Biology 30

Biology 30

consists of four units of study:


Unit A: The Nervous and Endocrine Systems

Overview: This unit examines the biological processes that mediate the interactions between humans and their environment to maintain equilibrium. The nervous system contributes to homeostasis through its response to internal and external stimuli. Endocrine glands help to maintain homeostasis through the hormones they release into the blood. A study of the interactions between the nervous and endocrine systems leads to an examination of the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their ability to sense the environment and respond to it.

25% Weighting as per course outline

Unit B: Reproduction and Development

Overview: This unit examines the two types of cell division, mitosis, and meiosis. Students learn about chromosomal behaviour during cell division. After this, the human reproductive system is examined as a representative mammalian system responsible for propagating the organism and perpetuating the species. The processes associated with human reproduction and development, as well as the regulation of these processes by hormones, are reviewed. The influence of environmental factors on embryonic and fetal development is examined, as are various reproductive technologies.

30% Weighting as per course outline


Unit C: Cell Division, Genetics, and Molecular Biology

Overview: This unit examines the two types of cell division, mitosis, and meiosis. Students learn about chromosomal behaviour during cell division. After this, the human reproductive system is examined as a representative mammalian system responsible for propagating the organism and perpetuating the species. The processes associated with human reproduction and development, as well as the regulation of these processes by hormones, are reviewed. The influence of environmental factors on embryonic and fetal development is examined, as are various reproductive technologies.

30% Weighting as per course outline

Unit D: Populations and Community Dynamic

Overview: Population change over time can be examined through a study of population genetics (Hardy-Weinberg principle) and population growth. Both of these can be expressed quantitatively. Individual members of populations interact with each other as well as with members of other populations, which can have an impact on the populations involved. Communities are a sum of all the different populations living together. Communities may change over time as a result of natural or artificial events.

15% Weighting as per course outline


Welcome to Biology 30! I hope that you enjoy this course and your continued exploration of the science of life! There is a huge variety of topics within biology, and we will begin to explore some of them this semester. Unlike the other sciences (physics and chemistry), biology heavily relies on memorization and understanding processes and theories. You will need to put a significant amount of time into reviewing your notes on a regular basis; one hour of biology per night is going to be a typical amount of work to maintain an acceptable average! If you ever need to get in touch with me, I would encourage you to arrive early for class and let me know you would like to meet after school, or you can send me a quick email at rbraconnier@baectted.com letting me know you would like to set up a time to see me.

These Biology 30 assessment exemplars were developed by the Provincial Assessment Sector in

cooperation with the Curriculum Branch of Alberta Education to assist teachers with the interpretation of

curricular outcomes in the revised program of studies (implemented in September 2008).


Learning is assessed using a variety of tools and strategies within the classroom. Ask the teacher what methods they are using. The different assessment methods tell you and your teacher about your strengths, the areas in which you might grow, and how well they are doing throughout a course. At the end of the course, you will be assessed and their achievement will be reported so that you know if they have achieved the expected learning outcomes for the course.

At the end of the 30-level course, your teen will write a provincial diploma examination. There are three main purposes for the diploma examination:

  • to certify the level of individual student achievement in the course

  • to ensure that province-wide standards of achievement are maintained

  • to report individual and group results.

Relevant Resources:


Link to: General Information Bulletin 2021–2022 Diploma Examinations Program