Diving into the SBI4U course online provides an opportunity for students to explore the intricate workings of biological systems at an advanced level. With a curriculum that navigates through the core areas of biochemistry, metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, and population dynamics, grade 12 Biology is designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application seamlessly. Students engaging with grade 12 Biology are tasked with not only understanding these complex subjects but also applying them in investigative scenarios. The course sets a clear path towards building the skills and knowledge essential for further studies in life sciences and adjacent fields, positioning grade 12 Biology participants for future inquiry and innovation in the field of biology.
Course curriculum
Inside %course-code%: biology at the molecular level
The life-sciences credit
Biochemistry, metabolism, molecular genetics, homeostasis and population dynamics — the five areas the Ontario curriculum sets for in-depth study, and the knowledge base further study in the life sciences and related fields is built on.
Labs you actually do
A live DNA extraction lab and a breathing rate lab done at home with follow-up analysis, plus a virtual enzyme lab and a measuring-populations lab. You plan, perform, record, analyse and communicate — the full investigation cycle.
Science in the world
Enzymes in the food and pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology tools, the effect of drugs on homeostasis, and the link between population growth and our ecological footprint.
Explain it, don’t just recall it
A research-article summary written for general readers, a video explanation of a genetics topic, an interview with someone in your community about a medical condition, and 1-on-1 interviews with your teacher.
Live and virtual labs — biology you can see
Hands-on labs at home (DNA extraction, breathing rate, measuring populations) alongside interactive simulations for enzymes, nutrients and DNA profiling. Real procedures, real observations, real conclusions.
SBI4U Course outline
Full unit-by-unit breakdown.
Identify the structures, functions and chemical properties of the biological molecules behind common cellular processes, and why they matter for normal cell function. Then analyse how enzyme activity is applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Key topics
Functional groups · carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids · enzyme activity and the factors that affect it · biochemical reactions
Assessed by
Research article summary · enzyme lab · proctored unit test · end-of-unit conference
Trace cellular respiration and photosynthesis through the organelles and metabolic reactions involved, and understand why these reactions keep cells functioning. Analyse medical and technological applications of both processes.
Key topics
Glycolysis · Krebs cycle · electron transport · photosynthesis · medical and technological applications
Assessed by
Cellular respiration research report · 1-on-1 teacher interview · proctored unit test
Follow the scientific contributions that led to the discovery of DNA and its function, then work through DNA replication and protein synthesis, with emphasis on how mutations affect protein function and disease. Analyse common biotechnology tools.
Key topics
DNA structure and replication · transcription and translation · mutations and disease · DNA profiling and biotechnology
Assessed by
Live DNA extraction lab · video assignment · proctored unit test
Identify the key components of the nervous, endocrine and excretory systems and their role in maintaining homeostasis, including how chemical substances and environmental factors affect these processes. Assess the impact of various drugs on homeostatic mechanisms.
Key topics
Nervous system · endocrine system · urinary system · feedback mechanisms · effects of drugs
Assessed by
Breathing rate lab report · medical condition community interview · proctored unit test
Use models to calculate population growth, explain the factors that affect the growth of species populations, and analyse the relationships between population growth, personal consumption, technological development and our ecological footprint.
Key topics
Population growth models · limiting factors · human population and sustainability · ecological footprint
Assessed by
Measuring populations lab · proctored unit test
Consolidate the course ahead of the final exam with a learning-skills self-assessment and an end-of-course conversation with your teacher.
Key topics
Course review · learning skills and work habits reflection
Assessed by
End-of-course conversation and observation
