SCIENCE 08
Science 8 builds on the core competencies of communication, thinking and personal and social skills through a focus on scientific curricular competencies.  This course will be organized around several big ideas that provide the content for inquiry-based learning of essential science skills.  For more information, check out:  https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/science/8

SCIENCE 09
Science 9 builds on the core competencies of communication, thinking and personal and social skills through a focus on scientific curricular competencies.  This course will be organized around several big ideas that will expand, extend and add to learning from Grade 8 and provide the content for inquiry-based learning of essential science skills.  For more information, check out:  https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/science/9

SCIENCE 10
Science 10 is a required course for graduation in B.C. This course continues to give students the opportunity to practice the processes and skills of science. Additional emphasis is placed on problem solving, scientific inquiry, communication and literacy. The course is divided into four key areas of study:
Life Science (Biology) – genetics
Physical Science (Chemistry) – chemical reactions and reaction kinetics
Physical Science (Physics) – energy conservation and transformation
Astronomy - components of the universe and the Big Bang Theory
In Science 10, students will write a final exam worth 20% of their overall course mark.

LIFE SCIENCES 11 
Solid achievement in Science 10 and a functional mastery of English is recommended.
Life Sciences 11 (formerly Biology 11)  is an introductory course in biology designed to give students an appreciation for the living world. A diverse sample of organisms will be studied, while introducing students to a variety of biological skills and scientific processes.

It is also expected that the course will contribute to the development of scientific attitudes and critical thinking abilities. The course is split up into four major units: methods and principles, microbiology, botany and zoology. Laboratory work includes microscopy, investigation and classification of organisms and dissection of various specimens. Students should be able to work on their own and in groups to make honest, accurate observations and learn new terminology.

CHEMISTRY 11

Solid achievement in both Science 10 and Mathematics 10 are recommended.

Chemistry 11 is an introductory course designed to lay a solid foundation for future studies in higher level chemistry. This course emphasizes manipulation of equipment, observation of experimental phenomena and analysis of data to verify scientific principles. The following topics are studied: description and classification of matter, the periodic table, chemical reactions, atomic theory, naming inorganic compounds, the mole concept, stoichiometry, solubility, organic chemistry and one or more additional topics.

 

PHYSICS 11
Solid achievement in both Science 10 and Mathematics 10 are recommended.
Physics 11 is a survey course, intended to introduce students to the methods (and wonder) of physics. Topics include motion, forces and energy, and waves (light and sound). Physics is the branch of science that looks at how the physical world works, and why things are the way they are. It underlies and helps us to understand all the other sciences; physics develops insight and thinking skills that are applicable in many areas. Many of our descriptions use mathematical tools, so it is best that students be comfortable with basic algebra (rearranging equations) and solving math problems if they are going to take this course.

SCIENCE FOR CITIZENS 11 
We live in a constantly changing world where science, technology and society interact. Through exploration of various topics, students will develop skills for analyzing these interactions in order to become citizens capable of evaluating information and making well-informed decisions. What are possible alternatives to animal testing? Why are computers necessary in today’s world? Can we cope with toxic waste? How is transportation impacting our environment? What are alternative energy sources and how feasible are they? Although many of these questions do not have simple solutions, throughout the course students will gain knowledge, skills and develop attitudes that can impact their future as decision-makers. This course fulfills the Science 11 requirement for graduation but does not qualify as a science prerequisite for most university programs.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY 12 
A functional mastery of English and solid achievement in Life Sciences 11 and Chemistry 11 are recommended.
Anatomy and Physiology 12 (formerly Biology 12) is a demanding course with extensive topics and is designed for students interested in pursuing biology in the future at a post-secondary institution. The range of topics studied is extensive, including the building blocks of life at the molecular level, focusing on organic compounds (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids) and cell biochemistry. All major human body systems (anatomy and physiology) will also be learned. Laboratory work is an integral component of this course, and it is recommended that students already have foundational laboratory skills.

CHEMISTRY 12
A functional mastery of English and a thorough understanding of Chemistry 11 and Mathematics 11 concepts are recommended.
Chemistry 12 requires a thorough knowledge of the principles of Chemistry 11 to investigate the following topics on a more advanced and demanding level: reaction kinetics, equilibrium, aqueous solutions, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction. The laboratory work involves quantitative and qualitative analysis. Emphasis will also be placed on problem-solving, requiring critical thinking and a strong mathematical background.

PHYSICS 12
Solid achievement in both Physics 11 and Mathematics 11 are recommended.
Physics 12 extends the material covered in Physics 11 to give you grounding in the discipline of physics. It is intended for those going on to further study in sciences or engineering, and consequently the treatment of the subject is more mathematically demanding than in Physics 11. The course concentrates on mechanics (force and motion in 2-D, energy) and electromagnetisms (fields, circuits, magnetic fields). Students should be comfortable with trigonometry and algebra from previous mathematics courses.

 

IB SCIENCE COURSES:
All IB Science courses are rigorous pre-university courses that provide challenging and in-depth studies of specialized knowledge, concepts and scientific thinking. IB science  courses are offered in Standard Level and Higher Level, and are completed over two years. In May of the second year (Grade 12), students will write external IB final exams. As with all courses at RHS, each of the six IB science courses will only be scheduled if there is sustainable enrollment. *Please note: the IB group 4 sciences are in the midst of a curriculum revision and topics are subject to change for first exams in 2025.

