Science programs provide opportunities for students to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to become productive and responsible members of society. The programs also allow students to explore interests and prepare for further education and careers.
In the above diagram, the solid arrows denote the typical pathways and preferred transfer points a student follows to progress from course level to course level, and the dashed arrows denote potential points from course level to course level.
Courses
5 credits
Science 10 is an integrated academic course which helps students understand and apply concepts and skills common to Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Strong math skills are essential, as each of the Science disciplines involves a level of mathematics.
Prerequisite: 50% in Science 9. Recommended prerequisite: 60% in Science 9 and Math 9.
This is a course within the IB programme
5 credits
Science 10i is a semestered course similar to Science 10. Regular Alberta curriculum is presented in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with a core focus on energy, matter and change. Additional skills are enhanced, such as those involved in lab activities, lab writing, data analysis and project work.
Recommended Prerequisite: honours in Grade 9 Science
10 credits
Science 14/24 is a blended course, offered in one semester, which combines the curricular outcomes of Science 14 and Science 24. Students are given the unique opportunity to complete their Science graduation requirement in one semester. They will obtain scientific and technological knowledge and skills that can be applied to their current personal lives as well as their future careers.
Prerequisite: Science 9
5 credits per course
The Science 20/30 program aims to provide students with opportunities to explore, analyze and appreciate the interrelationships between science, technology, society and the environment and to develop understandings that will affect their personal lives, their careers and their futures. The foundation of this science program is organized into several scientific disciplines: life science, physical science and earth and space science. At the end of Science 30, the students must write a provincial diploma examination.
Prerequisite for Science 20: 50% in Science 10 (60% is recommended). Prerequisite for Science 30: 50% in any of Science 20, Biology 20, Chemistry 20 or Physics 20 (60% is recommended).
5 credits per course
Biology is the study of the astounding variety of life on Earth and of the interactions of these organisms with each other and their non-living environment. Students will develop an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of many human systems and their role in maintaining a healthy body. In addition, students will study molecular biology and how the complex fabric of inheritance helps to determine a person's physical and emotional being. At the end of Biology 30, the students must write a provincial diploma examination.
Prerequisite for Biology 20: 50% in Science 10 (60% is recommended). Prerequisite for Biology 30: 50% in Biology 20 (60% is recommended).
This is a course within the IB programme
5 credits (for each Biology 20 & Biology 30)
3 credits (Biology 35IB)
Biology HL Year 1 covers the key science themes of Biology 20 and the IB Biology programs, including systems, equilibrium, energy and matter. These are continuously related and interconnected with the study of the biosphere, ecosystems, photosynthesis, cellular respiration and human systems. Laboratory skills will be emphasized leading students to the design of their own labs when presented with a biological problem. A portfolio of labs will be generated to continue on to the end of Biology HL Year 2. Biology 35IB accompanies Biology HL Year 1 and continues to build upon concepts introduced in that course as well as other IB extensions, particularly in the area of human physiology. There is a heavy emphasis on laboratory and research skills; students participate in an interdisciplinary project and begin an independent investigation at the end of Year 1.
Biology HL Year 2 will emphasize molecular genetics, reproduction and DNA, and topics related to human physiology are enhanced. The Biology IB Exams are written in May and the Biology 30 provincial diploma exam is written in June.
Prerequisite: Science 10i for Biology HL Y1 + Biology 35IB; Biology HL Y1 + Biology 35IB for Biology HL Y2
5 credits per course
These academic courses are meant for students headed towards a post-secondary program requiring a strong background in the physical sciences. High school Chemistry is designed to meet the Alberta Program of Studies' four foundations (Attitude, Knowledge, Skills, and Science, Technology and Society (STS)). The following topics are studied: stoichiometry, diversity of matter, chemical bonding, gases, solutions, acids and bases, chemical changes, chemical equilibrium and organic compounds. At the end of Chemistry 30, the students must write a provincial eiploma examination.
Prerequisite for Chemistry 20: 50% in Science 10 (60% is recommended)
Prerequisite for Chemistry 30: 50% in Chemistry 20 (60% is recommended)
This is a course within the IB programme
5 credits (for each Chemistry 20 & Chemistry 30)
Chemistry SL Year 1 covers the key science themes of Chemistry 20 and the IB Chemistry program including chemical bonding, gas laws, solutions, stoichiometry and an introduction to equilibrium, thermochemistry and acids and bases. There is a heavy emphasis on laboratory and research skills; students participate in an interdisciplinary project and begin an independent investigation at the end of Year 1.
Chemistry SL Year 2 is a detailed study of both the Alberta and IB curriculum, including topics like electrochemistry, organic chemistry and human biochemistry. More extensive laboratory work and applications are integrated throughout the course; lab projects started at the beginning of the program will be completed. The Chemistry IB Exams are written in May and the Chemistry 30 provincial diploma exam is written in June.
Prerequisite: Science 10i for Chemistry SL Y1; Chemistry SL Y1 for Chemistry SL Y2
This is a course within the IB programme
5 credits per course
Computer Science encourages students to study and take control of the devices that surround them every day. This course sequence introduces students to computer programming and system design and development. Students will have a chance to program interactive apps and games using a variety of platforms. Computer Science 30 fulfills the "Advanced Computer Science" prerequisite for many Alberta post-secondary institutions. Students can opt to complete a set of alternative assessments in Computer Science 30 to earn credit for IB Computer Science SL.
Students can opt to complete a set of alternative assessments in Computer Science year two to earn credit for IB Computer Science SL.
Prerequisite: Computer Science 10 for Computer Science SL Year 1; Computer Science 20 or SL Year 1 for Computer Science SL Year 2.
5 credits per course
These courses continue the study of motion and energy using concepts and mathematical skills introduced in Science 10 and Math 10C. The description and causes of motion are studied through Newton's Laws and Energy. These concepts are expanded upon in various societal and technological applications throughout the program. Communication and problem-solving skills are emphasized in order to prepare students for post-secondary programs. At the end of Physics 30, the students must write a provincial diploma examination.
Prerequisite for Physics 20: 50% in Science 10 (60% is recommended). Prerequisite for Physics 30: 50% in Physics 20 (60% is recommended).