Science

All Science courses are designed to help students attain the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for all citizens in a scientifically literate society.  The senior high program is analytical and goes much farther than the junior high program in developing abstract understandings of the nature of science, the nature of technology and the interactions among science, technology and society.

   

Science 10
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 65% in Science 9 and Math 9 recommended
Atoms to reactions, organelles to organisms, velocity to energy and a quickly changing climate - come and experience the worlds of chemistry, biology and physics!  Use your knowledge of these three sciences to investigate the how and why of climate change. Science 10 is your first step towards understanding the basics that not only help society develop new technology, but also to understand the workings of life and the universe.

Science 10 And Learning Strategies Math 25
8 Credits
Prerequisite: 65% in Science 9 and 50 - 64% in Math 9
If you are having difficulties with math, but still would like to take Science 10, then the combination of these two courses is for you. You will not only explore the wonders of chemistry, physics, biology and climate, but you will also take a math course designed to help you build up the math skills you require to be successful with the sciences. 

Science 14
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Science 9 and Math 9
Science has the ability to improve your quality and enjoyment of

life. Having a basic understanding of how chemicals interact with each other, how your body works and how basic machines operate will help you increase your level of safety, confidence and ability to make educated decisions for your life. Come and explore the worlds of chemistry, physics and biology. Take a glimpse at how the human species affects the ecosystems of the globe. Enjoy the world of experimentation and exploration as you start to understand the basic workings of the things around you. Science 14 and Science 24 meet the minimum science required for an Alberta high school diploma.

Science 20
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 50% in Science 10
The Science 20 and Science 30 program is for those who want to have a general science background without having to take many science courses. This program, by itself, will not get you into the Faculty of Science or Engineering at the University of Alberta but it is highly recommended for those who have an interest in the Arts, many programs for N.A.I.T. or nursing. Science 20 takes you into the depths of chemistry, physics, biology and geology.  Learn how we can use chemical reactions to create the many consumer products you enjoy everyday. Learn how to navigate in a two dimensional worldand then how to analyze car crashes. Learn what factors determine the survival of the many species in our world, and the impact the human race is having on them.  Finally, explore how we uncovered the Earth's history by studying information within its rocks.Science 20 is fun, yet, challenging at the same time. You will have to use your knowledge of mathematics for many of the units.  This makes it a good opportunity for you to practice and improve your skills in both science and math.

Biology 20
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 60% in Science 10
Energy and matter are both essential for the survival of life on our planet.  Biology 20 takes an in-depth look into how energy and matter are obtained and used not only within individual organisms but also within larger ecosystems as a whole.  The units studied in this course are: Energy and Matter Exchange in the Biosphere, Ecosystem and Population Change, Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration and Human Systems.

Chemistry 20
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 60% in Science 10
Atoms interact with each other to form elements and compounds.  As a result, matter is not only formed, but it can also be chemically changed when atoms are rearranged.  Chemistry 20 students explore the structure and behaviour of matter as it forms and changes.  They learn why substances have the properties that they have, and then learn to predict how a substance may react with other substances around them.  The units taught in this course are: The Diversity of Matter and Chemical Change, Forms of Matter as Gases, Matter as Solutions, and Quantitative Relationships in Chemical Changes.

Physics 20
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 60% in Science 10
There is a lot of motion in this universe.  Some things move in straight lines while other things move in circles.  Some things speed up while other things slow down.  Physics 20 students learn to describe and explain why things move the way that they move.  They then tie these ideas together as they are introduced to concepts of energy.  The units covered in this course are: Kinematics, Dynamics, Periodic Motion and Conservation of Energy.

Science 24
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 50% in Science 14
Science 24 builds on the approaches taken in Science 14 and when the two courses are completed, the student will have fulfilled the science requirements prescribed by Alberta Education. Students are encouraged to get involved in the processes of science with many activities which form the basis of scientific literacy.  The four required units of study in this course are Matter and Chemical Change, Energy Transformation, Disease Defence and Human Health and Transportation Safety. 

Science 30
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 50% in Science 20
Science 30 is a diploma level course that may be used for admission into some post-secondary education programs.  The course expands on the concepts and skills introduced in both Science 10 and Science 20.  The themes of this course revolve around how societies obtain and use energy and how societies, as a result, affect systems within the globe.  The units covered in this course are: Living Systems Respond to their Environment, Chemistry and the Environment, Electromagnetic Energy, and Energy and the Environment.

Biology 30
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 60% in Biology 20
Change, diversity, equilibrium and systems mark the themes of this course.  Explore how your body regulates itself as it exists in a changing environment.  Learn about reproduction, inheritance, and how DNA controls a variety of your traits. Finally, learn what factors cause changes within the many populations and communities that inhabit this world.

Biology 30 is a prerequisite for many post secondary programs. It also has a diploma exam associated with it at the end of the course.

Chemistry 30
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 60% in Chemistry 20
Thermochemistry, Electrochemical Changes, Organic Chemistry and Chemical Equilibrium mark the topics in this course.  Explore the energy associated with chemical reactions. Learn how a battery works to give you power.  Look at the many ways in which the human race uses fossil fuels. Learn why one acid or base is stronger or weaker than another.

Chemistry 30 is a prerequisite for many post secondary programs. It also has a diploma exam associated with it at the end of the course.

Physics 30
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 60% in Physics 20

 Momentum and Impulse, Forces and Fields, Electromagnetic Radiation and Atomic Physics mark the topics covered in this course.  Explore how to analyze car crashes and explosions. Understand why it is important to wear a seatbelt. Learn how electricity works.  Get a deeper understanding of the properties of magnetism and light. Then, finally, look into the world of the very small to gain an understanding of what makes up the matter in our universe.

Physics 30 is a prerequisite for many post secondary programs. It also has a diploma exam associated with it at the end of the course.

Forensic Science 25
3 Credits
Prerequisite: 60% in Science 10
Forensic Science is the application of scientific principles, methods and technologies for the purpose of solving debates including legal proceedings.  Through the study of Forensic Science, students are given the opportunity to explore how scientific concepts from a variety of disciplines (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) apply specifically to this unique field.  This course will promote the importance of science literacy and problem solving techniques.
Note: Forensic Science is an academically rigorous science option course designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in this field.  Credits earned in this course are not counted as science credits towards a high school diploma.