Norwell District Secondary School
SBI4U
Grade
12 University Biology
Prerequisite
SBI3U
(Biology – Grade 11, University)
Curriculum Expectations
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.
Course Strands
Biochemistry
- Technological applications that affect biological
processes and cellular functions are used in the food, pharmaceutical, and
medical industries.
- Biological molecules and their chemical properties
affect cellular processes and biochemical reactions.
- Biochemical compounds play important structural and
functional roles in cells of all living organisms.
Metabolic
Processes
- All
metabolic processes involve chemical changes and energy conversions.
- An
understanding of metabolic processes enables people to make informed choices
with respect to a range of personal, societal, and environmental issues.
Molecular
Genetics
- DNA
contains all the genetic information for any living organism.
- Proteins
control a wide variety of cellular processes.
- Genetic
research and biotechnology have social, legal, and ethical implications.
Homeostasis
- Organisms
have strict limits on the internal conditions that they can tolerate.
- Systems
that maintain homeostasis rely on feedback mechanisms.
- Environmental
factors can affect homeostasis.
Population Dynamics
- Population
growth follows predictable patterns.
- The
increased consumption of resources and production of waste associated with
population
growth result in specific stresses that affect Earthís sustainability.
- Technological
developments can contribute to or help offset the ecological footprint
associated with
population growth and the consumption of natural resources.
Evaluation
Final Mark = 70% term work + 30%
Summative Exam
Weighting of
Achievement Categories
Knowledge and Understanding 30%
- knowledge of content (e.g., facts,
terminology, definitions, safe use of equipment and materials)
- understanding of content (e.g.,
concepts, ideas, theories, principles, procedures, processes)
Thinking, Inquiry, Problem Solving 30%
- use of initiating and planning skills
and strategies (e.g., formulating questions, identifying the problem,
developing hypotheses, selecting strategies and resources, developing plans)
- use of processing skills and strategies
(e.g., performing and recording, gathering evidence and data, observing,
manipulating materials and using equipment safely, solving equations, proving)
- use of critical/creative thinking
processes, skills, and strategies (e.g., analysing, interpreting, problem
solving, evaluating, forming and justifying conclusions on the basis of
evidence)
Communication
20%
- expression and organization of ideas and
information (e.g., clear expression, logical organization) in oral, visual,
and/or written forms (e.g., diagrams, models)
- communication for different audiences
(e.g., peers, adults) and purposes (e.g., to inform, to persuade) in oral,
visual, and/or written forms
- use of conventions, vocabulary, and
terminology of the discipline in oral, visual, and written forms (e.g.,
symbols, formulae, scientific notation, SI units)
Applications 20%
- application of knowledge and skills
(e.g., concepts and processes, safe use of equipment, scientific investigation
skills) in familiar contexts
- transfer of knowledge and skills (e.g.,
concepts and processes, safe use of equipment, scientific investigation skills)
to unfamiliar contexts
- making connections between science,
technology, society, and the environment (e.g., assessing the impact of science
on technology, people and other living things, and the environment)
- proposing courses of practical action to
deal with problems relating to science, technology, society, and the environment
Lab Safety
Students are expected to observe all
safety procedures in the laboratory.
Students that jeopardise the safety of themselves or others may be
restricted in their laboratory participation.