Name: Grade 12 Biology | SBI4U | OSSD Online School | royalontarioacademy.com
Author: cherylrichardson250@gmail.com

Curriculum Coordinator and Learning Strategist

Cheryl Richardson

B.Sc., OCT

SBI4U

Grade 12

University Preparation

Biology

Find additional course details below, including delivery format, course availability, course duration, prerequisite, tuition fee, hardware/software requirements, etc.

Course Details

Course Code

SBI4U

Course Name

Biology

Grade

Grade 12

Course Type

University Preparation

Format

Asynchronous Delivery

Prerequisite

Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation

Tuition Fee

$500.00

Course Duration

At Your Own Pace (4 weeks to 12 months)

Credit Value

1.0

Availability

Start Anytime

Course Reviser/Developer

Dr. Karen McCloskey

Latest Revision Date

Feburary, 2025

Curriculum

SBI4U – The Ontario Curriculum, Science, Grades 11 and 12, 2008 (revised)

Course Description, Unit Overview, Timeline

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 refinement of skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.

Prerequisite: Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation

Outlined below is a description of each unit, including what students will learn and the recommended hours for completion.

Unit Title & Description

Time Allocated

Unit 1: Enzymes Unleashed – The Biochemistry Behind Food Production

Explore the chemical structures, functions, and properties of biological molecules. Investigate enzyme activity and biochemical reactions through virtual labs, including H5P quizzes, interactive flashcards, and a drag-and-drop concept map. Analyze case studies on food production and enzyme applications in industry. Assessments include a food production infographic and a quiz.

15 Hours

Unit 2: Metabolic Pathways and Health

Examine the metabolic processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis, focusing on their impacts on human health. Investigate dietary patterns, metabolic rates, and the effects of supplements through self-paced studies and data analysis. Assessments include a Fad Diet Analysis project and a quiz. H5P flashcards and self-assessment checklists support learning.

15 Hours

Unit 3: Genetic Engineering in Agriculture

Analyze genetic modification and its impact on agriculture, food security, and biodiversity. Investigate the benefits and risks of genetic engineering through virtual labs, case studies, and self-assessment reflections. Assessments include a research assignment on GMOs in agriculture and a quiz.

15 Hours

Unit 4: Homeostasis and Environmental Health

Study the mechanisms of homeostasis and its role in maintaining internal stability. Explore the effects of environmental pollutants on human health through case studies and simulations. Activities include an environmental impact report, a quiz, and self-assessed reflections. Interactive flashcards reinforce key concepts.

15 Hours

Unit 5: Population Dynamics in Conservation Biology

Investigate factors affecting population growth and conservation efforts. Examine human impacts on biodiversity and ecological footprints through virtual simulations and concept mapping activities. Assessments include an assignment on conservation biology and a quiz.

15 Hours

Unit 6: Biotechnology in Medicine

Explore the role of biotechnology in healthcare, including its ethical, societal, and legal implications. Develop laboratory skills and analyze biotechnological applications through case studies and self-assessment reflections. Assessments include a Gizmo case study and a quiz.

15 Hours

Unit 7: Environmental Biotechnology

Examine how biotechnology is used for environmental sustainability, including bioremediation and microbial applications. Engage in virtual labs, case studies, and action planning exercises. Assessments include a case study, a quiz, and an environmental action plan.

10 Hours

Culminating Task

Apply knowledge from across the course to a real-world biological issue. Students will complete a research-based investigation that integrates biochemical, metabolic, genetic, and ecological concepts. This includes analyzing case studies, interpreting data, and presenting findings through a structured report or presentation. The culminating task accounts for 15% of the final grade.

8 Hours

Final Exam

A comprehensive assessment covering all topics in the course. The final exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is proctored. It accounts for 15% of the final grade.

2 Hours

Total Hours

110 Hours

Teaching and Learning Strategies

At Royal Ontario Academy, our asynchronous, self-paced courses are crafted to engage students actively, encouraging deep learning and self-reflection. Our online OSSD courses are normally divided into 8-10 smaller sections to help students learn content in manageable portions. Lessons connect concepts to practical, relatable social, environmental, and economic issues, fostering lifelong learning by helping students apply knowledge to real-life contexts.

Students are encouraged to explore, investigate, and think critically as they progress independently. This approach emphasizes problem-solving skills, guiding students to persist through challenges, reason through complex ideas, and explore alternative solutions on their own, building resilience and independence essential for success beyond the classroom.

Our virtual high school courses provide a variety of learning experiences through virtual labs, simulations, knowledge checks, reflections, and videos. Interactive activities and discussion forums are designed to draw on students prior knowledge, keeping them engaged and actively participating. These tools enable OSSD students to practice, reflect, and apply concepts flexibly at their own pace, creating a personalized learning journey tailored to each student’s interests and goals.

Assessment and Evaluation

A wide variety of assessment and evaluation tools will be used to earn credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma at Royal Ontario Academy including quizzes, tests, projects, essays, journals, and final assessments.

The final exam is a closed book, online test that is proctored and has a time limit. Students may also be required to appear on video for other assessments in certain courses.

All OSSD courses follow a simple evaluation breakdown at our virtual high school:
70% of the grade will be based on evaluations conducted throughout the online course. The remaining 30% of the grade will be based on a final evaluation or exam. This may be a final exam, a final project/report, or a combination of both an exam and a project.

Students will receive two reports per course:

First Mid Term Report: Reflects achievement and development after the first 4 Units.

Final Report: Reflects overall achievement and development for the entire course.

