Biology Courses at RC Palmer
Science 8
In this course, you'll do lots of hands-on labs and projects. The main idea you'll learn is that all life processes, like growing, eating, and breathing, happen at the level of the tiny units called cells. You'll also explore other topics like matter, Earth's geology, and energy.
Science 8/9 Incentive
This is the first part of an accelerated, two-year program that covers the regular Science 8, 9, and 10 content. In Grade 8, you'll cover all the basic Science 8 biology (learning about cells) plus about half of the Science 9 biology. You'll focus on how to use the scientific method for topics like Life Processes (cells), Plate Tectonics, and Electricity. This course is for capable students and includes a mandatory Science Fair project.
Science 9
In Science 9, you'll keep doing labs and projects, building on your Science 8 knowledge. The key biological topics are: investigating Cell Division (how cells reproduce and make new life) and how all the Earth's systems—the living things (biosphere), the land (geosphere), the water (hydrosphere), and the air (atmosphere)—are linked together as materials and energy cycle through them.
Science 9/10 Incentive
In Grade 9, you'll finish the rest of the Science 9 curriculum and then cover the entire Science 10 curriculum. The main biological idea you'll study is that genes (the instruction code for life) are the foundation for the huge diversity of living things. You'll also continue to use labs to develop your scientific observation skills and complete a mandatory Science Fair project.
Life Sciences 11
This is an introductory course to biology, focused on exploring basic biological rules and the complexity of living things. You'll study a huge variety of organisms to understand their unique features and abilities. Topics include Cell Biology. Genetics, Evolution,Taxonomy, The Diversity of Life, and Ecology
Life Sciences 11 Enriched
This is a faster and more in-depth course that covers all the content in Life Sciences 11, plus extra topics. It’s designed to prepare you for more advanced courses like Anatomy & Physiology 12 and AP Biology 12. Topics include All content listed under Life Sciences 11, Phylogeny and classification (advanced grouping of life), Ecology, Advanced Genetics, Detailed study of Photosynthesis and Animal Behaviours and Interactions.
Anatomy & Physiology 12
This course is focused on the human body—its structure and how it works. It’s perfect for students who are very interested in the life sciences or who plan to study biology in university. Knowing basic chemistry and biology from previous courses will help you understand the topics better. Topics include Biochemistry, Cell structures and Function, DNA and Human Organ Systems
Anatomy & Physiology 12 Enriched
This is an advanced course that explores the human body's structure and function more deeply than the standard course. It's highly recommended if you plan to take AP Biology 12. Topics include All the content listed under Anatomy & Physiology 12, how enzymatic reactions are controlled, Gene expression and control, and human body systems.
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology 12
AP Biology 12 is equivalent to a first-year university biology course, making it much more challenging than a standard high school course. You must have completed or be taking Anatomy & Physiology 12 concurrently. The Enriched courses are strongly recommended. A major part of this course is extended, mandatory laboratory work that prepares you for the AP Biology exam in May. Scoring high enough on this exam can earn you university credit.
