Sciences
Science 10 (SC 10) 4 credits
Science 10 completes the three-year junior science program. The four core units in this third year are chemistry, biology, physics and earth science. The basic concepts of chemistry are explored in grades eight and nine. In grade 10 they are extended into the area of ionic and covalent compounds and the major types of chemical reactions they undergo. Biology focuses on the sustainability of ecosystems. Physics examines motion. Earth Science includes plate tectonics and energy transfer in natural systems.
There is a required Provincial Exam at the end of this course worth 20% of the final mark.
Science 10 Honours (SC 10) 4 credits
This course emphasizes independent study for able students who are inquisitive and have an interest in science. There is an attempt to teach thinking skills rather than rote memory. The basic course content is an extended version of that offered in the regular science courses with a special emphasis on graphing both curved and straight line relationships and the use of mathematic calculations in science.
The student is encouraged and directed to study areas of personal interest in depth. An independent science project is part of the course.
There is a required Provincial Exam at the end of this course worth 20% of the final mark.
Earth Science 11 (ESC 11) 4 credits
Earth Science is a course designed to investigate the Earth and its structure. This includes the study of the lithosphere, space science and how the Earth fits into the realm of space. The basic units are Geological Science and Space Science.
Earth Science 11 satisfies the university entrance requirements for a grade 11 Science course.
Biology 11 (BI 11) 4 credits
Biology 11 introduces the student to the study of life in all its forms. The course begins with an introduction to the methods and principles of biological science. This includes the scientific method, evolution, classification and taxonomy, and levels of organization. A significant portion of the course involves examination of the four biological fields.
1) Microbiology
2) Botany (Plant biology)
3) Zoology (Animal biology)
4) Evolution
Biology 11 Honours (BI 11) 4 credits
Biology 11 Honours includes all topics covered in regular Biology 11. The honours course examines these topics in greater depth and includes a number of additional ones (e.g. biochemistry). This course is designed to prepare the student for Advanced Placement Biology 12. It is strongly recommended that students enrolling in Biology 11 Honours have an "A" or high "B" standing in Science 10 Honours.
Chemistry 11 (CHEM 11) 4 credits
Chemistry 11 is a lab-oriented course concerned with the identification, characterization, and transformation of matter. The course has a strong mathematical emphasis. Specific units dealt with include: the scientific method, classification and description of matter, atomic theory, including introductory quantum mechanics, the mole concept, including stoichiometric applications, chemistry of solutions, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Students taking Chemistry 11 can expect a variety of laboratory activities.
Chemistry 11 Honours (CH 11) 4 credits
Chemistry 11 Honours is similar to the regular Chemistry 11 course, but proceeds at a faster pace, adding units on Gases and Nuclear Chemistry. Laboratory work is emphasized to a greater extent. This course is recommended for any student considering Advanced Placement Chemistry 12; however, it is open to all grade 11 and 12 students with a keen interest and above average ability in math and science.
Physics 11 (PH 11) 4 credits
Physics is the science that deals with applying mathematics to explain everyday physical phenomena. We use your knowledge of MA 10 and SC 8-10 to predict and explain motion, forces, energy, waves and nuclear physics. Note: Laboratory activities will be required. Mathematical ability is essential; a C+ in MA 10 is recommended. Non-programmable calculators are recommended. Trigonometry and algebra will be used.
Physics 11 Honours (PH 11) 4 credits
Prerequisite: “B” or better in Science 10 or 10H and Math 10 or Math 10H. Trigonometry and algebra will be used.
Physics 11 Honours is a course for those who want a challenging program or who wish to get a head start on the Physics 12 core material. Topics will be the same as those for Physics 11, but with a faster pace and at a greater depth so that some Physics 12 material may be learned. These extra topics will be circular motion, inclines, and 2-D momentum. More elaborate studies of wave theory will also be included. This course concentrates on problem solving and the use of mathematics in analyzing and describing physical situations. This course is contingent on enrollment. A non-programmable calculator is recommended.
Biology 12 (BI 12) 4 credits
Prerequisite: "B" in Biology 11
Biology 12 continues the study of life with a greater emphasis on the human being. Like Biology 11, it begins with a review of the methods and principles of biological science. Biochemistry and Physiology are heavily emphasized in Biology 12. The majority of the course is composed of three major units.
1) Cell Biology
2) Biochemistry
3) Human Biology
There is also a minor unit on Scientific Method and Experimental Design.
Due to the detail of the study of the biochemistry of the cell, Chemistry 11 is recommended as a prerequisite to this course. It is strongly recommended that students have a high "B" or better in Biology 11 before attempting Biology 12.
There is an optional Provincial Exam at the end of this course worth 40% of the final mark.
AP Biology 12 (ABIO 12) 8 credits
Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college or university biology course. It is a survey of most of the major topics in biology including biochemistry, physiology, cytology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Although students are expected to be familiar with the anatomy of those organisms that are studied, the course concentrates on the description and analysis of biological processes and on problem solving. It is strongly recommended that students have a high "B" or "A" in Biology 11 Honours before attempting Biology 12AP.
There is an optional Provincial Exam at the end of this course worth 40% of the final mark.