According to Growing Success First Edition, Grades 1 to 12, 2010, the primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. To ensure that assessment, evaluation, and reporting are valid and reliable, and that they lead to the improvement of learning for all students, Royal Ontario Academy teachers use practices and procedures that:

are fair, transparent, and equitable for all students;
support all students, including those with special education needs, those who are learning the language of instruction (English or French), and those who are First Nation, Métis, or Inuit;
are carefully planned to relate to the curriculum expectations and learning goals and, as much as possible, to the interests, learning styles and preferences, needs, and experiences of all students;
are communicated clearly to students and parents at the beginning of the school year or course and at other appropriate points throughout the school year or course;
are ongoing, varied in nature, and administered over a period of time to provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate the full range of their learning;
provide ongoing descriptive feedback that is clear, specific, meaningful, and timely to support improved learning and achievement;
develop students’ self-assessment skills to enable them to assess their own learning, set specific goals, and plan next steps for their learning.

Accommodations and IEP for Students

At Royal Ontario Academy, we believe that all OSSD students can benefit from a more accommodating online learning experience Accommodations allow for increased access to the course, without any changes to the knowledge and skills the student is expected to demonstrate.

An Individual Education Plan (IEP)is a personalized document that outlines a student’s learning needs, as well as the accommodations or services they require to succeed in their courses. At Royal Ontario Academy, our flexible online learning environment already addresses many common accommodation needs, but if a student requires additional support, our Principal is ready to help you!

– Students with Existing IEP: If a student has an existing IEP from another elementary or secondary school, Royal Ontario Academy can implement the listed accommodations, provided they are applicable within our online learning environment. To do so, a copy of the student’s IEP must be submitted to our Principal for review.

– Students Without IEP: If a student requires accommodations but does not currently have an IEP, our Principal will work with the student to assess their learning needs and develop a path forward. In this case, students will need to submit supporting documentation to help determine the appropriate accommodations.

– English Language Learners:– English Language Learners: Students who enroll at Royal Ontario Academy can provide information about their English language proficiency during the registration process. This information helps our teachers and Principal to tailor their teaching strategies and implement accommodations that support English language learners effectively.

For students and parents wishing to submit IEP documentation or request accommodations, please contact our Principal at info@royalontarioacademy.com

Resources Required by the Student

Students should have the following minimum hardware and software requirements to access the Advanced Functions

Minimum Technical Specifications

Hardware

A PC running Windows XP or higher or
A Mac running OS X or
A Chromebook running Chrome OS
2GB of RAM
High speed internet connection
A sound card with speakers or headphones
A functional webcam and microphone

Software

Adobe Reader
Java
A typical Office Suite including a word processor application, equation editor and spreadsheets

Browser

Mozilla Firefox4 or higher or
Internet Explorer 7 or higher or
Safari 5 or higher or
Google Chrome 11 or higher
In some cases, a scanner or phone/camera may be used to submit handwritten assignments.

Do students need any additional resources (i.e. textbooks)?

Every student in a virtual high school needs access to a desktop computer or laptop with high-speed internet and word processing software.

Any additional course-specific resources (i.e., calculators, software downloads, etc.) are listed on the individual course outline pages on our website.

All Royal Ontario Academy online course content is contained within our moodle learning management system, so no textbooks are required. For English courses and some social science/humanities courses, students may be required to locate copies of novels and plays that are readily available at public libraries or bookstores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is SBI4U?
SBI4U is a Grade 12 Biology course at University Preparation level.

2. What are 4U – (eg: 3M in AWQ3M (SBI4U))
4U for the SBI4U refers to the grade level and the course type. 4 refers to the 12th Grade and the second digit refers to the University Preparation course type.

3. What is the prerequisite for SBI4U?
The prerequisite for Biology is Any Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation

4. How long does it take to complete the SBI4U online course?
The completion of the SBI4U course varies depending on the availability and pace of each student. However, the course can be completed in minimum of 4 weeks to maximum of 12 months.

5. Will my marks be sent directly to OUAC or OCAS?
Yes. We can send your SBI4U online course marks to OUAC (Ontario University’ Application Centre) or OCAS (Ontario College Application Service).

6. How lessons are delivered for the SBI4U?
At Royal Ontario Academy, course learning is asynchronously delivered for the SBI4U in various formats such as videos, question and answers, interactive tools, written notes, simulations, presentations, and external websites/links depending on the subject material of the course.

7. What is the withdrawal policy?

For students registered in Grade 9 and 10 courses, withdrawals can be made at any time and are not recorded on the Ontario Student Transcript (OST).

For students registered in Grade 11 and 12 courses, withdrawals made within 5 days of the issuance of the first (mid-term) report card from Royal Ontario Academy will result in the mark not being recorded on the Ontario Student Transcript (OST). Withdrawals after 5 days of the issuance of the first (mid term) report card will result in a “W” being entered in the “Credit” column of the OST, along with the mark at the time of withdrawal.

8. What is the due date of my course?
Since your course is self-paced, there are no set due dates, allowing you to progress at your own speed. However, please be mindful of any deadlines for university or college applications.

9. Can I earn my OSSD (Ontario secondary school diploma) credits through online courses?
Yes, you can earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits fully online through Royal Ontario Academy. To earn OSSD credits, you will need to complete 30 credits (18 compulsory and 12 optional), pass Biology Test, and fulfill 40 hours of community involvement.

Price Detail

$500

/ 1 Course

$800

/ 2 Course

$1050

/ 3 Course

Start your learning journey with us.

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Course Code

Course Name

Grade

Course Type

Format

Prerequisite

Tuition Fee

Course Duration

Credit Value

Availability

Course Reviser/Developer

Latest Revision Date

Curriculum

Do students need any additional resources (i.e. textbooks)?

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