topics under study and helps students refine skills related to scientific investigation.
Students in this course will investigate and compare the organ systems of humans and a non-human vertebrate. Students should expect a focus on aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology throughout the course. A minimum of a level 3 in the chemistry unit of SNC2DK is recommended.
Prerequisite: SNC2DK
SBI3CK Biology, Grade 11, College Preparation
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 environmental science. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of concepts and skills needed for further studies in the various branches of life sciences and related fields.
Students with an interest in science and considering a career such as a science technologist, technician or assistant (e.g. medical, dental, veterinary or research laboratory) will gain relevant skills by taking this course.
Prerequisites: SNC2PK or SNC2DK. This course will be offered alternate years and will therefore be offered during the 2009/2010 academic school year.
SCH3UK Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation
This course focuses on the concepts and theories that form the basis of modern chemistry. Students will study the behaviours of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions; investigate changes and relationships in chemical systems; and explore how chemistry is used in developing new products and processes that affect our lives and our environment. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of chemistry in other branches of science.
This course requires appreciable skills in mathematics. A level 3 in grade 10 mathematics and the chemistry unit of SNC2DK is strongly recommended.
Prerequisite: SNC2DK
SPH3UK Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will study 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-enquiry skills as they verify accepted laws and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students will also analyse the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
A level 3 in Grade 10 mathematics and the physics unit of SNC2DK is strongly recommended. Students achieving a level 3 in this course can expect to be successful in SPH4UK.
Prerequisite: SNC2DK
SBI4UK Biology, Grade 12, University Preparation
This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes associated with biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, evolution, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on achievement of the detailed knowledge and refined skills needed for further study in the various branches of the life sciences and related fields.
A key indicator of success in 12 Biology is how well the student performed in Grade 11 U Biology and 11 U Chemistry (Level 3 or above). Students should expect an emphasis on biochemistry and molecular biology. Successful students will have a strong sense of self-direction and independence as well as an ability to work effectively in groups.
Prerequisite: SBI3UK
SCH4CK Chemistry, Grade 12, College Preparation
This course introduces students to the concepts that form the basis of modern chemistry. Students will study qualitative analysis, quantitative relationships in chemical reactions, organic chemistry and electrochemistry, and chemistry as it relates to the quality of the environment. Students will employ a variety of laboratory techniques, develop skills of data collection and scientific analysis, and communicate scientific information using appropriate terminology. Emphasis will be placed on the role of chemistry in daily life and in the development of new technologies and products.
Students with an interest in science and considering a career as a science technologist, technician or assistant (e.g. medical, dental, veterinary or research laboratory) will gain relevant skills by taking this course.
Prerequisite: SNC2DK or SNC2PK. This course will be offered alternate years and will next be offered during the 2009/2010 academic school year.
SCH4UK Chemistry, Grade 12, University Preparation
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, energy changes and rates of reactions, chemical equilibrium, atomic and molecular structure, and electrochemistry. Students will further develop problem-solving and laboratory skills as they investigate chemical processes, at the same time refining their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in daily life, and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.
Students achieving a minimum of level 3 in SCH3UK can expect to be successful.
Prerequisite: SCH3UK
SPH4CK Physics, Grade 12, College Preparation
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore these concepts as they relate to mechanical, electrical, fluid (hydraulic and pneumatic), and communications systems, as well as to the operation of commonly used tools and equipment. They will develop scientific-inquiry skills as they verify accepted laws of physics and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Students with an interest in science and considering a career in areas such as a science technologist, technician or assistant (e.g. medical, dental, veterinary or research laboratory) will gain relevant skills by taking this course.
Prerequisite: SNC2DK or SNC2PK
SPH4UK Physics, Grade 12, University Preparation
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of the concepts and theories of physics. Students will explore further the laws of dynamics and energy transformations, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields; electromagnetic radiation; and the interface between energy and matter. They will further develop inquiry skills, learning, for example, how the interpretation of experimental data can provide indirect evidence to support the development of a scientific model. Students will also consider the impact on society and the environment of technological applications of physics.
This course requires students to possess excellent work habits and self-motivation. Students should have achieved a minimum of level 3 in both Grade 11U Physics and 11U Math.
Prerequisite: SPH3UK
IDC4UK Environmental Science, Grade 12, University Preparation
This course provides students with the opportunity to acquire environmentally oriented social values and the motivation to become involved in the protection and improvement of the environment. Students will examine physical and chemical properties of their environment and assess the role of humans in creating and solving environmental problems. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills for further education and/or employment in environmentally related fields by gathering knowledge first-hand and through research. Topics that will be investigated include conventional and alternative energy resources; an intensive aquatic ecosystem study, measures of air, water, soil quality, fish and wildlife management strategies, and outdoor survival skills.
Prerequisite: Students enrolled in this course should have a genuine interest in environmental issues. The course includes at least one field trip (3-day). Students with good work habits and a desire to learn and participate, regardless of their background, should be successful. Students should be able to work effectively in groups.
GWL3OK Designing your future, Gr. 11 Open (Co-op)
If you have aspirations for a career in science, consider making some contacts by enrolling in a science co-op. Students who choose this path should have a strong work ethic, a genuine interest in science and a recommendation from a science teacher at the Grade 11 level.