Sciences

Back to Upper School Course Guide

Course Pathway

General Science

List of 2 items.

Science, Grade 9

SNC1W

This course enables students to develop their understanding of concepts related to biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space science, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop and refine their STEM skills as they use scientific research, scientific experimentation, and engineering design processes to investigate concepts and apply their knowledge in situations that are relevant to their lives and communities. Students will continue to develop transferable skills as they become scientifically literate global citizens.
Prerequisite: None
Science, Grade 10, Academic

SNC2D

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 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 climate and climate change; and the interaction of light and matter.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 9

Biology

List of 3 items.

Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation

SBI3U

This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biodiversity; evolution; genetic processes; the structure and function of animals; and the anatomy, growth, and function of plants. The 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
Biology, Grade 12, University Preparation

SBI4U

This course is an intensive study based on previous exposure to biology and some chemistry. The course will begin with the study of chemistry of matter as it relates to biological entities. This will provide an understanding of the relationships between molecular structure and biological function. This knowledge will be used to study those biological processes, which are essential to all life on Earth – notable those of cellular respiration and photosynthesis. To learn about homeostasis we will concentrate on the nervous and endocrine systems, the main coordination and control systems of the organism. The course will conclude with a study of ecology emphasizing population dynamics. Lab-based investigations will be done to support and enhance the learning of concepts.
Prerequisite: Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation
Biology plus AP Biology Preparation, Grade 12, University Preparation

SBI4U1

This course covers all the requirements of SBI4U and goes further by providing 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, with a focus on understanding the interrelatedness of all Biology. Emphasis will be placed on the achievement of detailed knowledge, the refinement of skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields as well as the development of critical thinking skills and data analysis techniques.
Prerequisite: Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation; Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation is highly recommended

Chemistry

List of 3 items.

Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation

SCH3U

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of the properties of chemicals and chemical bonds; chemical reactions and quantitative relationships in those reactions; solutions and solubility; and atmospheric chemistry and the behaviour of gases. Students will further develop their analytical skills and investigate the qualitative and quantitative properties of matter, as well as the impact of some common chemical reactions on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic; Students planning to enrol in Grade 12 AP Chemistry are strongly encouraged to take Grade 11 Physics
Chemistry, Grade 12, University Preparation

SCH4U

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, energy changes and rates of reaction, chemical systems and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and atomic and molecular structure. 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.
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation
Chemistry plus AP Chemistry Preparation, Grade 12, University Preparation

SCH4U1

This course offers an enhanced level of preparation for entry to and success in pre-medicine and health sciences, the physical sciences and engineering. With a strong empirical foundation, AP Chemistry students will gain a superior conceptual understanding of the fundamental concepts of the discipline: redox and electrochemistry; structure of matter; organic chemistry; thermochemistry and rates of reaction, including entropy and Gibb’s Free Energy; Chemical Equilibrium and its applications to solubility and to weak acid and bases). Whenever possible, connections between the various topics will be made and will be put into historical perspective. There is a strong emphasis on problem-solving, with connections made to the chemistry encountered in daily life.
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation; Grade 11 Physics is strongly recommended.

Physics

List of 3 items.

Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation

SPH3U

This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore kinematics, with an emphasis on linear motion; different kinds of forces; energy transformations; the properties of mechanical waves and sound; and electricity and magnetism. They will enhance their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, they will 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; Students planning to enrol in Grade 12 AP Chemistry are strongly encouraged to take Grade 11 Physics
Physics, Grade 12, University Preparation

SPH4U

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyze, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation
Physics plus AP Physics 1 Preparation, Grade 12, University Preparation

SPH4U1

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyze, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment. The course is an inquiry-based course that focuses on experimentation and also conceptual understanding.
Prerequisite: Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation

Earth and Space Science

List of 1 items.

Earth and Space Science, Grade 12, University Preparation

SES4U

This course develops students’ understanding of Earth and its place in the universe. Students will investigate the properties of and forces in the universe and solar system and analyze techniques scientists use to generate knowledge about them. Students will closely examine the materials of Earth, its internal and surficial processes, and its geological history, and will learn how Earth’s systems interact and how they have changed over time. Throughout the course, students will learn how these forces, processes, and materials affect their daily lives. The course draws on biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics in its consideration of geological and astronomical processes that can be observed directly or inferred from other evidence.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic

Upper School Sciences Faculty

List of 7 members.

Ms. Ksenija Novakovic

Subject Head: Curriculum and Faculty Growth - Science (7-12)
Ms. Rachel Carr

Upper School Faculty
Mr. Glenn Connors

Subject Head: Curriculum and Faculty Growth - English (7-12)
Ms. Olena Kunytsya

Upper School Faculty
Mr. Michael Lorenz

Upper School Faculty
Ms. Mariela Misiri

Upper School Faculty
Mr. Glen Vance

Upper School Faculty