Biology
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GRADE 8 – 9 COURSES SC: SCIENCE 8
Prerequisite: Grade 7
Within the framework of the Communication, Thinking and Personal Social Core Competencies, Science 8 includes hands-on lab activities, inquiry projects, collaborative assignments and class work. This course also promotes positive attitudes toward science and an understanding of the importance of science in today’s complex world. The Big Ideas include the understanding that: Life processes are performed at the cellular level, the behaviour of matter can be explained by the kinetic molecular theory and Atomic Theory, the Theory of Plate Tectonics is the unifying theory that explains Earth’s geological processes and energy can be transferred as both a particle and a wave.
SC: SCIENCE 8/9 INCENTIVE
Required: Accepted into the Incentive Program.
This course is the first of a two-year accelerated Science curriculum where motivated and capable Incentive students cover three years of Science (8-10) in two years rather than the usual three. In this first course, Incentive Grade 8 students will cover the basic Science 8 curriculum and approximately half of the Science 9 curriculum The scientific method of inquiry will be a central theme through all of the major units covered, including Life Processes, The Kinetic Molecular Theory, Plate Tectonics, Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum and Electricity. Learning will focus on the development of scientific skills and processes, critical thought and increased scientific knowledge. Class activities will include discussion and debate, as well as enrichment opportunities such as independent student research, culminating in a mandatory Science Fair project. Incentive students who successfully and satisfactorily complete this course may subsequently register for Science 9/10 Incentive.
SC: LIFE SCIENCES 11
Prerequisite: Science 10
This is an introductory course intended to explore basic biological principles and study the varying complexities of living organisms. Students will study a range of organisms to understand the unique adaptations and abilities they have evolved. In addition, there will be an emphasis on using the scientific process and critical thinking skills for labs and class work. Laboratory work, including a variety of animal and plant dissections, will be an integral part of this course.
Topics include: Methods and principles of Biology
Cell Biology: Cellular Structure and Processes
Genetics, Evolution, and Taxonomy: The Diversity of Life
Microbiology: Viruses, Bacteria, Protists
Mycology: Fungus and their variants
Botany: From Seaweed to Swordferns, From Spruce to Sunflowers
Zoology: From Sponges to Seastars, From Fish to Foxes
Ecology: The Interconnectedness of Life
SC: LIFE SCIENCES 11 ENRICHED
Prerequisite: Science 10 Recommended: B or better in Science 10 
This is an accelerated and enriched course intended to explore basic biological principles and study the varying complexities of living organisms.  The course will cover all the content from Life Science 11 with additional material intended to help students prepare for Anatomy & Physiology 12 and AP Biology 12.  There will be an emphasis on using the scientific process and critical thinking skills for labs and class work.  Laboratory work, including animal and plant dissection, will be an integral part of this course.  
Topics include:   All content listed under Life Science 11
Phylogeny and classification
Ecology and population genetics
Genetics and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Photosynthesis
Animal Behaviours and interactions
SC: ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY 12
Prerequisite: B or better in Life Sciences 11 or Life Sciences 11 Enriched, B or better in Anatomy & Physiology 12 or Anatomy & Physiology 12 Enriched OR taking Anatomy & Physiology 12 or Enriched concurrently.  
Recommended: B or better in Chemistry 11  
AP Biology 12 is designed to be the equivalent of first year university level biology and is therefore more challenging than Biology 12. The content of AP Biology can be successfully completed only if students have completed Life Science 11 and Anatomy & Physiology 12 previously, or if they are taking Anatomy & Physiology 12 concurrently with AP Biology 12. Life Science 11 Enriched and Anatomy & Physiology 12 Enriched are strongly recommended to build a better foundation for AP Biology 12. An important component of the AP Biology course is extended laboratory work. There are mandatory laboratory experiments that must be completed by all students, as these labs are examinable on the AP Biology exam. Success in the AP Exam also provides students with post-secondary credit for the equivalent courses. To qualify for first year university chemistry credit, students must obtain school credit and a minimum score of 4 (four) on the Advanced Placement College Board Biology Examination written in early May. All institutions may not give this credit though local universities such as UBC and SFU do.
Topics include:
• Ecology, phylogeny, and evolution
• Gene expression and control
• DNA and genomics
• Cellular respiration and photosynthesis
• Statistical analysis
• Additional content related to human body systems
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