Science Department & Courses 

Science Courses offered at SGDHS

Science, Grade 9, Academic (SNC1D0)
This course enables students to understand basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop skills in the processes of scientific inquiry; and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Students will learn scientific theories and conduct investigations related to cell division and reproduction; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the universe and space exploration; and the principles of electricity. Prerequisite: None


Science, Grade 9, Applied (SNC1P0)
This course enables students to understand basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop practical skills in scientific investigation; and to apply their knowledge of science to everyday situations. Students will design and conduct investigations into practical problems and issues related to cell division and reproduction, the structure and properties of elements and compounds, astronomy and space exploration, and static and current electricity. Prerequisite: None


Science, Grade 9, Locally Developed (SNC1L1)
This course enables students to understand basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop practical skills in scientific investigation; and to apply their knowledge of science to everyday situations. Students will design and conduct investigations into practical problems and issues related to cell division and reproduction, the structure and properties of elements and compounds, astronomy and space exploration, and static and current electricity. This course provides extra help for students who need significant learning support. This course will be of interest mainly to students in the Workplace Preparation Program. Prerequisite: None

Science, Grade 10, Academic (SNC2D0)
This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop further their skills in scientific inquiry; and to understand the interrelationships among science, technology, and the environment. Students will conduct investigations and understand scientific theories related to: ecology and the maintenance of ecosystems; chemical reactions, with particular attention to acid-base reactions; factors that influence weather systems; and motion. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 9, Academic or Applied

Science, Grade 10, Applied (SNC2P0)
This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop further their practical skills in scientific investigation; and to apply their knowledge of science to real-world situations. Students will design and conduct investigations into everyday problems and issues related to ecological sustainability, chemical reactions, weather systems, and motion. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 9, Academic or Applied

Physics SPH3U
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will study the laws of dynamics and explore different kinds of forces, the quantification and forms of energy (mechanical, sound, light, thermal, and electrical), and the way energy is transformed and transmitted. They will develop scientific-inquiry skills as they verify accepted laws and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students will also analyze the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic

Biology SBI3C
This course focuses on the processes involved in biological systems. Students will learn concepts and theories as they conduct investigations in the areas of cellular biology, microbiology, animal anatomy and physiology, plant structure and physiology, and environmental science. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of concepts, and on the skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied

Biology SBI3U
This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes involved in biological systems. Students will study cellular functions, genetic continuity, internal systems and regulation, the diversity of living things, and the anatomy, growth, and functions of plants. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study, and helps students refine skills related to scientific investigation. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic


Chemistry SCH3U
This course focuses on the concepts and theories that form the basis of modern chemistry. Students will study the behaviors of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions; investigate changes and relationships in chemical systems; and explore how chemistry is used in developing new products and processes that affect our lives and our environment. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of chemistry in other branches of science. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic

 
Environmental Science SVN3M - not offered in 2012-2013


Environmental Science SVN3E
This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge of and skills relating to environmental science that will help them succeed in work and life after secondary school. Students will explore a range of topics, including the impact of human activities on the environment; human health and the environment; energy conservation; resource science and management; and safety and environmental responsibility in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on relevant, practical applications and current topics in environmental science, with attention to the refinement of students’ literacy and mathematical literacy skills as well as the development of their scientific and environmental literacy. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 9, Academic or Applied, or a Grade 9 or 10 locally developed compulsory credit (LDCC) course in science.


Physics SPH4C
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore these concepts with respect to motion; mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, energy transformation, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems; and the operation of commonly used tools and machines. They will develop their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied


Physics SPH4U
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of the concepts and theories of physics. Students will explore further the laws of dynamics and energy transformations, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields; electromagnetic radiation; and the interface between energy and matter. They will further develop inquiry skills, learning, for example, how the interpretation of experimental data can provide indirect evidence to support the development of a scientific model. Students will also consider the impact on society and the environment of technological applications of physics. THIS COURSE WILL BE OFFERED IN ALTERNATING YEARS. Prerequisite: Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation

 
Biology SBI4U
This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes associated with biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, evolution, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on achievement of the detailed knowledge and refined skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.Prerequisite: Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation

 
Chemistry SCH4U
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, energy changes and rates of reaction, chemical systems and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and atomic and molecular structure. Students will further develop problem-solving and laboratory skills as they investigate chemical processes, at the same time refining their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in daily life, and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment. Prerequisite: Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation


Chemistry SCH4C
This course introduces students to the concepts that form the basis of modern chemistry. Students will study qualitative analysis, quantitative relationships in chemical reactions, organic chemistry and electrochemistry, and chemistry as it relates to the quality of the environment. Students will employ a variety of laboratory techniques, develop skills in data collection and scientific analysis, and communicate scientific information using appropriate terminology. Emphasis will be placed on the role of chemistry in daily life and in the development of new technologies and products. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied

 
Science SNC4M - not offered in 2012-2013 


Science SNC4E
This course provides students with fundamental science knowledge and workplace skills needed to prepare them for success beyond secondary school. Students will explore hazards in the workplace, chemicals in consumer products, disease and its prevention, electricity at home and at work, and nutritional science. Emphasis is placed on current topics in science and relevant, practical activities that develop students’ literacy and mathematical literacy skills and enhance their scientific literacy. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Applied, or a Grade 10 locally developed compulsory credit (LDCC) course in science