§Students who require a mise à niveau English or French course will be required to
pass it before they can take their introductory course in English or French.
§Students will be required to pass a
Ministerial Exam of Language of Instruction and a Program Comprehensive
Assessment in Science.
§For course prerequisites, see the Course
Calendar or Schedule of Classes. Both are available at www.johnabbott.qc.ca
June 2011
200.16 – Honours Science
Program planner
for Fall 2010 or Later - John Abbott College
The Honours
Science Certificate program is designed for students interested in pursuing
science-related careers and it focuses on interdisciplinary learning and
student development. In their first year, Honours students take their
required science courses as a group and share a common meeting time for
science-related field trips and invited speakers. They also work on
individual and team projects.
To be considered
for Honours Science, students must graduate from high school with an overall
grade average of 85% or higher, and minimum marks of 80% in chemistry,
mathematics and physics. In addition to the SRAM application, students must
also submit a separate written application to the Honours Science
Coordinator.
The following
planner indicates all the courses needed and the usual path to complete your
DEC in this program.
3.Students will also
have a common meeting time for science-related field trips and invited
speakers.
§Students who require a mise à niveau English or French course will be required to
pass it before they can take their introductory course in English or French.
§Students will be required to pass a
Ministerial Exam of Language of Instruction and a Program Comprehensive
Assessment in Science.
§For course prerequisites, see the Course
Calendar or Schedule of Classes. Both are available at www.johnabbott.qc.ca
June 2011
Program Information
Comprehensive Assessment
The Ministry of Education requires every student to pass a
“Program Comprehensive Assessment” The Ministry introduced this
requirement because it recognized the importance of integrating the knowledge
and skills students have acquired in their program.
After completing most of their required science courses,
science students must take three option courses. In each these option courses,
students extend their core knowledge into an area of their interest. Because
these courses are taken near the end of the program and require students to
draw on competencies which they have previously developed, these courses
provide an appropriate context in which the Science Program Comprehensive
Assessment can occur. A majority of these option courses (see list of science option courses) in each
science discipline will include a comprehensive assessment project, and
students will be required to enrol in at least one of these select option
courses in order to be assessed. Every student must successfully complete a
Science Program Comprehensive Assessment in order to satisfy the requirements
for graduation.
The goal of the comprehensive project is to provide the
student with the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to integrate what he/she
has learned in the completion of a complex scientific task, thereby
demonstrating their scientific competency. Over the course of their studies
students develop a variety of competencies as identified by the Ministère de l’éducation, du loisir et du sport.
·To apply the experimental method
·To take a systematic approach to problem solving
·To use the appropriate data-processing
technologies
·To reason logically
·To communicate effectively
·To learn autonomously
·To work as members of a team
·To make connections between science, technology
and human progress
·To define their personal system of values
·To become familiar with the context in which
scientific concepts are discovered and developed
·To adopt attitudes that are useful for
scientific work
·To apply what they have learned to new
situations
The comprehensive assessment project will endeavour to
evaluate these competencies to the greatest extent possible within the
framework of a single integrated project. In 101-DCN Biology II, 202-DCP
Organic Chemistry I and 202-DDB Organic Chemistry II the projects will be worth
less and students will be required to pass two of the three comprehensive
assessment projects in these courses to complete the Comprehensive Assessment.
In each course the comprehensive assessment project will be
defined in such a way that successful completion of the project will
demonstrate that the student can learn autonomously, apply what he/she has
learned previously and he/she has have adopted the attitudes that are useful
for scientific work. The project may involve research of a scientific principle
using various sources of information, experimentation, analysis of experimental
data which may have been collected by others, or it may be a design project
which incorporates scientific principles.
In order to be eligible to be evaluated in an option
course, a student must have completed or have in progress 9 of the 12 science
courses. Every student must register for at least one option course in which
they are eligible to be evaluated for the Comprehensive Assessment.
