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Science Department

Courses at Leaside

SNC1D: 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 investigation. 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.
Prerequisite: None Grade 9 Science

SNC1D Course Outline

SNC2D: 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 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: SNC1D Science, Grade 9 Academic or Applied

SBI3U: Biology, Grade 11 University Preparation
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

SCH3U: Chemistry, Grade 11 University Preparation
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

SVN3M: Environmental Science, Grade 11 University/College Preparation
This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge of and skills relating to environmental science that will help them succeed in life after secondary school. Students will explore a range of topics, including the role of science in addressing contemporary environmental challenges; the impact of the environment on human health; sustainable agriculture and forestry; the reduction and management of waste; and the conservation of energy. Students will increase their scientific and environmental literacy and examine the interrelationships between science, the environment, and society in a variety of areas.
Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science, Applied or Academic

SPH3U: Physics, Grade 11 University Preparation
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 analyse 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

SBI4U: Biology, Grade 12, University Preparation
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.
Prerequisite: Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation

SCH4U: Chemistry, Grade 12, University Preparation
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, the structure and properties of matter, energy changes and rates of reaction, equilibrium in chemical systems, and electrochemistry. Students will further develop their problem-solving and investigation skills as they investigate chemical processes, and will refine their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in everyday life and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation

SPH4U: Physics, Grade 12, University Preparation
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 analyse, 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

IDC3O: Introduction to Engineering

This interactive hands-on course will introduce students to various concepts in engineering such as mechanical and electrical engineering. Students will implement fundamental engineering skills while designing their own projects. They will learn to analyze engineering blueprints and understand the construction of architectural structures and consumer products. The application of engineering skills in the course will prepare students for studies in engineering at the college and university levels. This course is geared to students of all ability levels.

Prerequisite: Grade 10 science, applied or academic

IDC4U: Forensics Grade 12 University Preparation

This is a hands-on course exploring all aspects of forensics. Students will analyze criminal behaviour and practice crime-collecting skills during crime scene investigations. Students will analyze physical evidence such as fingerprinting and ballistics. They will also explore biological evidence performing blood spatter analysis, DNA gel electrophoresis, and analyzing results from autopsies to estimate time of death. The course explores forensics anthropology to determine age, sex, race, and other information from skeletal remains. 

Prerequisite: Any Grade 11 course