Science courses provide you with facts, principles and concepts to give you a better understanding of your environment. In this scientific age, it is important that you acquire competence in critical thinking and the methods of science. These themes will provide a means of showing the connection between the disciplines, technology and society. Since the requirements of post-secondary schools vary greatly, if your plans include a career in a field which is technical or scientific in nature, you should consider taking as many science courses as possible. If your career plans are uncertain, you should consider taking as many sciences as your ability and interest dictate.

Science 10

Science 10 is the prerequisite for all the academic sciences. This academic course provides students with a unified view of the biological, chemical, physical and earth sciences and an awareness of the connections among them. The four topics covered are Energy and Matter in Chemical Change, Energy Flow in Technological Systems, Cycling of Matter in Living Systems and Energy Flow in Global Systems.

Biology 20, 30

This academic course sequence explores the interactions of living systems with one another and with their environment, and emphasizes the context of science by considering the interrelationships among science, technology and society. In Biology 20, you will study energy and matter exchange in the biosphere, ecosystems and population change, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and the human systems: digestive respiratory, excretory, circulatory and motor. You will learn how biotic and abiotic factors interact in a natural environment, and will begin to take a more in depth look at the human body. In Biology 30, the emphasis is on adaptation and change including the study the equilibrium between a human organism’s internal and external environment and how it can be maintained by chemical and electrochemical systems. You will also learn about organisms reproducing themselves to ensure survival, as well as the significance of mitosis and meiosis in providing diversity to descendants. Genetic principles are used to analyze population systems.

Biology 20 (IB) & Biology 35 IB (3 credits), Biology 30 (IB)

Biology 20 & 35 (IB) includes an in depth study of nutrition and digestion focusing on biochemistry and physiology, the circulatory system and disease defense, the respiratory system and gas exchange, the excretory system and homeostasis, and the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems. This course covers the Alberta Education curriculum for Biology 20 at an accelerated pace along with the expanded higher level biology IB syllabus requirements. Biology 30 (IB) is designed to prepare you for the IB exam and the Diploma Exam. You will study genetics and the nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems. You will meet the requirements of the higher level syllabus for Biology as detailed by International Baccalaureate. You must complete Biology 20 (IB) to enroll in this class.

Chemistry 20, 30

This course sequence is designed to study matter and its changes, and emphasizes the context of science by considering the interrelationships among science, technology and society. Students, through the study of Chemistry 20–30, are given an opportunity to explore and understand the natural world and to become aware of the profound influence of chemistry on their lives.  Chemistry 20 topics include matter as solutions, acids, bases and gases, quantitative relationships in chemical changes, and chemical bonding in matter. In Chemistry 30 you will study thermochemical changes, electrochemical changes, and equilibrium, acids, and an introduction to organic chemistry.

Chemistry 20 (IB), 30 (IB) & Chemistry 35 (3 credits)

Chemistry 20 (IB) includes the study of forms of matter, gases, quantitative relationships in chemical change and thermo-chemical changes. You will also study additional elective topics. Chemistry 30 (IB) s a continuation of the coursework designed to prepare you for completion of the standard level as described in the chemistry syllabus, as detailed by International Baccalaureate. You will complete the remainder of the Alberta curriculum and the IB curriculum, culminating in the writing of your diploma exam and IB exam.

Physics 20,30

This course sequence is  designed to study matter and energy and their interactions. This program emphasizes context by considering the interrelationship between science, technology and society. Physics 20 and 30 will help you understand the physics principles behind natural events you might experience and the technology you use in your daily life. Physics 20 topics include kinematics, dynamics, periodic motion and conservation of energy. These topics will be related to common real life situations. The emphasis will be on developing a sound basis for further academic study. Physics 30 topics include conservation of momentum, electric forces, magnetic forces and modern atomic theory. Many of these topics will be related to real life situations such as car crashes, the Earth’s protective magnetic field, and nuclear reactors.

Physics 20 IB, 30 IB & Physics 35 (3 credits)

In Physics 20 (IB) you will study kinematics, dynamics, periodic motion and conservation of energy. You will also study additional elective topics. Physics 30 is a continuation of the coursework designed to prepare you for completion of the standard level as detailed by International Baccalaureate. You will also complete the Alberta curriculum, culminating in the writing of your diploma exam and IB exam.

Science 20, 30

This course sequence is ideal if you are interested in science and plan to use the program for post-secondary entrance. Science 20 and 30 integrates concepts related to physical, biological and Earth sciences. In Science 20, you will study chemical change, changes in motion, the changing Earth and changes in living systems. This course is an integrated, academic approach to studying naturally occurring phenomena by drawing concepts from many areas of science. Concepts from the areas of biology, chemistry, physics and earth sciences are emphasized, as well as the relevance of science and technology in today’s society. Science 30 is an integrated, academic approach to studying all areas of science. Connections between science, technology and society are examined in depth. The course will cover how living systems respond to their environment, chemistry and the environment, electromagnetic energy, and energy and the environment.

Science 14, 24

This sequence allows you to meet the credit requirements for an Alberta high school diploma. The focus is on helping you understand the scientific principles behind the natural events you experience and the technology you use in your everyday lives. Students with 50-59% in Grade 9 Science can take Science 10 Transitions, which includes Science 14 in the first semester and Science 10 in the second semester. An Alberta High School diploma requires a minimum of ten credits (two 5-credit courses) in approved science coursework.

Science 14 is a general science course that comprises biological, physical and chemical science topics. This course develops knowledge in the natural sciences and an understanding of the role of science and technology in societal issues. It can provide the foundation needed for Science 10. Topics include disease and the immune system, the basic physics of automotive collision and safety, and the study of common household chemicals.

Please click here to download the Victoria School of the Arts High School Course Planner

Please click here to visit the Alberta Curriculum website.

Since the requirements of post-secondary schools vary greatly, if your plans include a career in a field which is technical or scientific in nature, you should consider taking as many science courses as possible. If your career plans are uncertain, you should consider taking as many sciences as your ability and interest dictate.