SBI3U
Biology
This Grade 11 university preparation biology course develops students’ understanding of biological systems through theory, inquiry and the analysis of connections among science, technology, society and the environment. Students investigate biodiversity, evolution, genetics, animal systems and plant anatomy.
Grade
11
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
SNC2D
About This Course
This Grade 11 university preparation biology course develops students’ understanding of biological systems through theory, inquiry and the analysis of connections among science, technology, society and the environment. Students investigate biodiversity, evolution, genetics, animal systems and plant anatomy.
What You'll Learn
- Investigate biodiversity, classification, taxonomy and phylogeny.
- Examine evolutionary processes and scientific evidence supporting the theory of evolution.
- Study genetic processes, meiosis, heredity and basic genetics problems.
- Investigate animal anatomy and physiology, including respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems.
- Examine plant tissues, transport systems, growth and the role of plants in biodiversity.
- Develop scientific investigation skills and analyze science, technology, society and environment connections.
Skills You'll Develop
- Scientific inquiry and research
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Biological diagrams, models and classification
- Genetics problem solving
- Evidence-based scientific communication
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Apply scientific investigation skills in planning, performing, recording, analyzing and communicating.
- Analyze human impacts on biodiversity and understand taxonomy and phylogeny.
- Analyze evidence and mechanisms of evolution and natural selection.
- Investigate meiosis and genetics and explain transmission of hereditary characteristics.
- Explain the structure and function of major animal systems and related technological and societal issues.
- Investigate plant tissues, growth, transport systems and sustainable uses of plants.
- Identify careers and contributions of scientists related to the fields of biology studied.
Course Units
The following reflects the school’s planned organization of the course. Approximate time allocations may be adjusted while all curriculum expectations and required planned learning are maintained.
| Unit | Title / Major Learning Focus | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diversity of Living Things | 22 hours |
| 2 | Evolution | 22 hours |
| 3 | Genetic Processes | 22 hours |
| 4 | Animals: Structure and Function | 21 hours |
| 5 | Plants: Anatomy, Growth, and Function | 21 hours |
| Final | Mandatory Written Final Examination | 2 hours |
Assessment
Assessment uses evidence gathered over time from student work, conversations and observations. The final grade for 2026–2027 is determined as follows:
| Component | Weight | How It Is Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Course work throughout the course | 65% | Evaluation evidence gathered throughout the course, reflecting consistent achievement with special consideration for more recent evidence. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 25% | Written final examination administered during the designated final-evaluation period. |
| Attendance and participation | 10% | Based on meaningful attendance and participation; excused absences do not negatively affect this component. |
Examples of Assessment Evidence
Assessment may include investigations and lab/simulation reports, research tasks, case studies, tests, data-analysis tasks, oral explanations, pedigree and Punnett-square problems and final evaluations.
Pathways
Students explore pathways and careers connected to biology, health sciences, genetics, ecology, agriculture, biotechnology, veterinary science, forestry and related fields.
The course also develops transferable scientific inquiry, analysis, communication and ethical-reasoning skills applicable across many academic and professional contexts.
Teacher Support
- Students learn through the school's secure online learning environment and receive ongoing support from qualified teachers.
- Teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support are available as appropriate.
- Guided inquiry, research tasks and problem-based investigations connect biological concepts to authentic issues.
- Virtual laboratories, simulations, virtual microscopy, demonstrations and approved low-risk investigations support scientific inquiry.
- Teachers provide guided practice in biological terminology, classification, genetics, data interpretation and scientific communication.
- Case studies, diagrams, pedigrees, Punnett squares, graphs and data tables are used with descriptive feedback and differentiated supports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
SBI3U — Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation.
What is the prerequisite?
Science, Grade 10, Academic (SNC2D).
How many credits is SBI3U?
The course is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
What major topics are covered?
Biodiversity, evolution, genetic processes, animal structure and function, and plant anatomy, growth and function.
How are investigations completed online?
The course uses virtual laboratories, simulations, virtual microscopy, teacher demonstrations and teacher-approved low-risk practical activities.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% course work, 25% mandatory written final examination, and 10% attendance and participation.
What pathways can SBI3U support?
It supports pathways in health sciences, genetics, ecology, biotechnology, veterinary science, agriculture, forestry, hospital science and related fields.
Ready to Take This Course?
$549 / Credit
- Provided by CSW — Canadian School of the World
- Ontario Ministry of Education registered
- Delivered fully online
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure if this is the right course? Book a free 30-minute meeting with a CSW advisor.
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