Prerequisite:Gr. 11 University Biology, SBI3U

Description / Rationale

This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study scientific theories 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.

Students will collect, interpret and report the results of investigations and relate the investigations to the theories and information studied in class. Students must be able to work independently and as part of a team. This course requires consistent hard work to ensure success. This course follows “The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, Science – 2008”.

Units/Strands

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Topics

1. Population Dynamics / Factors that affect the population of species, their interrelationships within ecosystems and sustainability
2. Biochemistry / Structure, function and properties of biological molecules involved in cellular processes and biochemical reactions
3. Homeostasis / Physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved in maintaining homeostasis
4. Metabolic Processes / Structure and Function of macromolecules, enzymes, photosynthesis and cellular respiration
5. Molecular Genetics / DNA, RNA, genes, and their role in metabolism and cell growth and division
Final Summative Evaluation / The final evaluation is worth 30% and is composed of a written exam and a practical laboratory component.

Evaluation

Report Card
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Term Work
/ December Exam / Summative / Total
November / 100% / 100%
February / 70% / 30% / 100%
April (Interim) / 80% / 20% / 100%
June / 60% / 10% / 30% / 100%

The four categories of Knowledge and Understanding, Thinking and Investigation, Communication, and Application encompass the curriculum expectations of all high school courses. Teaching, assessment, evaluation, feedback and the final grade will be based on these four categories with a minimum weighting of 20% per category.

Resource Materials:Biology 12, Blake et. al. 2002, McGraw-Hill Ryerson

rosedalegrade12biology.wikispaces.com

I will be teaching your Grade 12 University Biology course (SBI4U). In this class:

-You can expect to spend 30-45 minutes on homework each day.

-You should use the wiki at rosedalegrade12biology.wikispaces.com to get any missed lectures and assignments.

-Each unit has a quiz half way. Chapter tests will be given at the end of each unit.

-In addition to standard tests, quizzes, and exams; students must show proficiency in the following learning skills.

  1. Works Independently
  2. Teamwork
  3. Organization
  4. Work Habits/Homework
  5. Initiative

I expect you to:

-Attend class regularly, and be on time.

-Ask for help whenever you need it.

-Inform me of any planned absence. Students are responsible for all material covered in class during their absence. Therefore, arrangements must be made to make up all missed work.

-Failing to communicate with the teacher the reason for an absence will result in a mark of zero for any quiz, test or lab missed during the absence. A written note from a parent, a guardian or a doctor is required for any assessment misseddue to illness. Planned absences like appointments MUST be communicated in advance or a mark of zero will be given!!!

-Complete your homework and have it in class, the next day, ready to be corrected.

-Learn and follow appropriate lab protocol and safety procedures.

-Be attentive, participate in class and behave courteously.

-Make the best possible use of class time.

-Come to class with a textbook, notebook (3-ring loose-leaf binder), paper, pen/pencil, eraser and a scientific calculator.

Extra help is available after school Mon –Thurs 3:20- 4 in Rm. 205 or in the Science Office in Room 213. I can also help at lunch times if arranged.

If you have any concerns and wish to contact me, phone the Science Office (416)393-1580. If I am unavailable, leave your name, phone number and a convenient time to call.

Yours sincerely,

Ellen Murray

Science Dept.

ROSEDALE HEIGHTS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

SENIOR SCIENCE EVALUATION POLICY

To ensure consistency for all students taking senior science courses, the following evaluation policy will be adopted.

  1. An assignment mark will be given zero after the teacher has returned the same marked assignment to any class.
  1. A student may be allowed to write a test in advance of the class if he or she has a legitimate reason, accompanied by a note, for being absent on the scheduled test day. Appropriate arrangements must be made in advance with the teacher.
  1. Any student who misses a major assessment (test, etc.) for legitimate reasons will be allowed one makeup opportunity per term.
  1. All work done in the course is important. No major evaluation (test, projects, etc.) will be dropped when calculating term and final marks.
  1. There will be a minimum of 3 tests/quizzes per term.
  1. Students are expected to maintain accurate records of all their marks. Should a dispute arise, students will be asked to show all their old assessments to help the teacher resolve any issues.

This policy is to ensure fair and consistent evaluation for all students. Individual extenuating circumstances (ie. death, illness, etc.) will be dealt with confidentially between the student involved and their teacher.