 

IB BIOLOGY (HL) 11
IB BIOLOGY (HL) 12
Marks of “B” or higher in both Science 10 and Math 10 (Foundations & Pre-calculus) are strongly recommended. Students need to be relatively comfortable with mathematical problem-solving in this course.
Biology is the branch of science that attempts to understand the living world using different approaches and techniques. In this 2-year program students will examine the variety of scales upon which life exists, from molecules to cells to organisms and their interactions in ecosystems.  Areas of study will be viewed through the lens of 4 major themes: Unity & Diversity, Form & Function, Interaction & Interdependence, Continuity & Change.  Students will learn about molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, statistics, ecology, evolution & biodiversity, and human physiology.   [Students will complete a mandatory Collaborative Sciences Project, as well as an individual investigation (internal assessment)].

 

 

IB BIOLOGY (SL) 11
IB BIOLOGY (SL) 12
Marks of “B” or higher in both Science 10 and Math 10 (Pre-Calculus) are strongly recommended.  Students need to be relatively comfortable with mathematical problem-solving in this course.

Biology is the branch of science that attempts to understand the living world using different approaches and techniques. In this 2-year program students will examine the variety of scales upon which life exists, from molecules to cells to organisms and their interactions in ecosystems.  Areas of study will be viewed through the lens of 4 major themes: Unity & Diversity, Form & Function, Interaction & Interdependence, Continuity & Change.  Students will learn about molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, statistics, ecology, evolution & biodiversity, and human physiology.   [Students will complete a mandatory Collaborative Sciences Project, as well as an individual investigation (internal assessment)].

Note - IB 11 credits meet the BC Ministry of Education graduation requirements.

IB CHEMISTRY (HL) 11
IB CHEMISTRY (HL) 12
Marks of “B” or higher in both Science 10 and Math 10 (Pre-Calculus) are strongly recommended.  Students need to be relatively comfortable with mathematical problem-solving in this course.
Higher level IB Chemistry is a rigorous, fast-paced academic course that is completed over 2 years of study.  In this 2-year program major topics include measurement & data processing, atomic structure, stoichiometry, periodicity, chemical bonding, thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, acids & bases, redox processes and organic chemistry.  Additional higher-level topics delve further into the major areas listed above, and will also include a focus on the transition metals, as well as further exploration of tools for data analysis.  [Students will complete a mandatory Collaborative Sciences Project, as well as an individual investigation (internal assessment)].

Chemistry is the study of matter and changes to matter.  It is a hands-on science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical lab skills.  It is often called the central science, with its chemical principles linking the physical environment in which we live to all biological systems.

Note - IB 11 credits meet the BC Ministry of Education graduation requirements.

IB CHEMISTRY (SL) 11
IB CHEMISTRY (SL) 12
Marks of “B” or higher in both Science 10 and Math 10 (Pre-Calculus) are strongly recommended.  Students need to be relatively comfortable with mathematical problem-solving in this course.
Standard level IB Chemistry is an academic course that is completed over 2 years of study.  In this 2-year program major topics include measurement & data processing, atomic structure, stoichiometry, periodicity, chemical bonding, thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium acids & bases, redox processes and organic chemistry.  [Students will complete a mandatory Collaborative Sciences Project, as well as an individual investigation (internal assessment)].

Chemistry is the study of matter and changes to matter.  It is a hands-on science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical lab skills.  It is often called the central science, with its chemical principles linking the physical environment in which we live to all biological systems.

IB PHYSICS (HL) 11
IB PHYSICS (HL) 12
Marks of “B” or higher in both Science 10 and Mathematics 10 (Pre-Calculus) are strongly recommended. Students need to be comfortable with mathematical problem-solving in this course.
Higher level IB Physics is a rigorous, fast-paced academic course that is completed over 2 years of study.  In the two-year program, major topics include measurement, mechanics (motion & forces), thermal physics, waves, circular motion & gravitation, electricity & magnetism, atomic nuclear & particle physics and energy production.  Additional higher-level topics include: wave phenomena, fields, electromagnetic induction, quantum & nuclear physics.  Students will complete a mandatory Collaborative Sciences Project, as well as an individual investigation (internal assessment).

Physics is the branch of science that looks at how the physical world works, and why things are the way they are. It underlies and helps us to understand all the other sciences. IB Physics develops insight and critical thinking-skills with emphasis on experimental design, the nature of science, and social and environmental issues.

Note - IB 11 credits meet the BC Ministry of Education graduation requirements.

IB PHYSICS (SL) 11
IB PHYSICS (SL) 12
Marks of “B” or higher in both Science 10 and Mathematics 10 (Pre-Calculus) are strongly recommended. Students need to be comfortable with mathematical problem-solving in this course.
Standard Level IB Physics is an academic course that is completed over two years of study. In this w-year program major topics include measurement, mechanics (motion & forces), thermal physics, waves, circular motion & gravitation, electricity & magnetism, atomic nuclear & particle physics, and energy production.  Students will complete a mandatory Collaborative Sciences Project, as well as an individual investigation (internal assessment).

Physics is the branch of science that looks at how the physical world works, and why things are the way they are. It underlies and helps us to understand all the other sciences. IB Physics develops insight and critical thinking-skills with emphasis on experimental design, the nature of science, and social and environmental issues.