The high school Science program is designed to provide opportunities for students to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that they need to explore interests and prepare for further education and careers. It is guided by the vision to enable students to become a science-literate member of society and maintain a sense of wonder and awe at the world around them.
Science
Science 10
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Recommended minimum of 60% in both Science 9 and Mathematics 9
This course is the starting point for the Biology 20, Chemistry 20, Physics 20 and/or Science 20 course sequences. Specific topics of study include chemical change, technological systems, living systems, energy flow in global systems.
Science 14
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Recommended when marks are below 60% in Science 9
Science 14 is a practical course for those not planning to attend a post-secondary institution, but instead continuing on to Science 24, which qualifies students for an Alberta High School Diploma. This course covers four main themes: properties of matter, energy transfer technologies, matter and energy in living systems and matter and energy in the environment.
Science 10-4 (KAE)
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Below 40% in Science 9 plus recommendation from the Science 9 teacher and/or counselor
This is a practical course which leads to Science 20-4 and qualifies a student for an Alberta Certificate of High School Achievement. This is a general, practical based course which covers four themes: investigating properties of matter, understanding energy transfer technologies unit, investigating matter and energy in living systems, and investigation matter and energy in environmental systems.
Science 20
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Minimum of 50% in Science 14
Everything changes! If you’re interested in science but don’t plan to pursue a post-secondary program with a focus on science, this is the course for you. In Science 20, you’ll explore the concept of change, including chemical changes and changes in motion, and get an overview of topics in biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.
Science 24
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Minimum of 50% in Science 14
Students study the role of science in society and its relationship with technology. The four units used to acquire these skills are: applications of matter and chemical change; understanding common energy conversion systems; disease defense and human health and motion; and change and transportation safety. Completion of this stream will qualify the student for their science credits for their Alberta High School Diploma.
Science 20-4 (KAE)
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Minimum of 50% in Science 10-4
This course is project-based and emphasizes practical work. It covers the same basic units as Science 24, including application of matter and chemical change; understanding common energy conversion systems; disease defense and human health; and transportation safety.
Science 30
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Minimum of 50% in 1 of Biology 20, Chemistry 20, Physics 20, Science 20
Taking science further! In this course, you’ll investigate topics such as circulation and genetics, acid-base chemistry, organic chemistry, electromagnetic radiation, and energy resources. This course is an academic science course that covers biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.
Biology
This program investigates life sciences and is recommended for students interested in further study in biological sciences and/or a career in sciences.
Biology 20
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Recommended minimum of 60% in Science 10
Topics studied include the biosphere, ecosystems and population change, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, and human systems including nutrition and the digestive system, the circulatory system and immunity, the respiratory system, the excretory systems, and the motor system.
Biology 30
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Recommended minimum of 60% in Biology 20
There are four major areas of study in Biology 30. These include the nervous and endocrine (hormone) systems, human reproduction and development, cell division, genetics, molecular biology, and population and community dynamics.
Chemistry
This course stream is recommended for those intending to follow careers in life sciences, physical sciences and applied sciences.
Chemistry 20
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Recommend minimum of 60% in Science 10
This course consists of four units of study: diversity of matter and chemical bonding, gases, matter as solutions, acids and bases; and quantitative relationships in chemical change. This course includes an extensive laboratory component aimed at developing student interest in scientific inquiry, collaborative skills, environmental stewardship and safe practices.
Chemistry 30
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Recommended minimum of 60% in Chemistry 20
The themes of change, energy, matter, and systems are studied in terms of thermochemical changes (heat energy of chemical reactions), electrochemical changes (electrical energy changes), and chemical equilibrium focusing on acids and bases, and chemical change of organic compounds. This course includes an extensive laboratory component aimed at developing student interest in scientific inquiry, collaborative skills, environmental stewardship and safe practices.
Physics
Physics is an academic program recommended for students interested in careers and/or further study in the sciences, engineering, applied sciences and the technologies. Students registering in the Physics program are strongly advised to take Math 10C, 20-1 and 30-1.
Physics 20
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Recommended minimum of 60% in both Science 10 and Mathematics 10C
The main focus of this challenging course is to develop an understanding of the physics of motion through experiments and mathematical models. The goals of this course are not limited to knowledge of the course content. Students are also expected to demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills. The units of study include: motion in 1D and 2D, forces and energy, circular motion and gravitation, and simple harmonic motion and waves.
Physics 30
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Recommended minimum of 60% in Physics 20
Diversity of matter and energy are the predominant themes in this course. As in Physics 20, students will continue to develop their independent problem solving and critical and creative thinking skills. The units of study include: conservation of momentum, electric and magnetic field theory, electromagnetic radiation (wave and quantum models) and atomic and nuclear physics.