Science Course Descriptions

General Goals

The goal of science education is to develop scientific literacy. Students normally take Science 10 in their first year of high school. Those interested in science at the postsecondary level can choose from a variety of courses at the academic level in grades 11 and 12. For highly motivated students, advanced courses are offered in biology, chemistry and physics. Students must take at least one first science credit to graduate - see course descriptions. 

Course Descriptions

Science 10 — 1 credit

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

In Science 10, students are given an opportunity to explore foundation topics in four disciplines of science - biology, chemistry, meteorology and physics - in four separate units of study. Within each unit the students practice and strengthen the skills required to participate in the activities of science, and develop an understanding of concepts within that science discipline. An exploration of the relationship among science, technology, society, and the environment, provides a unifying theme across the four areas of science. Broad topical areas include: sustainability of ecosystems; chemical reactions; weather dynamics; and linear motion. This course serves as a foundation for further studies in science, particularly in biology, chemistry and physics.

Sciences 10F — 1 credit

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

In Sciences 10, students are given an opportunity to explore foundation topics in four disciplines of science - biology, chemistry, meteorology and physics - in four separate units of study. Within each unit the students practice and strengthen the skills required to participate in the activities of science, and develop an understanding of concepts within that science discipline. An exploration of the relationship among science, technology, society, and the environment, provides a unifying theme across the four areas of science. Broad topical areas include: sustainability of ecosystems, chemical reactions, weather dynamics and linear motion. This course serves as a foundation for further studies in science, particularly in biology, chemistry and physics.

Biology 11 — 1 credit

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

The course consists of 4 major units of study: matter and energy, biodiversity, maintaining dynamic equilibrium in biological systems, and interactions among living things. The course follows a student-centered approach to learning, allowing the students to first explore concepts through activities and labs. A further aim of the course is to improve the student's understanding of biology as a science through the integration of mathematics and the strengthening of science process skills whenever possible.

Chemistry 11 — 1 credit

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

The high school Chemistry program is divided into two courses, Chemistry 11 and Chemistry 12. Chemistry 11 is designed to be both an introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry for the science-bound student and an appropriate course for the student interested in the humanities. The more rigorous material required for students taking post-secondary chemistry is reserved for Chemistry 12. Students will learn about the composition of matter and how one kind of matter can be changed into other kinds of matter. The topics covered by the text are reinforced with laboratory work. Topics covered include: atomic theory, the periodic table, chemical bonding, naming compounds and writing chemical formulae, types of chemical reactions, balancing chemical equations, stoichiometry, the structure and bonding of compounds nad molecules and an introduction to organic chemistry. This course should be completed by students wishing to take Chemistry 12.

Human Biology 11 Graduation — 1 credit

Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

This course counts as a second science credit for high school graduation. The major systems of the human body will be covered in this course using an issues based or society and technology point of view. Lab work, projects, group activities and case study examples will be the main learning strategies used in this course. Human Biology 11 is designed so that students gain an appreciation for and understanding of the importance of various body functions.

Additional Note:

Human Biology 11 does not prepare students for Biology 12.

As Bio 11 and HBO 11 are the same subject and grade, students should not select both.

IB Biology HL — 2½ credits

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

Major themes within the course include structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium and evolution. These very important biological concepts will be emphasized throughout the topics of cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, human physiology and applied plant and animal science. The aims of this Biology course are to encourage investigation, creative thinking, active learning, analysis and synthesis of scientific knowledge, discussion of moral, social, ethical, economic and ecological ramifications of science. These aims are in addition to students learning and applying scientific concepts and techniques.

IB Biology SL — 1½ credits

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

Major themes within the course include structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium and evolution. These very important biological concepts will be emphasized throughout the topics of cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, human physiology and applied plant and animal science. The aims of this Biology course are to encourage investigation, creative thinking, active learning, analysis and synthesis of scientific knowledge, discussion of moral, social, ethical, economic and ecological ramifications of science. These aims are in addition to students learning and applying scientific concepts and techniques.

IB Chemistry HL — 2½ credits

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

Chemistry will be offered at the Higher and Standard Level. Students taking this course will begin their study of chemistry in grade 11 with topics such as stoichiometry, atomic theory, structure and bonding, and organic chemistry. The course continues in grade 12 with topics such as -energetics, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, redox reactions and a deeper delve into organic chemistry. Students will be expected to apply their acquired knowledge, methodology and techniques in theoretical and practical settings to solve problems. Students will be given opportunities to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information which they have generated through their own efforts or which have been presented to them in class. The relationships among science, technology and societies will be explored as to their impact both locally and globally. The course also involves a mandatory internal assessment in the form of an individual laboratory investigation.