Chemistry 12 (CH 12) 4 credits
Prerequisite: "B" in Chemistry 11
Chemistry 12 is intended for Grade 12 students who have shown an aptitude for the subject and plan to take Chemistry and related courses at the post-secondary level. Problem solving and lab work is much more prevalent than in Chemistry 11 and a good understanding of mathematics is essential. The course contains extensive laboratory investigation of five topic areas including reaction kinetics, solubility principles, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, and oxidation-reduction reactions. Due to a large number of mathematical calculations in the course, students should have a reasonably good standing in Math 11 before attempting Chemistry 12.
There is an optional Provincial Exam at the end of this course worth 40% of the final mark.
AP Chemistry 12 (ACHE 12) 8 credits
(Chemistry 12 AP = AP Tutorial + CHEM 12 AP)
Advanced Placement Chemistry is a first year college course in general chemistry offered at the high school level. The course differs qualitatively from the usual grade twelve chemistry course with respect to the kind of textbook used, the degree of detail with which topics are covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and the kind of laboratory work done by the students. Quantitative differences appear in the number of topics treated, the time spent on the course by students, and the nature and the variety of experiments done in the laboratory. Students taking Advanced Placement Chemistry will certainly be well prepared for the B.C. Provincial and Scholarship Exams. The five major topics from regular chemistry twelve (Kinetics, Equilibrium, Solubility, Acid/ Base and Electrochemistry) are all developed in considerable detail along with an additional unit in Thermodynamics.
Many Chemistry 11 topics are also reconsidered and expanded upon as they apply to these new areas. It is strongly recommended that students have a high "B" or "A" in Chemistry 11 Honours before attempting Chemistry 12AP.
There is an optional Provincial Exam at the end of this course worth 40% of the final mark.
Physics 12 (PH 12) 4 credits
Prerequisite: "B" in PH 11
Physics 12 extends the basic concepts of Physics 11 to motion in two dimensions, forces, energy, circular motion, torque, electrostatics, electric circuits and electromagnetism. Students with satisfactory standing (C+ or better) in Physics 11 will find this course challenging. This course concentrates on problem solving and the use of mathematics in analyzing and describing physical situations. Laboratory work will be ongoing. This course will be similar to first year post-secondary physics. A non-programmable calculator may be required for the provincial exam.
****Note: Mathematical ability should be C+ in Mathematics 11 or 12, as trigonometry and algebra will be required.
There is an optional Provincial Exam at the end of this course worth 40% of the final mark.
AP Physics 12 (APHY 12) 8 credits
Prerequisites:
1) Physics 11 (B or better) Honours is recommended.
2) Mathematics 11 (B or better)
This course is equivalent to a first year physics course at UBC or SFU. This course covers a wide range of topics, encapsulating the British Columbia Physics 11 and 12 curriculum as well as extensions to match the curricula of most American schools. Such topics are: Kinematics, Forces, Energy, Circular Motion, Electrostatics, Circuits, Electromagnetism, Waves, Fluids, Atomic, Nuclear, and Thermodynamics. Since we have less time to cover 33% more material than in a regular Physics 12 course, there is a considerable pace that the student must accept, as well as student directed learning. In light of this, students must be committed to a challenging experience. At this time, we offer the more comprehensive Physics AP - B level course of study. A non-programmable calculator is recommended.
There is an optional Provincial Exam at the end of this course worth 40% of the final mark.
Geology 12 (GEOL 12) 4 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of “Chemistry, Biology or Earth Science 11
This course is intended for Grade 12 students seeking a provincially examinable Science credit.
This course will focus primarily on the study of the Earth’s crust, with emphasis on local geology. Specific topics include: composition of the Earth (minerals, rocks), economic importance (mining, oil drilling), geological history (time scale, dating techniques and fossils), earth building processes (plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes), earth wasting processes (streams and glaciers) and comparative planetology. It is recommended that students have strong reading and writing skills and a willingness to work outdoors.
There is an optional Provincial Exam at the end of this course worth 40% of the final mark.
Y Lab Tech Assistant 11 (YLTA 11) 4 credits
Prerequisite: Teacher Permission
This course is intended for senior students with a strong science background and a desire to continue on to post secondary instruction in the science area. This is a laboratory course in which students expand upon some of the basic laboratory work performed within regular science courses. Students are involved in the preparation and organization of lab materials, including solutions, chemical supplies and equipment. In addition they will be trained in the working procedures of lab preparation. Students will work independently under the supervision of a science teacher.
Y Horticulture 11 (YAAPS 1A) 4 credits
Horticulture 11 provides hands on learning experience for students interested in developing job-related skills in the agricultural and horticultural sector. Students will gain knowledge and skills in greenhouse operation, landscaping, garden development and garden maintenance. Students will also learn theory relating to many aspects of horticulture, such as: soil composition and fertility, importance of plants to humans, plant hardiness, botany (plant development, parts and classifications) and plant propagation.
Practical and project work are major components of this course. Students will participate daily in development and nurturing of nursery stock in preparation for a plant marketing activity. This activity provides an opportunity for students to develop skill in working with the public while sharing their recently acquired knowledge with community members.
Note: This course does not meet the grade 11 Science requirement.