T.A. BlakelockHigh School
Biology, Grade 12, University Preparation (SBI4U) - Course Outline
Mr. G. Shanks / / S117
Available Periods 1 and 3 and after school by appointmentONLY

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.

What will you be expected to learn? (Key Learnings)

In this course, you will be expected to provide evidence that you can:

Biochemistry

·Identify functional groups and biological molecules

Enzymes

·Identify enzyme structure, function and reaction types

·Describe technological applications of enzymes.

Respiration and Photosynthesis

·Describe the processes of, and interpret the environmental effects on, respiration and photosynthesis

Identify alternate mechanisms of carbon fixation (C3, C4 and CAM plants)

Relate the details of transcription and translation to RNA and DNA structure

Describe protein synthesis

Mutations

·Describe types

·Describe repair mechanisms

Genetic Engineering

·Discuss the history

·Describe the mechanisms

·Describe the implications

Stimulus and response

·Design and conduct experiments to illustrate stimulus / response

Positive and Negative feedback loops

·Describe and explain specific examples of system regulation

Human performance

·Evaluate the effect of substances on human health and performance

Nervous System

·Describe role in homeostasis

Endocrine System

·Describe role in homeostasis

Excretory System

·Describe role in homeostasis

Immune System

·Describe the process of infection

·Predict allergic reactions

Analyse the history of the development of the ideas leading to the Theory of Evolution

Mechanisms

·Analyse & explain macroevolution [eg gradualism vs Punctuated Equilibrium]

·Analyse & explain microevolution

Human Connection

·Relate evidence of phylogeny to human evolution [eg cladograms, karyotypes, molecular evidence]

·Relate the Bottleneck Effect to limited human genetic variation

Populations

·Model population change

·Perform calculations based on carrying capacity

Biotic Interactions

·Describe population interactions

·Describe limitations to populations

Human Population Impact

·Evaluate the ecological impact of human populations on earth

·Predict future options

Assessment

You will be expected to demonstrate your understanding of these key learnings through your knowledge, thinking, communication and application of the learning.

Knowledge
Emphasizes the ability to recall factual information, recognize fundamental concepts and the foundational skills of the subject/discipline. / 15% / An understanding of concepts, laws, principles, theories, relationships between concepts and transfer of concepts to new contexts.
Thinking (Inquiry)
Emphasizes the thinking skills used in thinking processes to demonstrate the student’s understanding of information they have processed. / 20% / Problem solving, initiating, planning, performing, recording, analysing and interpreting information and data.
Communication
Emphasizes the clear, precise and effective use of oral, written and visual language to communicate the student’s understanding of information and ideas / 15% / The communication of information and ideas by using various forms.
Application (Making Connections)
Emphasizes the application and integration of knowledge, skills, processes and techniques to produce evidence of the student’s understanding. / 20% / Understand, analyse, propose and assess the connections among science, technology, society, and the environment.

How will you demonstrate your learning? (what you say, write and do)

70% of your learning will be assessed through: / Formative and Summative Evaluations / Throughout the course
30% of your learning will be assessed at the end of the course (last four weeks of the semester)through: / Final Evaluation
15% Exam /
  • 2.5 hours
  • To be based on the Identified Overall Expectations
  • To be completed during exam time period
  • To be evaluated by the teacher based on individual student work

Final Evaluation
15% Quality Assessment Task /
  • To be based on the Identified Overall Expectations and Science Investigative Skills
  • To be completed during the last three weeks of the course
  • To be completed during classroom time and outside of class
  • To be evaluated by the teacher based on individual student work and group performance

100% of your learning will be recorded as: / Final Grade on Report Card

Your skills as a learner will be assessed in the way you demonstrate:

Learning Skill “Look Fors”

Working Independently / Works well on own, does not bother other students, is quiet and focused on school work
Teamwork / Works well with other students, speaks when appropriate, offers solutions and ideas
Organization / Comes prepared for class, binders are neat and papers are put in order
Work Habits/Homework / Gets to work quickly, always has homework completed
Initiative / Asks questions if unclear, seeks extra help, catches up when a class is missed
What are you expected to learn? / How will you demonstrate what you’ve learned?
Units / Key Learnings Focus / Your learning will be demonstrated by what you say, write and do. / Texts, Materials & Learning Opportunities
1 / Biochemistry / -Examine biological compounds and the structural and functional characteristics
-Explore the cellular processes and biochemical reactions
-Investigate technological applications that affect biological processes and cellular functions, specifically in food, pharmaceutical and medical industries / - Biology 12 text book
- Various laboratory materials
2 / Metabolic Processes / - Explore the biochemical pathways organisms use to create energy.
- Examine energy transformations in living cells
- Focus on experimental-inquiry processes and how to develop independent studies.
- Create an oral presentation to review previous material for the class. / - Biology 12 text book
- Various laboratory materials
3 / Molecular Genetics / - Examine the structure and function of DNA and RNA.
- Explore a variety of genetic technologies.
- Explore and make recommendations for the regulation of a genetic technology presented by classmates. / - Biology 12 text book
- Various laboratory materials
4 / Homeostasis / - Examine the complexity of homeostatic mechanisms, and construct models to illustrate them.
- Consider the impact of environmental factors on the maintenance of homeostasis. / - Biology 12 text book
- Various laboratory materials
5 / Population Dynamics / - An overview of population dynamics, that focuses on the effects of relationships within ecosystems and other factors that regulate and limit population growth.
- The carrying capacity of Earth will be studied in terms of human population trends.
-Student outreach through community education will allow the students to model learning. / - Biology 12 text book
- Various laboratory materials

Mr. Shanks’ Lateness and Penalty Policy:

Minor Assignments(quizzes, responses etc.)

  • Students will have one “skip” opportunity on quizzes, whereby the student’s mark will not count.
  • Responses, exit passes and other small assignments will only be accepted under extreme situations.

Major Assignments:

  • Students will have a maximum of two weeks past the due date to complete assignments, but up to 5% per day can be sacrificed for lateness. After this date an alternate assignment must be completed. For ALL Summative Assessment Task elements, there will only be 2 days allowed.
  • A mark of ZERO will be recorded until your assignment has been submitted.

Unit Test:

  • Missed tests are to be completed on the student’s first day back in class.
  • Students will have a maximum of 1 week to complete missed unit tests. After one week students must complete an alternate assignment.
  • Students skipping tests will be penalized through an in-school suspension for non-compliant behaviour.

Alternative Performances:

  • Students will have a maximum of 1 week to complete the performance, but up to 5% per day can be sacrificed for lateness.
  • A mark of ZERO will be recorded until your performance has been completed.
  • After one week, the students must complete work in the “Last Chance Room”.

Last Chance:

  • A “Last Chance Room” will be offered twice per semester—one week before mid-term reports and during the last week of classes for students who still have incomplete assignments.
  • Assignments/tests must be completed at this time and the mark of ZERO will stand if students do not attend.