NTCI Science Courses

Science Course Descriptions at NTCI - updated for 2022-23

In September 2009 all science courses were revised. In 2022, SNC1W begins.

Students may not take 4 courses in science in one year at North Toronto. Instead, please increase the breadth of your academic program at NTCI.

Science, Grade 9, De-streamed SNC1W

This course enables students to develop their understanding of concepts related to biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space science, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop and refine their STEM skills as they use scientific research, scientific experimentation, and engineering design processes to investigate concepts and apply their knowledge in situations that are relevant to their lives and communities. Students will continue to develop transferable skills as they become scientifically literate global citizens.

Prerequisite: None

Course Outline (2022)

Science, Grade 10, Academic SNC2D

This course enables students to enhance their understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and of the interrelationships between science, technology, society, and the environment. Students are also given opportunities to further develop their scientific investigation skills. Students will plan and conduct investigations and develop their understanding of scientific theories related to the connections between cells and systems in animals and plants; chemical reactions, with a particular focus on acid–base reactions; forces that affect climate and climate change; and the interaction of light and matter.

Prerequisite: Science, Grade 9, Academic or Applied

Course Outline (2022)

Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation SBI3U

This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biodiversity; evolution; genetic processes; the structure and function of animals; and the anatomy, growth, and function of plants. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study, and helps students refine skills related to scientific investigation.

Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic

Recommended Corequisite: Grade 11 Chemistry, as many grade 11 biology students will go on to take grade 12 biology.

Course Outline (2022)

Biology, Grade 11, College Preparation SBI3C

This course focuses on the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will learn concepts and theories as they conduct investigations in the areas of cellular biology, microbiology, genetics, the anatomy of mammals, and the structure of plants and their role in the natural environment. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of concepts, and on the skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.

Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied

NTCI Notes: This course often does not have enough students to run.

Biology, Grade 12, University Preparation SBI4U

This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biochemistry, metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on the achievement of detailed knowledge and the refinement of skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.

Prerequisite: Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation

NTCI Notes: Grade 11 Chemistry is highly recommended as is a co-requisite of Grade 12 Chemistry.

Course Outline (2022)

Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation SCH3U

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of the properties of chemicals and chemical bonds; chemical reactions and quantitative relationships in those reactions; solutions and solubility; and atmospheric chemistry and the behaviour of gases. Students will further develop their analytical skills and investigate the qualitative and quantitative properties of matter, as well as the impact of some common chemical reactions on society and the environment.

Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic

NTCI Notes: A minimum mark of 70% in the chemistry unit of grade 10 Science is highly recommended.

Course Outline (2022)

Chemistry, Grade 12, University Preparation SCH4U

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, the structure and properties of matter, energy changes and rates of reaction, equilibrium in chemical systems, and electrochemistry. Students will further develop their problem-solving and investigation skills as they investigate chemical processes, and will refine their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in everyday life and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.

Prerequisite: Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation

NTCI Notes: A minimum mark of 70% in Grade 11 Chemistry is highly recommended.

Course Outline (2022)

Chemistry, Grade 12, College Preparation SCH4C - not offered at NTCIThis course enables students to develop an understanding of chemistry through the study of matter and qualitative analysis, organic chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical calculations, and chemistry as it relates to the quality of the environment. Students will use a variety of laboratory techniques, develop skills in data collection and scientific analysis, and communicate scientific information using appropriate terminology. Emphasis will be placed on the role of chemistry in daily life and the effects of technological applications and processes on society and the environment. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied

Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation SPH3U

This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore kinematics, with an emphasis on linear motion; different kinds of forces; energy transformations; the properties of mechanical waves and sound; and electricity and magnetism. They will enhance their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, they will analyse the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.

Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic

NTCI Notes: A grade 10 mathematics marks of over 70% is highly recommended. Grade 11 mathematics (Functions and Relations) is recommended as a co-requisite.

Course Outline (2022)

Physics, Grade 12, College Preparation SPH4C - not offered at NTCIThis course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore these concepts with respect to motion; mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, energy transformation, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems; and the operation of commonly used tools and machines. They will develop their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied

Physics, Grade 12 University Preparation SPH4U

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, data relating to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.

Prerequisite: Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation

NTCI Notes: A Grade 11 Physics and Mathematics mark of over 70% and a co-requisite of Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors is highly recommended.

Course Outline (2022)

Environmental Science, Grade 11, University/College Preparation SVN3M

This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge of and skills relating to environmental science that will help them succeed in life after secondary school. Students will explore a range of topics, including the role of science in addressing contemporary environmental challenges; the impact of the environment on human health; sustainable agriculture and forestry; the reduction and management of waste; and the conservation of energy. Students will increase their scientific and environmental literacy and examine the interrelationships between science, the environment, and society in a variety of areas.

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science, Applied or Academic Science,

NTCI Notes: Please be prepared to do independent & group project work.

Course Outline (2022)

SNC4M - - not offered at NTCI This course enables students, including those pursuing post-secondary programs outside the sciences, to increase their understanding of science and contemporary social and environmental issues in health-related fields. Students will explore a variety of medical technologies, pathogens and disease, nutritional science, public health issues, and biotechnology. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study and helps refine students’ scientific investigation skills. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic, or any Grade 11 University, University/College, College Preparation course in science

Earth and Space Science, Grade 12, University Preparation SES4U

This course develops students’ understanding of Earth and its place in the universe. Students will investigate the properties of and forces in the universe and solar system and analyse techniques scientists use to generate knowledge about them. Students will closely examine the materials of Earth, its internal and surficial processes, and its geological history, and will learn how Earth’s systems interact and how they have changed over time. Throughout the course, students will learn how these forces, processes, and material affect their daily lives. The course draws on biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics in its consideration of geological and astronomical processes that can be observed directly or inferred from other evidence.

Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic

NTCI Notes: Please be prepared to do mathematics at the grade 11 level. A background in grade 11 science courses is highly recommended

Course Outline (2022)

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