Science Courses

GRADE 9

Science SNC1D
Grade 9, Academic

This course enables students to understand essential concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop skills in the processes of scientific inquiry; and to relate science knowledge to technological, social, and environmental knowledge. Students will learn about scientific theories and pursue inquiries related to cell division and reproduction, atomic and molecular structures, properties of elements and compounds, the universe and space exploration, and the principles of static and current electricity.
Course costs: $3
Prerequisite: None

Science SNC1P
Grade 9, Applied

This course enables students to understand essential 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.
Course costs: $3
Prerequisite: None

Science SNC1LM
Grade 9, Essential

This course prepares students for Grade 10 Essential Science (SNC2LM) and/or Grade 11 Workplace Science (SNC3E). This course reinforces and strengthens science-related knowledge and skills, including scientific inquiry, critical thinking and the relationship between science, society and the environment. Students explore a range of topics including Science in Daily Life, Properties of Common Materials, Staying Alive: Life Sustaining Processes, and Electrical Circuits.
Prerequisite: Principal approval required

GRADE 10

Science SNC2D
Grade 10, Academic

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.
Course costs: $8
Prerequisite: SNC1D/P

Science SNC2P
Grade 10, Applied

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.
Course costs: $8
Prerequisite: SNC1D/P

Science SNC2LM
Grade 10, Essential

This Grade 10 course reinforces and strengthens science-related knowledge and skills, including scientific inquiry, critical thinking and the environmental impact of science and technology. To prepare students for success in everyday life, the workplace and in the Science Grade 11 Workplace Preparation Course (SNC3E), students explore a range of topics including Science in the Media, Interactions of Common Materials, Living Together: Interdependence of Organisms, and Using Electrical Energy.
Prerequisite: Principal approval required

GRADE 11

Biology SBI3U
Grade 11, University Preparation

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.
Course costs: $5
Prerequisite: SNC2D

Chemistry SCH3U
Grade 11, University Preparation

This course focuses on the concepts and theories that form the basis of modern chemistry. Students will study the behaviours 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.
Course costs: $5
Prerequisite: SNC2D

Physics SPH3U
Grade 11, University Preparation

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 analyse the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: SNC2D

Biology SBI3C
Grade 11, College Preparation

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.
Course costs: $5
Prerequisite: SNC2D/P

Science SNC3E
Grade 11, Workplace Preparation

This course provides students with the science-related knowledge and skills they need to help them make informed decisions in the workplace and in their personal lives. Students will explore a range of topics, including materials and safety; electrical circuits; micro-organisms; the human immune system and defences against disease; and the impact of humans on the environment. Emphasis is placed on relating these topics directly to students' experiences both in the world of work and in daily life.
Course Costs: $5
Prerequisite: SNC1D/P

GRADE 12

Biology SBI4U
Grade 12, University Preparation

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 the various branches of life sciences and related fields.
Highly recommended SCH3U.
Course costs: $5
Prerequisite: SBI3U

Chemistry SCH4U
Grade 12, University Preparation

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, energy changes and rates of reaction, chemical equilibrium, atomic and molecular structure, and electrochemistry. 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.
Course costs: $5
Prerequisite: SCH3U

Chemistry SCH4C
Grade 12, College Preparation

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 of 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.
Course costs: $5
Prerequisite: SNC2D/P

Physics SPH4U
Grade 12, University Preparation

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.
Course costs: $5
Prerequisite: SPH3U

Physics SPH4C
Grade 12, College Preparation

This course develops students' understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore these concepts as they relate to mechanical, electrical, fluid (hydraulic and pneumatic), and communications systems, as well as to the operation of commonly used tools and equipment. They will develop scientific-inquiry skills as they verify accepted 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.
Course costs: $5
Prerequisite: SNC2D/P

Earth and Space Science SES4U2
Grade 12, University Preparation

This course focuses on the Earth as a planet, and on the basic concepts and theories of Earth science and their relevance to everyday life. Students will examine the Earth's place in the solar system and, after a general introduction to Earth science, will explore in more detail the materials of the Earth, its internal and surficial processes, and its history. The course draws on astronomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics in its consideration of geological processes that can be observed directly or inferred from other evidence.
Prerequisite: SNC2D