Chemistry 11

4 credits, satisfies Science 11 requirement

• This course is challenging; there is a strong focus on understanding concepts through the application of problem-solving and mathematical skills. It would be in the student’s best interest to have a good understanding of the concepts covered in Pre-Calculus 10 and Science 10. 

This is an introductory course designed to help students increase their knowledge of chemical techniques and concepts. This course is a survey of basic principles of chemistry and will include laboratory and hands-on learning. The Chemistry 11 curriculum is based on the following big ideas: 

• atoms and molecules (including atomic structure and bonding) 

• the mole concept 

• chemical reactions (including stoichiometric calculations) 

• solubility theory 

• organic chemistry 

Environmental Science 11

4 credits, satisfies Science 11 requirement

• This course will be built around developing an understanding of the key sources and sinks of greenhouse gases and their impact of a changing environment and climate. 

• Student inquiry around the local environment of Whistler help students to appreciate and understand the personal connection and impact each of us has on our local and global ecosystems.

•  We will call on local knowledge and firsthand experiences through guest speakers, case studies, field trips and field work. Students participate in stewardship roles and lead their peers in a shared sustainability effort by leading the recycling program at WSS. 

• Assessments: projects, presentations, case study exam, weekly recycling contribution

Life Sciences 11

4 credits, satisfies Science 11 requirement

Strongly recommended for Anatomy and Physiology 12

This survey course is designed to familiarize students with several major themes/areas of biology. The course paves the way for enhancing skills needed in sciences. Laboratory dissections, microscopy work and projects, along with assignments give a hands-on approach to student learning. The Life Science 11 curriculum is based on the following big ideas: 

• interactions at the cellular and molecular level (cell structure and function, energy transformations, viruses) 

• evolution theory 

• grouping organism based on common characteristics 

Physics 11

4 credits

This is an introductory physics course designed to provide insight into the scope and nature of physics principles. Laboratory work and hands-on activities will encourage investigation of physical relationships, and will illustrate the relationship between theory and application. The Physics 11 curriculum is based on the following big ideas: 

• predicting, analyzing and describing the motion of objects 

• forces influencing the motion of an object 

• energy (different forms, conservation, its ability to do work) 

• wave concepts (properties and behaviours) 

Anatomy & Physiology 12

4 credits, prerequisite: Life Sciences 11 is recommended but not required.

• This course is an academic course suitable for students who would like to pursue post-secondary science or health science. It would be in the student’s best interest to have a strong understanding of Life Science and Chemistry 11. Anatomy & Physiology requires students to have a strong foundation in certain units in Life Science 11 and Chemistry 11.

A comprehensive course that allows students to further develop their interest in biology by looking at themselves and seeing how their physiology is integrated to maintain homeostasis. Lab dissections and hands-on activities accompany student learning in the course. The Anatomy and Physiology 12 curriculum is based on the following big ideas: 

• maintaining homeostasis in the human body  

• gene expression (the interaction of genes and the environment) 

• human organ systems  

Chemistry 12

4 credits, prerequisite: Chemistry 11, Math 11 recommended, although there is no pre requisite grade successful students generally achieved 75% or higher in Chemistry 11 

• The Chemistry 12 course is a prerequisite class for numerous post-secondary programs in the science faculty. It would be advantageous for students to possess a solid understanding of Chemistry 11 and Pre-Calculus 11. 

This course is an extension of Chemistry 11. Students will be required to use their analytical skills to work through problems based on abstract concepts. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of chemistry in the world around them and how it affects their everyday lives. The Chemistry 12 curriculum is based on the big ideas of: 

• factors affecting reaction rate 

• dynamic equilibrium 

• saturated solutions 

• acid and base theory 

• oxidation and reduction reactions 

Physics 12

4 credits, prerequisite Physics 11

• Physics 12 expands on Physics 11 with much more detail and dimension. It would be advantageous for students to possess a solid understanding of Physics 11 and Pre-Calculus 11. A grade of B or higher in both Physics 11 and Pre-Calculus 11 would be beneficial to students taking this course as this course is highly mathematical.

Physics 12 is the study of classical mechanics and electromagnetism and is designed to help students develop analytical and problem-solving skills. It provides opportunities for students to understand and apply the principles and concepts of physics to practical situations. The Physics 12 curriculum is based on the big ideas of: 

• reference frames for measurement of motion  

• linear and circular motion caused by forces 

• forces and energy interactions occurring within fields 

• conservation of momentum