IB Chemistry SL — 1½ credits

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

Chemistry will be offered at the Higher and Standard Level. Students taking this course will begin their study of chemistry in grade 11 with topics such as stoichiometry, atomic theory, stoichiometry, strucutre and bonding, and organic chemistry. The course continues in grade 12 with topics such as -energetics, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, redox reactions and a deeper delve into organic chemistry. The students will be expected to apply their acquired knowledge, methodology and techniques in theoretical and practical settings to solve problems. Students will be given opportunities to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information which they have generated through their own efforts or which have been presented to them in class. The relationships among science, technology and societies will be explored as to their impact both locally and globally. The course also involves a mandatory internal assessment in the form of an individual laboratory investigation.

IB Physics HL — 2½ credits

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

The higher and standard level IB Physics course has been designed with several things in mind. Generally speaking, the course aims to provide a stimulating environment where students can question the world around them. To investigate these questions, students will be instructed in the scientific method to formulate hypotheses, and to design and perform experiments to test hypotheses. The process of developing insights into the nature of our world will be stressed. In addition, students will gain an appreciation of the collaborative nature of science. In particular, they will understand how scientists from different disciplines and nations often work side by side. The internationalism of this human endeavor will, therefore, be evident.

The course also aims to develop an ability to synthesize and evaluate scientific information. Students will be able to reach conclusions based on the information presented to them (particularly in a lab context), and they will be able to generalize or summarize the essence of presented information.   The course also involves a mandatory internal assessment in the form of an individual laboratory investigation.

IB Physics SL — 1½ credits

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

The higher and standard level IB Physics course has been designed with several things in mind. Generally speaking, the course aims to provide a stimulating environment where students can question the world around them. To investigate these questions, students will be instructed in the scientific method to formulate hypotheses, and to design and perform experiments to test hypotheses. The process of developing insights into the nature of our world will be stressed. In addition, students will gain an appreciation of the collaborative nature of science. In particular, they will understand how scientists from different disciplines and nations often work side by side. The internationalism of this human endeavor will, therefore, be evident.

The course also aims to develop an ability to synthesize and evaluate scientific information. Students will be able to reach conclusions based on the information presented to them (particularly in a lab context), and they will be able to generalize or summarize the essence of presented information.   The course also involves a mandatory internal assessment in the form of an individual laboratory investigation.

Oceans 11 — 1 credit

Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

Oceans 11 offers students the opportunity to explore aspects of global and local oceanography and current issues. It is designed to be flexible and meet the needs and interests of Nova Scotian students by connecting the study of oceanography with local economic and community interests. One of the priorities of the course is to increase students' knowledge of emerging economies and opportunities in areas such as aquaculture and oceans management that offer new career opportunities. Topics may include: ocean structure and motion, the marine biome, aquaculture, the fisheries resource, coastal zones, ocean industries, and coastal navigation.

Physics 11 — 1 credit

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

Physics is the branch of knowledge that studies matter and energy - their transformations and interactions. Knowledge of physics provides insights into understanding natural phenomena, the search for cleaner alternate sources of energy and exploration of the universe. This introductory course includes kinematics, dynamics, momentum, energy and waves.

Biology 12 — 1 credit

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

This course has 'continuity of life' as a central theme. Students learn about general reproductive patterns in the biological world, embryonic development in animals, human reproductive systems and development. Homeostasis through hormonal and nervous control is studied within this context. Other topics of study involve genetics, biotechnology and evolution through genetic variation. Laboratory work, class discussion and project work are stressed. Note: This course is recommended for students considering careers in science or science-related fields [e.g. health professions].

Chemistry 12 — 1 credit

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

This is a continuation of Chemistry 11. Topics include: a review of some of Chemistry 11, thermochemistry, solutions, kinetics and chemical equilibrium, acids/bases and oxidation/reduction.  Chemistry 12 is recommended for students interested in careers in engineering, science or science-related fields.

Food Science 12 — 1 credit

Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

Food Science 12 is designed to heighten students' awareness and understanding of the relationships among science, technology and food. The course will include a laboratory component where work will be required in both the science and food labs. Course Study is developed around the following four modules:

Module 1: Food Constituents
Module 2: Preservation Factors
Module 3: Food Quality and Commodities
Module 4: Food Packaging.

Physics 12 — 1 credit

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

The first half of the course focuses on Force, Motion, Work and Energy. Topics such as dynamics, projectiles, circular motion and universal gravitation will be covered. A unit on Field theory will cover electricity, gravitation and magnetism. The course ends with two short units - an introduction to Modern Physics and Radioactivity.