SBI3U, Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation, (1 Credit)

Course Description
This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes involved in biological systems. Students study the diversity of living things, cellular functions, the anatomy, growth, and functions of plants, internal systems and regulation, and genetic continuity.

Throughout, the course provides cumulative evidence that all life forms, however diverse, are united by a common set of characteristics. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study, and helps students refine skills related to scientific investigation.

Course Outline:

Units:

Unit 1 Diversity of Living Things
This unit, Diversity of Living Things, provides the introduction to SBI3U. Students focus on the necessity of classification but also consider the arbitrary nature of any classification system. The initial activities introduce the use of different criteria for classification, review prior knowledge of characteristics of life, examine the diversity of living organisms, and provide an opportunity to develop research skills.

Unit 2 Cellular Basis of Life
This study of cells, the basic units of life, begins by considering the chemical and structural similarities of all cells. Some of the means by which cells are studied are considered. This leads to a detailed examination of the structure and functions of membranes in the cell; the energy transformations performed by cells; the adaptations of organelles and their interactions as a system. Applications of cell biology in other fields are considered here and throughout the remaining units of this course.

Unit 3 Plants: Anatomy, Growth and Functions
In this unit, students examine the role that plants play in society and the environment. The plant is examined as a system designed specifically for energy capture. Students determine the requirements for plant growth and examine how the structure of leaves, stems and roots are adapted to maximize energy capture.

Unit 4 Internal Systems and Regulation
This unit focuses on the major processes, mechanisms, and systems, including the respiratory system, circulatory system, and digestive system, by which animals maintain their internal environment. The idea that all living things have the same basic requirements for survival is emphasized in a comparative approach to systems.

Unit 5 Genetic Continuity
Students develop an understanding of meiosis, Mendel’s model of inheritance, and forms of inheritance that extend beyond Mendel’s model. The students predict outcomes and solve problems involving monohybrid, dihybrid, incomplete dominance, co-dominance, and sex-linked traits. Students also examine some of the technological advances and the contributions of eminent investigators that led to the modern concept of the gene and inheritance.

Resources/ materials used:

• Class handouts, textbook.

Evaluation:

• 70% of the Final Mark is based on term work during the course and 30% of the Final Mark is based on work at the end of a course and includes a final exam.

This course introduces students to vocabulary and concepts in Biology and prepares them for further work in the areas of Biology or Health Sciences.

Related Courses:

• SCH3U Grade 11 Chemistry (University Preparation)

Further information