Should a student complete all three option courses but fail
all attempts at the Comprehensive Assessment, he or she will be given the
opportunity to complete a comprehensive assessment through an independent
project approved and evaluated by a teacher appointed by the Dean. The
opportunity to do this will be offered during the January intersession with the
project to be completed by the last day of the intersession classes, and once
in early June.
Science Course Chart
To obtain your diploma in science, you need to complete all
the General Education requirements, 9 compulsory Science courses (greyed out in the list below) and 3 Science
option courses.
1.Note
that not all courses are offered every semester.
2.Courses
marked with an asterisk* contain the entire Science Program Comprehensive
Assessment.
3.For
courses marked with two asterisks**, students will have to pass two
comprehensive assessment projects. That is, students could take Organic
Chemistry I and Biology II OR Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II to
gain the credit for the Comprehensive Assessment.
4.To
be eligible for the assessment, a student must have at least any 9 of the 12
science courses completed or in progress
Science Objectives
Graduates of the Science Program master the knowledge and
skills of a basic scientific education as listed in the outcomes below. The
program is organized according to objectives to be attained in each course. The
following is a list of the Ministerial program objectives linked with Science
courses.
OOUK
To analyze the organization, functioning and diversity of
living beings.
OOUL
To analyze chemical and physical changes in matter using
concepts associated with the structure of atoms and molecules.
OOUM
To analyze the properties of solutions and reactions in
solutions.
OOUN
To apply the methods of differential calculus to the
study of functions and problem solving.
OOUP
To apply the methods of integral calculus to the study of
functions and problem solving.
OOUQ
To apply the methods of algebra and vector geometry to
problem solving.
OOUR
To analyze various situations and phenomena in physics
using the basic principles of classical mechanics.
OOUS
To analyze various situations and phenomena in physics
using the basic laws of electricity and magnetism.
OOUT
To analyze various situations or phenomena associated
with waves, optics and modern physics using basic principles.
OOUU
To apply acquired knowledge to one or more subjects in
the sciences.
OOUV
To apply the experimental method in a scientific field.
OOXU
(Optional) To analyze the structure and functioning of
multi-celled organisms in terms of homeostasis and from an evolutionary
perspective.
OOXV
(Optional) To solve simple problems in organic chemistry.
Course Descriptions
Biology
Biology courses
provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding and
appreciation of important biological concepts. Students also develop an
appreciation of the implications of technological developments on the
biological world. All students should verify with Academic Advising which of
the following Biology courses are required for admission to specific university
programs
101-NYA-05 (3.2.3)
GENERAL BIOLOGY I
General Biology I
is an introductory level course compulsory for all science students
and is a prerequisite for all other Biology Option Courses offered in the
Science Program. This course offers students an introduction to the life
sciences focusing on the organization, functioning and diversity of life
forms. Upon completion of General Biology, students will have been given the
opportunity to:
1.Recognize the relationship between structure
and function at different levels of organization;
2.Understand cell division and the genetic
mechanisms important in inheritance;
3.Appreciate the mechanisms of evolution and
understand how life forms adapt to their environment;
4.Develop a basic understanding of the
principles of ecology and some environmental issues facing man.
101-DCN-05
(3.2.3)
GENERAL BIOLOGY II | P: 101-NYA
Topics covered in this course include the
molecular basis of life: an introduction to the chemistry of biological
molecules; the structure and function of cell membranes; bioenergetics:
photosynthesis, cellular respiration, metabolism; molecular genetics: an
introduction to the molecular basis of heredity and biotechnology. This
course is recommended for students pursuing Health Science studies at
university.
101-DDB-05
(3.2.3)
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY | P: 101-NYA
Human Anatomy and Physiology introduces the science student
to the dynamic workings of the major organ systems of the human body. Particular
focus is placed on the intricate workings of the nervous system for control
of bodily functions, as well as the vital functions of the cardiovascular,
respiratory and endocrine systems. The lab provides students with the
opportunity to use themselves as test subjects while learning about their own
unique physiology. This course is recommended for students pursuing Health Science
studies at university.
