Science, Grade 12, University/College Preparation
Curriculum Policy

Science, The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, 2008 (Revised)

Course Description:

This course provides students, including those in non-science postsecondary programs, with a deeper understanding of science and its relevance to contemporary social and environmental issues in health-related fields. Students will investigate various topics, including medical technologies, pathogens and diseases, nutritional science, public health concerns, and biotechnology. The curriculum emphasizes the theoretical foundations of these subjects while enhancing students’ scientific investigation skills.

Chapters and Descriptions:

• Nutritional Influences on Health
  In this unit, students will explore the relationship between nutrition and health, focusing on its role in disease prevention. They will examine essential macro- and micronutrients and the digestive processes involved. Additionally, students will reflect on how social and behavioral factors influence dietary choices.
• Pathogen and Disease Exploration
  This unit introduces students to various pathogens and the diseases they cause. It begins with a case study of the cholera outbreak in 18th-century London, highlighting the origins of epidemiology and John Snow’s identification of patient zero. Students will learn aseptic techniques and other methods to prevent the spread of pathogens and diseases.
• Advancements in Medical Technology
  In this unit, students will discover the medical technologies used for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The unit starts with a case study involving a patient with a potentially life-threatening condition, leading students to diagnose the patient using various test results. They will also learn about biomedical repair technologies and recent advancements in medical technology.
• Introduction to Biotechnology
  Students will be introduced to historical developments and current trends in biotechnology in this unit. They will learn fundamental techniques used in health care (e.g., gene therapy), agriculture (e.g., food production, animal breeding), and environmental science (e.g., biofuels, bioremediation). The unit includes a case study where students apply their analytical skills and basic biotechnology techniques to examine evidence from a crime scene.
• Overview of Public Health Management
  In this unit, students will gain insight into public health management, examining the structure of public health at municipal, provincial, and federal levels. They will explore historical public health concerns and analyze modern pandemics and epidemics that pose threats today. The unit will encourage students to consider future directions for public health.