SCIENCE COURSES

Science 9

Course Code: MSC–09
Science 9 is composed of four units: Chemistry, Electricity, Cellular Reproduction, and Ecology. Students will make observations, collect data, and analyze concepts while learning about the natural world. They will also participate in hands-on learning assignments to develop lab skills and learn about safety. Students will be assessed on their understanding of content and demonstration of skills using tests, labs and projects.

Science 9 STEAM Enriched

Course Code: MSC—09ST
This enriched science course provides students with the opportunity to go deeper into the Science 9 curriculum through inquiry and project-based approaches. We encourage students with a keen interest in science (Chemistry, Energy, Ecology & Biology) and solid work habits to apply. Students should be good independent learners, participators, and collaborators for this course. The Science 9 STEAM course is specifically designed for students with an aptitude for science, but who have also demonstrated enthusiasm and responsibility in a science classroom. Students will be assessed on their understanding of content and demonstration of skills using tests, labs and projects. We will also participate in multiple STEAM challenges and field experiences as part of the STEAM program.

Science 10

Course Code: MSC–10
Science 10 is composed of four units: Chemistry, Energy (Physics), Genetics (Biology), and Astronomy.  Students will be encouraged to think critically, solve problems, make ethical decisions, and increase their scientific literacy. They will also participate in hands-on learning assignments to develop lab skills and learn about safety.

Science 10 Honours

Course Code: MSC–10H
Science 10H provides students with the opportunity to go deeper into the Science 10 curriculum. The course is intended for academically strong students with a keen interest in science. Enrolment is limited, and students will be selected for the program based on their success in Science 9. The course will be offered in semester one of the grade 10 year to allow students to select grade 11 science courses in the second semester. Interested students may apply with support from their Science 9 teacher and a counselor.

Science 10 STEAM Enriched

Course Code: MSC–10ST

This enriched science course provides students with the opportunity to go deeper into the Science 10 curriculum through inquiry and project-based approaches. We cover Kinetic and Potential Energy, Chemistry, Genetics & Astronomy. We participate in science challenges & field experiences throughout the year including the National Crystal Growing competition in the Fall and a trip to the SFU Chemistry Labs. The content is woven together with Math, ADST and CLE courses within our STEAM 10 program. Enrolment is limited, but students from the regular Science 9 program are welcome to apply by registering during course selection. Students will be selected for the program based on their success in their Grade 9 courses. We encourage students with a keen interest in science and solid work habits to apply. Students will be assessed on their understanding of content and demonstration of skills using tests, labs and projects.

Biology 11 (Life Sciences)

Course Code: MLFSC11

This course introduces students to the diverse adaptations and ecological relationships in a variety of organisms. The course covers the following topics: microbiology, botany, zoology, and ecology with themes of evolutionary change throughout the course. Students are introduced to a variety of biological skills and scientific processes. Laboratory work, including microscopy, investigation, and classification of organisms as well as dissection is emphasized in this course.

Chemistry 11

Course Code: MCH–11

Chemistry 11 is a senior science course in which students are introduced to how chemical quantities impact chemical processes. This course is composed of five modules or units: The Periodic Table and Trends, The Mole, Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry, Solution Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. This course includes an inquiry lab-based program that relies on students’ physical skills in chemistry and requires students to predict results, plan and conduct experiments so they can analyze data to formulate conclusions. A strong background in Mathematics is required for success in this course.

Earth Science 11

Course Code: MESC-11

This is a survey course designed to introduce students to the diverse aspects of earth and space science. The main organizing units are Geologic Science, Oceanographic Science, Astronomical Science, Atmospheric Science, and Earth History. The course has a significant hands-on component aimed at developing both knowledge and the various skills of science.

Physics 11

Course Code: MPH–11
In Physics 11, students develop and use mathematics tools (including some introductory two-dimensional trigonometry) and experimentation to study the nature of motion (kinematics and dynamics) and the factors affecting motion. These are extended to the study of gravity, Newton’s Laws, and the conservation of energy. The course also gives an overview of the nature of electric circuits and mechanical (sound) waves. It is recommended that students are proficient in mathematics when choosing Physics 11.

Science CO-OP 11

Course Codes:

Physics 11 — MPH–11P
Chemistry 11 — MCH–11P
Independent Studies — MIDS-2BSC
Work Experience — MWEX-2ASC

This program is open to students who have successfully completed Science 10. To apply, students need to have demonstrated proficiency in their grade 10 coursework including Math and English. Students should be good independent learners, participators, collaborators and demonstrate strong work habits for this program.

