Biology

Courses

Biology

Biology from Grades 8 - 10

In Biology 8, students are introduced to the basis of biology, starting with parts and their functions in a cell and the various mechanisms of it and some applications to science and the real world. They will learn the basis of cell theory, that all living beings are composed of one or more cells and cells are the smallest unit of life. Moreover, they will also practice comparing and identifying plant and animal cells and viewing them under a microscope.

In Biology 9 and 10, students mainly focus on genetics and cell division. They learn about the process of the cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis, and sexual and asexual reproduction. For genetics, they focus on DNA and its properties and functions, protein synthesis, and Punnett squares to determine the genetics of offspring.

These courses are integrated into the main Science 8, 9, or 10 course based on your grade level. A lot of labs and demonstrations are done in these courses to enhance and facilitate the understanding of topics, as well as viewing structures under microscopes. For students in the Incentive program, the Grades 8-10 courses are accelerated and compressed in two years, which makes the students take their Science 11 courses in Grade 10 and can provide students more time and an easier method to take AP Science courses.

Biology from Grades 11 - 12

In the Grades 11 and 12 courses, the Sciences begin to split into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Students have the freedom and opportunity to take any of the 3 courses, which will dive deeper into the specifics and complex ideas of the subjects based on Science 8, 9, and 10.

In Biology 11, the course enhances students' skills and capabilities to work in lab settings and dealing with problem solving and analysis of data, using extensive scientific concepts. Various topics such the five biological kingdoms, their ecological roles, evolution, and natural selection are covered. Students might complete dissections, including worms and frogs, to compare organ systems.

Meanwhile, in Biology 12, it requires a strong base in Life Sciences 11 and study at an advanced and professional level of topics which mainly focuses on human anatomy and physiology. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis is needed in lab work. AP Biology, usually only taken in Grade 12 after or alongside Biology 12, is a replica of the general first-year biology curriculum of students in university-level institutions. Students who successfully finish this course will gain course credit for the first-year course and might be able to skip ahead in university, thereby making AP courses invaluable for students who wish to push themselves.