Why Take Science?

  • Science is hands on learning that is fun!
  • There is a growing demand across many industries for new products and innovative thinkers, fuelling a demand for workers with a background in science and engineering.  This is one of the fastest growing fields for new careers.
  • Scientists study the natural world and try to deepen our understanding of how it works. They mostly concentrate in three areas: life, physics or social science.  Engineers use creativity combined with science and math to design and build things like bridges, iPods, buildings and water filtration systems to improve the way we communicate, work, live, travel, maintain our health and enjoy our free time.

How many science credits do you need to take?

  • 2 plus a 3rd Science or Technology credit as a minimum. Check to see how many and which Science credits are needed based on the post-secondary program you might chose.  Some post-secondary programs require a student take two of the three senior science courses (biology, chemistry and physics) and others require them to take all three.

Academic, Science SNC1WI

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.

CREDIT: 1
TYPE: Academic
GRADE: 9

Essential, Science SNC1LI

This course prepares students for Grade 10 Locally-developed Science (SNC2L) and/or Grade 11 Workplace Science (SNC3E). This course reinforces and strengthens science-related knowledge and skills, including scientific inquiry, critical thinking and the relationship between science, society and the environment. Students explore a range of topics including Science in Daily Life, Properties of Common Materials, Staying Alive: Life Sustaining Processes, and Electrical Circuits.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: Workplace
GRADE: 9

Academic, Science SNC2DI

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.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: Academic
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: SNC1DI – Academic, Science or SNC1PI – Applied, Science

Applied, Science SNC2PI

This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to apply their knowledge of science in real-world situations. Students are given opportunities to develop further practical skills in scientific investigation. Students will plan and conduct investigations into everyday problems and issues related to human cells and body systems; chemical reactions; factors affecting climate change; and the interaction of light and matter.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: Applied
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: SNC1DI – Academic, Science or SNC1PI – Applied, Science

Workplace Environmental Science SVN3EI

This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge of and skills relating to environmental science that will help them succeed in work and life after secondary school. Students will explore a range of topics, including the impact of human activities on the environment; human health and the environment; energy conservation; resource science and management; and safety and environmental responsibility in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on relevant, practical applications and current topics in environmental science, with attention to the refinement of students’ literacy and mathematical literacy skills as well as the development of their scientific and environmental literacy.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: Workplace
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: SNC1DI – Academic, Science or SNC1LI – Essential, Science or SNC1PI – Applied, Science
CREDIT EQUIVALENTS: SVN3EE – eLearn – Environmental Science is a similar course and you will not receive credit for taking both.

University Biology SBI3UI

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.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: University
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: SNC2DI – Academic, Science or SNC2DN – Enriched Science

University Chemistry SCH3UI

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.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: University
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: SNC2DI – Academic, Science or SNC2DN – Enriched Science

University Physics SPH3UI

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.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: University
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: SNC2DI – Academic, Science or SNC2DN – Enriched Science

Environmental Science SVN3MI

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.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: University/College
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: SNC2DI – Academic, Science or SNC2DN – Enriched Science or SNC2PI – Applied, Science

College Biology SBI3CI

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.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: College
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: SNC2DI – Academic, Science or SNC2DN – Enriched Science or SNC2PI – Applied, Science

University Biology SBI4UI

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.
COURSE NOTE: Chemistry, Grade 11 (SCH3U) should be taken before this course due to Chemistry requirements of this course.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: University
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: SBI3UI – University Biology

University Chemistry SCH4UI

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.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: University
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: SCH3UI – University Chemistry

University Earth and Space Science SES4UI

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 materials 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.
DUAL CREDIT: This course aligns the University of Waterloo’s Introduction to Earth Science (Earth 121) and Ontario Secondary Science Curriculum’s Expectations to ensure that this course meets both sets of expectations. Students, who complete these requirements at an established minimum mark of 75%, will receive both the SES4U credit and the Earth Science 121 credit from University of Waterloo Faculty of Science. Those failing meet these requirements may still obtain the SES 4U credit.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: University
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: SNC2DI – Academic, Science or SNC2DN – Enriched Science

University Physics SPH4UI

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 related to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: University
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: SPH3UI – University Physics

College Chemistry SCH4CI

This 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.
COURSE NOTE: Physics, Grade 12 (SPH4C) and Chemistry, Grade 12 (SCH4C) should be taken in the fourth year of high school due to the Mathematics requirements for these two courses.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: College
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: SNC2DI – Academic, Science or SNC2PI – Applied, Science or SNC2DN – Enriched Science

College Physics SPH4CI

This 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.
CREDIT: 1
TYPE: College
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: SNC2DI – Academic, Science or SNC2PI – Applied, Science or SNC2DN – Enriched Science

See the E-Learning tab if you are considering that type of course