SBI4U COURSE OUTLINE

Course Title: Biology, Grade 12, University Preparation

Grade: 12

Ministry Course Code: SBI4U

Course Type: University Preparation

Credit Value: 1.00

Course Hours: 110

Department: Science

Revision Date: N/A

Policy Document: Science, The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, 2008 (Revised)

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/2009science11_12.pdf

Domestic Student Price: $550
International Student Price: $799

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

Biology - SBI4U 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 EXPECTATIONS

Biochemistry

By the end of this unit, students will:

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

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

3. demonstrate an understanding of the structures and functions of biological molecules, and the biochemical reactions required to maintain normal cellular function, the factors that affect the growth of various populations of speciesLiterature Studies and Reading

Metabolic processes

By the end of this unit, students will:

1. 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;

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

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

Molecular genetics

By the end of this unit, students will:

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

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

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

Homeostasis

By the end of this unit, students will:

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

2. investigate the feedback mechanisms that maintain homeostasis in living organisms

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

Population dynamics

By the end of this unit, students will:

1. 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;

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

3. 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 CONTENT

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES

A variety of teaching and learning strategies are used to allow students many opportunities to attain the necessary skills for success in this course and in future studies. In all activities, consideration will be taken to ensure that individual students’ multiple intelligences and learning strengths are addressed through the use of varied and multiple activities in each lesson.

STRATEGIES FOR ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE

The primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. Assessment and evaluation is based on the Ministry of Education’s Growing Success policy document, which articulates the Ministry’s vision for how assessment and evaluation is practiced in Ontario schools.

Growing Success describes the three assessment types as follows:

Assessment as Learning: focuses on the explicit fostering of students’ capacity over time to be their own best assessors, but teachers need to start by presenting and modelling external, structured opportunities for students to assess themselves.
Assessment for Learning: the process of seeking and interpreting evidence for use by learners and their teachers to decide where the learners are in their learning, where they need to go, and how best to get there.
Assessment of Learning: the assessment that becomes public and results in statements or symbols about how well students are learning.

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

EVALUATION SCHEME

A final grade (percentage mark) is calculated at the end of the course and reflects the quality of the student’s achievement of the overall expectations of the course, in accordance with the provincial curriculum.

The final grade will be determined as follows:

Seventy percent (70%) of the grade will be based on evaluation conducted throughout the course. This portion of the grade should reflect the student’s most consistent level of achievement throughout the course, although special consideration should be given to more recent evidence of achievement.
Thirty percent (30%) of the grade will be based on a final evaluation administered at or towards the end of the course. This evaluation will be based on evidence from one or a combination of the following: an examination, a performance, an essay, and/or another method of evaluation suitable to the course content. The final evaluation allows the student an opportunity to demonstrate comprehensive achievement of the overall expectations for the course.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is a serious offense. It is defined as taking words, phrasing, sentence structure, or any other element of the expression of another person’s ideas, and using them as if they were your own. Plagiarism is a violation of another person’s rights, whether the material taken is great or small.Students will be assisted in developing strategies and techniques to avoid plagiarism. They need to be aware that plagiarized term work will be penalized and could result in a mark of zero.