M’Learnin Student Centre

COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE TITLE Biology
COMMON COURSE CODE SBI4U
GRADE 12
COURSE TYPE Academic
CREDIT VALUE 1.0
PREREQUISITE Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation
 CURRICULUM POLICY The Ontario Curriculum:

Science (Revised 2008)

OTHER DOCUMENT Growing Success (First Edition, 2010)
DEPARTMENT Science
DEVELOPMENT DATE January 2020
REVISION DATE Ongoing
NUMBER OF SCHEDULED 110 HOURS          

COURSE 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 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.

OVERALL CURRICULUM EXPECTATIONS

1.Scientific Investigation Skills and Career Exploration

Throughout this course, students will:

A1.    demonstrate scientific investigation skills (related to both inquiry and research) in the four areas of skills (initiating and planning, performing and recording, analysing and interpreting, and communicating);

A2.    identify and describe careers related to the fields of science under study, and describe contributions of scientists, including Canadians, to those fields.

2.Biochemistry

By the end of this course, students will:

B1.    analyse technological applications of enzymes in some industrial processes, and evaluate technological advances in the field of cellular biology;

B2.     investigate the chemical structures, functions, and chemical properties of biological molecules involved in some common cellular processes and biochemical reactions;

B3.     demonstrate an understanding of the structures and functions of biological molecules, and the biochemical reactions required to maintain normal cellular function.

3.Metabolic Processes

By the end of this course, students will:

C1.    analyse the role of metabolic processes in the functioning of biotic and abiotic systems, and evaluate the importance of an understanding of these processes and related technologies to personal choices made in everyday life;

C2.     investigate the products of metabolic processes such as cellular respiration and photosynthesis;

C3.     demonstrate an understanding of the chemical changes and energy conversions that occur in metabolic processes.

4.Molecular Genetics

By the end of this course, students will:

D1.    analyse some of the social, ethical, and legal issues associated with genetic research and biotechnology;

D2.    investigate, through laboratory activities, the structures of cell components and their roles in processes that occur within the cell;

D3.    demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to molecular genetics, and how genetic modification is applied in industry and agriculture.

5.Homeostasis

By the end of this course, students will:

E1.    evaluate the impact on the human body of selected chemical substances and of environmental factors related to human activity;

E2.     investigate the feedback mechanisms that maintain homeostasis in living organisms;

E3.     demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of human body systems, and explain the mechanisms that enable the body to maintain homeostasis.

6.Population Dynamics

By the end of this course, students will:

F1.    analyse the relationships between population growth, personal consumption, technological development, and our ecological footprint, and assess the effectiveness of some Canadian initiatives intended to assist expanding populations;

F2.     investigate the characteristics of population growth, and use models to calculate the growth of populations within an ecosystem;

F3.     demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to population growth, and explain the factors that affect the growth of various populations of species.

OUTLINE OF COURSE UNITS

 

Unit Descriptions Time and Sequence
Unit# 1

 

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.

16 hours
Unit# 2 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.

25 hours
Unit# 3 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.

28 hours
Unit# 4 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.

25 hours
Unit# 5 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 Earth’s sustainability.

●     Technological developments can contribute to or help offset the ecological footprint associated with population growth and the consumption of natural resources.

16 hours
Final Assessment

3 hours final exam culminating activity, worth 30% of the final grade, meant as a summative evaluation of all strands.

 
TOTAL 110hours

 

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