Science
The primary goal of science is to understand the natural and human-designed worlds. Science refers to certain processes used by humans for obtaining knowledge about nature, and to an organized body of knowledge about nature obtained by these processes. Science is a dynamic and creative activity with a long and interesting history. Many societies have contributed to the development of scientific knowledge and understanding. Scientists continuously assess and judge the soundness of scientific knowledge claims by testing laws and theories, and modifying them in light of compelling new evidence or a re-conceptualization of existing evidence.
Below you can find a list of Science courses offered for the current school year at ACS.
Course Selection, 2027-2028
SCIENCE
SNC1D Science, Grade 9, Academic
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. Prerequisite: None
SNC1P Science, Grade 9, Applied
This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to apply their knowledge of science to everyday situations. They are also given opportunities to develop practical skills related to scientifi c investigation. Students will plan and conduct investigations into practical problems and issues related to the impact of human activity on ecosystems; the structure and properties of elements and compounds; space exploration and the components of the universe; and static and current electricity. Prerequisite: None
SNC1L Science, Grade 9, Locally Developed Compulsory Credit Course
This course emphasizes reinforcing and strengthening science-related knowledge and skills, including scientific inquiry, critical thinking and the relationship between science, society, and the environment, to prepare students for success in everyday life, in the workplace and in the Science Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course. Students explore a range of topics including science in daily life, properties of common materials, life sustaining processes in simple and complex organisms, and electrical circuits. Students have the opportunity to extend mathematical and scientifi c process skills and to continue developing their skills in reading, writing, and oral language through relevant and practical science activities. Prerequisite: None
SNC2D Science, Grade 10, 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 scientifi c investigation skills. Students will plan and conduct investigations and develop their understanding of scientifi c 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. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
SNC2P Science, Grade 10, Applied
This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to apply their knowledge of science in realworld situations. Students are given opportunities to develop further practical skills in scientifi c investigation. Students will plan and conduct investigations into everyday problems and issues related to human cells and body systems; chemical reactions; factors affecting climate change; and the interaction of light and matter. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
SNC2L Science, Grade 10, Locally Developed Compulsory Credit Course
This course emphasizes reinforcing and strengthening science-related knowledge and skills, including scientific inquiry, critical thinking and the relationship between science, society, and the environment, to prepare students for success in everyday life, in the workplace and in the Science Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course. Students explore a range of topics including science in daily life, properties of common materials, life-sustaining processes in simple and complex organisms, and electrical circuits. Students have the opportunity to extend mathematical and scientifi c process skills and to continue developing their skills in reading, writing, and oral language through relevant and practical science activities. Prerequisite: None
SNC4M Science, Grade 12, University/ College Preparation
This course enables students, including those pursuing post-secondary programs outside the sciences, to increase their understanding of science and contemporary social and environmental issues in health-related fi elds. Students will explore a variety of medical technologies, pathogens and disease, nutritional science, public health issues, and biotechnology. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study and helps refi ne students’ scientific investigation skills. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic, or any Grade 11 university, university/college, or college preparation course in science
SNC4E Science, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation
This course provides students with fundamental science knowledge and workplace skills needed to prepare them for success beyond secondary school. Students will explore hazards in the workplace, chemicals in consumer products, disease and its prevention, electricity at home and at work, and nutritional science. Emphasis is placed on current topics in science and relevant, practical activities that develop students’ literacy and mathematical literacy skills and enhance their scientifi c literacy. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Applied, or a Grade 10 locally developed compulsory credit (LDCC) course in science.
SES4U Earth and Space Science, Grade 12, University
This course develops students’ understanding of Earth and its place in the universe. Students will investigae the properties of the forces in the universe and solar system and analyse techniques scientists use to generate knowledge about them. Students will closely examine the materials of Earth, its internal and surfi cial processes, and its geological history, and will learn how Earth’s systems interact and how they have changed over time. Throughout the course, students will learn how these forces, processes, and materials affect their daily lives. The course draws on biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics in its consideration of geological and astronomical processes that can be observed directly or inferred from other evidence. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic
BIOLOGY
SBI3U Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation
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 refi ne skills related to scientific investigation. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic
SBI3C Biology, Grade 11, College Preparation
This course focuses on the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will learn concepts and theories as they conduct investigations in the areas of cellular biology, microbiology, genetics, the anatomy of mammals, and the structure of plants and their role in the natural environment. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of concepts, and on the skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
SBI4U Biology, Grade 12, University Preparation
This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biochemistry, metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on the achievement of detailed knowledge and the refi nement of skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields. Prerequisite: Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation
PHYSICS
SPH3U Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation
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 scienti fi c investigation skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, they will analyse the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic
SPH4U Physics, Grade 12, University Preparation
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 fi elds and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scienti fi c investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, data relating to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment. Prerequisite: Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation
SPH4C Physics, Grade 12, College Preparation
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore these concepts with respect to motion; mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, energy transformation, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems; and the operation of commonly used tools and machines. They will develop their scienti fi c investigation skills as they test laws of physics and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment. Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
Career Possibilities for Science
APPRENTICESHIP
- horticulturist
- swine herdsperson
- dairy herdsperson
- horse groomer
- industrial mechanical millwright
- tool and die maker
- general machinist
- electrician (construction or industrial)
- welder
COLLEGE
- science laboratory technician
- paramedic
- personal support worker
- pharmacy technician
- respiratory therapist
- practical nurse
- medical radiation technologist
- dental hygienist/assistant
- firefighter
- massage therapy
UNIVERSITY
- forensic scientist
- industrial and environmental consultant
- quality control inspector
- DNA diagnostics
- pharmacist
- physiotherapist
- geriatrics
- nursing
- immunologist
- midwifery
- diagnostic medical sonographer
- dietician
- dentist/denturist
- veterinarian
- speech therapist
- optometrist
- winery consultant
- viticulture researcher
WORKPLACE
- horse groomer
- forester
- pest controller
- animal breeder/trainer
- beekeeper
- butcher
- farmer
- storm chaser