This program is for students who are planning to pursue Science/STEAM related programs in post-secondary and wish to explore Science/STEAM-related careers while participating in enrichment activities. In addition to covering the Physics 11 & Chemistry 11 courses, there will be multiple opportunities for hands-on experiences through field trips and work experience. Students will work with their Co-op teacher to apply for placements starting in Semester 1. They will start the program in Semester 2. Most placements will take place in March/April following Spring Break and an effort is made to arrange for all students to complete their 90 hours of voluntary work experience at a similar time. Students will complete their course work and a Capstone Project following their work experience placement.

Semester 2 – Grade 11 

Physics 11 – 4 credits
Chemistry 11 – 4 credits
Independent Studies 11 – 4 credits
Work Experience 12 – 4 credits

Note: Co-op is blocked into the timetable for blocks B-E.  This leaves block A available for an elective if needed.  In Grade 12, students will be able to use what they learned in Co-op (ex. resume, cover letter, interview skills) for their CLC 12 course.

Science for Citizens 11

Course Code: MSCCT11
Allows students to explore how science informs our decisions and impacts our daily lives. We will look at connections between science, technology and society while developing skills for analyzing these interactions. This is a multi-disciplinary course that covers topics in three major areas: personal science, workplace science and global science. Emphasis will be placed on interaction and participation in class activities as well as engagement in discussion and group work. The goals of Science for Citizens 11 are to develop and appreciate the interactive nature of science, develop an ability to respond critically to technological and environmental issues, and become scientifically literate citizens. **This course satisfies the required Gr. 11/12 science credit needed for graduation

Sports Science 11

Course Code: YLRA-1C
This course is designed to expose students to aspects of Biology, Biochemistry and Physics as concerned with sports and the human body. The topics that will be explored will prepare students for post-secondary work in the faculties of Kinesiology (SFU) and Human Kinetics (UBC). Those topics include human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics and other principles of physics, analysis of team and individual sports, principles of training, nutrition, and sports injury management. This course does not provide a Science 11 credit but does count as an elective toward graduation.

Astronomy 12

Course Code: MSPSC12

Astronomy is the scientific study of stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other “celestial objects”. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to modern astronomy including its historical development, practical sky observations, telescopes, and detailed information on the planets and moons in our solar system. In addition, we will study the formation of exotic objects such as quasars, pulsars, black holes, and neutron stars within the context of the life cycle of stars and the origin and evolution of our universe. This course can be taken in either grade 11 or 12 and provides a Science 11/12 credit toward graduation.

Biology 12 (Anatomy and Physiology)

Course Code: MATPH12

This rigorous academic course encompasses two major topics of study: cellular biochemistry and human physiology. Cellular biochemistry focuses on cell organelles’ structure and function, biological molecules, DNA and protein synthesis. The human physiology portion emphasizes the interrelatedness between the major body systems: digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive. It is strongly recommended that students have success in both Chemistry 11 and Biology 11 (a C+ or better grade) before attempting this course.

Chemistry 12

Course Code: MCH–12

Chemistry 12 is a lab-oriented course that will introduce students to Equilibrium in chemical processes. It is composed of five modules: Reaction Kinetics, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases as well as Oxidation/Reduction Reactions. This course includes an inquiry lab-based program that relies on a high level of physical skills in chemistry and requires the students to predict results, plan and conduct experiments so they can analyze data to formulate conclusions. It is strongly recommended that students finish Chemistry 11 successfully before selecting Chemistry 12.

Environmental Science 12

Course Code: MEVSC12

This course provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills relating to environmental science. Students will explore a range of topics, including diverse ecosystems, natural processes, human impacts, and sustainability, as well as stewardship and habitat restoration. Students will have opportunities for fieldwork in our own greenhouse and gardens as well as at the Blakeburn Lagoons. Students will also engage with First Peoples’s perspectives and other Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Students should have strong work habits, a keen interest in environmental stewardship, and be comfortable working outdoors (rain or shine). This course can be taken in either grade 11 or 12 and provides a Science 11/12 credit toward graduation.

Geology 12

Course Code: MGEOL12

This course covers the fundamentals of geology: rocks, minerals, geologic time, fossils, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, surface processes, comparative planetology, structural geology, geologic map interpretation, and earth resources. This course will offer both theoretical and practical lessons in geology along with an emphasis on the geologic setting and history of British Columbia. Students interested in paleontology (fossils, dinosaurs, etc.) and/or the mining/resource industry will find this course particularly valuable. This course can be taken in either grade 11 or 12 and provides a Science 11/12 credit toward graduation.

Physics 12

Course Code: MPH–12
Physics 12 asks students to be much more rigorous in their analysis and mathematics of concepts. These ideas include statics, circular motion, the relationship between fields (gravitational and electromagnetic), and in-depth two-dimensional trigonometric analysis of motion, momentum, and inertia problems. There is also a discussion of Einsteinian frames of reference and relativity. It is strongly recommended that students finish Physics 11 successfully before selecting Physics 12.