"The Science Department at SAC strives to develop life-long learners who are interested in understanding the world around them, are capable of generating their own questions, and have the skill set to find their own answers."
A comprehensive science background will ensure that our students are able to make informed choices and be positive contributors to the challenges of society that science can help solve.
All science students receive a broad program of science topics with an emphasis on its impact on modern technology, business, and ethical and social issues. We aim to develop both awareness of the principles of science and practical skills at scientific thinking and analysis.
For those intending to pursue science or a related field, our senior courses present more rigorous and demanding challenges that will prepare students for both university and a life-long pursuit of the goals of science. Classes and labs afford students an opportunity for creative exploration and discovery, in-depth analysis, and understanding and ethical application.
In order to achieve our goals, the department will:
- Have students actively engaged in the learning of science by providing as many hands-on activities as possible.
- Promote cooperation and collaboration between faculty and courses.
- Support the ongoing professional development of faculty in all areas related to science education in order to promote excellence in teaching practice and student achievement.
- Examine and encourage external assessment opportunities (i.e., AP, SAT 2’s, contests, etc.).
- Continually provide the best available technology and science equipment that supports the needs of our students.
Science is a human process of exploration and explanation. While it is built on facts and observations, it is much more than just these. A combination of reasoning, mathematics and measurement, and an innate desire to expand our understanding enables humankind to build the most profound structures of knowledge.
At St. Andrew's College we recognize that, while not all our students are going into science as a career, all human activities are enriched by an understanding and experience of science. We strive to give our students much more than just a set of facts, but an active experience based on an understanding of the various areas, techniques, and principles of scientific inquiry. Science should be engaging, challenging, interesting, and fun. Through a variety of hands-on tasks, we bring all of these into our science classrooms.
All science courses up to Grade 11 are broadly based survey courses in which a variety of topics are studied. From Grade 11 onward students choose to focus more intently on individual disciplines. All of our courses meet and exceed the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education.
AP Exams
Students have the option of taking Advanced Placement exams in their final years. Our students have historically done exceptionally well on AP exams.
Our lab curriculum is awesome!
With a highly-skilled lab technician and top-notch equipment, we are able to provide a wide variety of first-rate lab experiences for our boys. Unlike some schools, we offer the full set of AP chemistry and biology labs, and all science courses are based around experiential and active learning, offering hands-on experiences needed to fully engage in the learning process.Improving scientific literacy, humanizing science, and revealing real work connections - past, present, and future is achieved by having senior science students read and reflect on select science books such as The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean or A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson.
Marke Jones
Head of Science
COURSES
GENERAL SCIENCE
- Science, Grade 9, Academic
SNC1D
Prerequisite: None
This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop their skills in the processes of scientific investigation. Students will acquire an understanding of scientific theories and conduct investigations related to sustainable ecosystems; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the study of the universe and its properties and components; and the principles of electricity.
- Science, Grade 10, Academic
SNC2D
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 9, Academic
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.
- Environmental Science, Grade 11, University/College Preparation
SVN3M
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic
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.
This course is intended for students who do not wish to pursue studies in science beyond Grade 11.
BIOLOGY
- Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation
SBI3U
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic
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.
- Biology, Grade 12, University Preparation
SBI4U
Prerequisite: Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation
This course provides students with the opportunity for an in-depth study of the concepts and processes associated with biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biochemistry, metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, evolution, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on the achievement of the detailed knowledge and refined skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.
Advanced Placement (AP): With departmental approval, students may elect to prepare for an AP exam related to this course.
CHEMISTRY
- Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation
SCH3U
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic
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.
- AP Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation
SCH3UP
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic
This course will be taught in conjunction with the College Board’s Advanced Placement curriculum.
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.
*St. Andrew’s College Entrance Requirement
Recommended minimum average in most recently completed science course (SNC2D) is >85%, and, in the opinion of the teacher(s) has demonstrated motivation, conscientiousness, resilience, effective time management, the ability to prioritize, and the capacity to learn independently.
- Chemistry, Grade 12, University Preparation
SCH4U
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation
SAC recommended preparation: greater than or equal to 70% in SCH3U.
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, energy changes and rates of reaction, chemical systems and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and atomic and molecular structure. Students will further develop problem-solving and laboratory skills as they investigate chemical processes, at the same time refining their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in daily life, and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.
- AP Chemistry, Grade 12, University Preparation
SCH4UP
Prerequisite: AP Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation
This course will be taught in conjunction with the College Board’s Advanced Placement curriculum.
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, energy changes and rates of reaction, chemical systems and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and atomic and molecular structure. Students will further develop problem-solving and laboratory skills as they investigate chemical processes, at the same time refining their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in daily life, and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.
*St. Andrew’s College Entrance Requirement
Recommended minimum average in most recently completed science course (SCH3U/P) >85% and, in the opinion of the teacher(s) has demonstrated motivation, conscientiousness, resilience, effective time management, the ability to prioritize, and the capacity to learn independently.
PHYSICS
- Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation
SPH3U
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic
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 analyze the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment. Introductory Physics is of interest to any student who wishes to go in the sciences or engineering, or for those who are interested in modern technology and want to know “how it works”.
Technologies analyzed in this course include:
- electrical motors, generators, television, radio, and related electromagnetic technology
- nuclear power generation and electrical transmission systems
- loudspeakers, microphones, musical instruments, and related sound devices
- telescopes, cameras, and related optical systems
- Physics, Grade 12, University Preparation
SPH4U
Prerequisite: Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation
Recommended preparation: greater than or equal to 70% in MCR3U
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 analyze, 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.
The course takes a rigorous mathematical approach that prepares students for science and engineering at university, but is also for any student with a good math background who wishes to investigate some of the “big questions” about our universe.
Faculty
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St. Andrew's College
15800 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON L4G 3H7 Canada
Tel: 905-727-3178
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