Science

Studying science will open doors to many fascinating career opportunities. The Ontario Science Curriculum provides information regarding the topics covered in Science. For more information about our Science courses, call Mr. D. Floyd, Curriculum Chair at 905-427-6667 x 40522.

Courses

We offer the following science course.

Biology 

Biology is offered in Grade 11 and Grade 12 and provides a fascinating look at life sciences. Students taking Biology gain skills and knowledge in this vital branch of the sciences.

The Grade 11 Biology course focuses on anatomy and physiology, learning the structure and function of the digestive, circulatory and respiratory system. The finale of the year's study is the intensive fetal pig dissection - using real surgical instruments and techniques. Students also get the opportunity to go to the University of Guelph to study the anatomy and physiology of human cadavers.

The Grade 12 course focus is on preparing students for advanced biology study at university and is designed for students pursuing studies in medicine, pharmacy, kinesiology and related health science fields, and pure biology, biochemistry and biophysics study. This challenging course has proven to be excellent preparation for our students that are bound for science study at university and deals with concepts including Metabolism, Molecular Genetics, Homeostasis and Evolution.

 
Chemistry 

Chemistry is available in Grades 11 and 12. This course enables students to deepen their understanding through the study of:

  • organic chemistry;
  • the structure and properties of matter;
  • energy changes and rates of reaction;
  • equilibrium in chemical systems;
  • the properties of chemicals and chemical bonds;
  • chemical reactions and quantitative relationships in those reactions;
  • solutions and solubility;
  • atmospheric chemistry the behaviour of gases; and
  • Electrochemistry.

Students further develop their problem-solving and investigation skills as they study chemical processes, and refine their ability to communicate scientific information. Students 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. Emphasis is placed on the importance of chemistry in everyday life and evaluating the impact of chemical technology on our environment.  

 
General Science 

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. Students will start to develop their scientific investigation skills. Students obtain 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.

 
Physics 

This course offers students a deeper understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, and investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyze, qualitatively and quantitatively, data relating to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.