Biology
Grade 11 University BiologyDescription: This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biodiversity; evolution; genetic processes; the structure and function of animals; and the anatomy, growth, and function 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
Structures
This Unit will explore the vastness of life on Earth. You will see how gas exchange, transport systems, and reproductive strategies, among others, require specialized tissues and cell structures to enable them to proceed efficiently. You will then examine various physiological and morphological similarities and differences of the six Kingdoms of Life in order to classify organisms based on their attributes.
Interactions and Change
The Interactions and Change Unit will explore the interactions between the organisms of the various kingdoms, with emphasis on animal and plant systems, as well as the diseases and disorders that impact these systems.
You will also investigate the process that results in genetic variation and how this variation, along with other factors, drives the evolution of organisms. Here, interactions occur on a cellular level, and between individuals and their environments. Finally, you will learn how traits are passed on from generation to generation through natural and artificial means.
Throughout the unit, you will explore how interactions with the most influential species, humans, affect the populations and evolution of organisms which share our planet. Biotechnologies that allow genetic manipulation and selective breeding will be discussed: you will be asked to form an opinion about the use of these technologies.
Sustainability & Stewardship
This Unit of our course will focus on sustainability and stewardship on both a small and large scale. On a small-scale, you will explore how humans are individually influenced by the modern world and its technological advances. These influences can be positive and negative, with some being the potential cause of diseases, while others serve to diagnose and treat disorders.
You will then investigate how human interactions affect an ecosystem on a larger scale through climate change and other factors. Different views about how these changes help or hurt an ecosystem will be explored, and you will look at an issue from a different perspective than your own.
The unit will conclude with an opportunity to develop and support a stance on an issue. You will also defend your stance in a debate with your classmates. The skills you practice in this unit will transfer nicely to the course culminating task and help you understand the viewpoints and opinions of others.
Culmination
This is the final unit of our course and will focus on the culminating tasks. You will begin by creating a proposal in response to a guiding question that challenges you to look for an approach or solution to a current issue facing our country. The question will address sustainability and stewardship concerns that impact all Canadians.
A Final Check-In will wrap up the course. Your teacher will share this with you. It will connect all the concepts that have been presented to you in SBI3U.