101-DDM-05 (3.2.3)
HUMAN GENETICS | P: 101-NYA
Genetics has revolutionized our understanding of human
biology, from the transmission of heritable diseases and the genetic
influences on behaviour, to our shared evolutionary history. This genetic
revolution has been accompanied by major advances in applied genetic
technologies that are having an increasing impact on individuals as they make
decision about their health and reproduction. Human Genetics is designed to
continue the study of genetics begun in Biology NYA, focusing on fundamental
knowledge about the human genome and the function and variation of genes,
which will be considered in the context of understanding, diagnosing and
treating genetic disease. The laboratory component of this course will
provide students the opportunity to develop skills in traditional genetics,
such as genetic counselling, and new methods of genetic and genomic analysis,
such as PCR and bioinformatics. The profound importance of genetics in modern
health care, bioethics, and biotechnology make this an interesting course for
any science student.
101-DDJ-05 (3.2.3)
BIOLOGICAL MARINE SCIENCE IN BARBADOS | P: 101-NYA-
I
This course is designed as an intensive
practical and applied approach to Marine science. This field program is offered
at the Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados and provides a unique
experience in applications within Biological and Environmental disciplines by
investigating a dynamic Caribbean marine environment. Topics to include coral
reef diversity, underwater sampling techniques (including photography, survey
methods), in situ sampling, and laboratory and field experiments of marine
biotic and abiotic factors, food web dynamics, taxonomy, fish anatomy, and an
investigation of coastal processes. This science option course is recommended
for general interest and students pursuing university studies in
environmental or earth and planetary sciences.
Chemistry
Chemistry Students
are placed in College Chemistry courses according to Secondary V provincial
results. Please refer to the Science Placement Chart. Students should verify with Academic
Advising which of the following Chemistry courses are required for admission to
specific university programs.
Oriented towards understanding concepts, this course
examines numerous macroscopic properties of solutions and chemical reactions.
Major topics in this physical chemistry course include colligative
properties, reactions, equilibrium (both general and solution equilibria),
electrochemistry, kinetics, and acids and bases.
202-NYA-05
(3.2.3)
GENERAL CHEMISTRY | P: 202-NYB
This course introduces atomic and molecular structures.
Topics covered include development of modern atomic theory; chemical bonding
and its effect on the chemical and physical properties of matter.
202-DCP-05
(3.2.3)
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I | P: 202-NYA
An introduction to the chemistry of organic molecules
including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic systems and their derivatives,
this course employs a mechanistic approach to the understanding of typical
organic reactions. Laboratory work is an important part of the course.
202-DDB-05 (3.2.3)
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II | P: 202-DCP
A continuation of Organic Chemistry I (202-DCP), this course
extends the study of mechanism, structure and synthesis in organic chemistry.
Methods introduced in 202-DCP are reviewed by application to the study of
aromatic and carbonyl compounds. The use of spectropic techniques for
determining molecular structure is emphasized. Practical laboratory work,
including the use of chemical instrumentation, is an important component of
the course..
202-DDP-05
(3.2.3)
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY | P: 202-NYA
Is that blood on your hands? Did the urbane Claus von
Bulow attempt to murder his rich socialite wife by surreptitiously injecting
insulin into her medication? Remember the famous ‘Acid
Experiments’ of the 1960’s conducted in our back yard at McGill University
and secretly funded by the CIA? What role does a chemist play in the
mysterious death of a woman - a death later uncovered as murder due to
arsenic poisoning?
From sensational high-tech cases like the O.J. Simpson
trial to less well-known crimes, intriguing details are revealed in the
course appropriately subtitled Arsenic Milkshake. This course gives students
the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at the techniques used by today’s
new scientific sleuths. You will have a chance to play forensic detective,
learn how to analyze gunshot residues, detect fingerprints, check
Breathalyzer test results, identify different blood types and analyse drug
poisonings
202-DDN-05
(3.2.3)
CHEMISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT: CHEMICALS
AROUND US | P: 202-NYA
This course is
designed for science students who want to learn more about the chemistry of a
healthy environment, and techniques of assessing environmental uses and
abuses. We will examine:
1.environmental
pollutants in water, air and soil;
2.their sources, effects on plants and humans
and;
3.controls to minimize pollutants.
Topics include acid rain, nuclear waste, radiation
hazards, oil pollution, effects of smoking on humans, toxic waste,
pesticides, smog, nutrition, environment and physical fitness.
Students may not take this course if they have successfully
completed either 202-ENV-AB or 203-ENV-AB.
202-ENV-AB (3.2.3)
Environmental Sciences: The Energy Dilemma |
p: 202-nya/nyb & 203-nya/nyb
This course is about energy, the methods we
use to create and convert it, and the adverse environmental affects these
practices have on our planet. From the tar sands in Alberta to the coal pits
in Wyoming, we will study how we find, process and distribute our limited
fossil fuels. We will learn about CO2 emissions, and how climate change has
spurned the emerging green economy of wind farms, tidal generators and solar
arrays. How do these things work and how “green” are they.
This is a unique course, taught by two teachers from two
different departments (alternating labs and lectures), allowing a different
perspective for today’s most important questions.
Students may now take this course if they have successfully
completed either 202-DDN-05 or 203-ENV-AB.
Earth & Ocean Science
205-DDP-AB
(3.2.3)
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE | P: 202-NYB &
203-NYA
You probably already know that a feedback occurs when a
guitar gets too close to an amp, but did you know that feedbacks also occur
in Earth Systems? The geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere on
Earth are functioning systems in and of themselves that also interact in
complex ways with each other, creating the weather, rocks, ecosystems, and
climate. What happens when humans tinker with complex Earth systems that have
been in place for millions of years? Learn the science behind the climate
change headlines and examine the evidence for potential significant change in
our lifetimes from a global geo-historic perspective.
205-DDN-AB
(3.2.3)
INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY | P: 202-NYB
& 203-NYA
Oceanography is truly an interdisciplinary science
incorporating aspects of geology, chemistry, physics, and biology to study
the present and past of the world ocean. Learn about the generation of
tsunamis and tidal waves (not the same thing!), beaches and tides, surface
ocean currents and global thermohaline ocean circulation. Learn why oceans
exist in the first place, how their shapes are constantly changing, and
explore the chemosynthetic communities of organisms that live at the
birthplaces of oceans. Human impact on the oceans and the potential resulting
climate changes will also be
explored.
205-DDM-05
(3.2.3)
UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH | P: 202-NYB &
203-NYA
Have you ever wondered why volcanoes erupt in Hawaii, but
not in Quebec? Did you know that Montreal is moving away from Paris at about
the same rate that your fingernails grow? Why are mountain chains where they
are? What makes earthquakes tick? Follow the history of Earth from magma
ocean to giant iceball; through super-continents and mountain-building
episodes to ancient seas; from recent glaciation to modern-day global
warming. Learn how geoscientists uncover Earth's 4- billion-year-story and
decipher the deep-Earth and surface processes that continue to shape our
home: it's all in the rocks.
Mathematics
All students are
placed into Mathematics courses according to their Secondary V Provincial
results. Refer to the Mathematics Sequence Chart. All students planning course selection to
meet university entrance requirements should consult an Academic Advisor.
This course includes a review of algebra, functions,
limits, continuity; differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential
and logarithmic functions; related rates, curve sketching, optimization,
including word problems, antiderivatives, definite integrals and areas.
201-NYB-05
(3.2.3)
CALCULUS II | P: 201-NYA
This course covers inverse trigonometric functions:
graphs, differentiation, integrals involving inverse trigonometric functions;
integration techniques: substitutions, powers of trig functions, trig
substitution, partial fractions, integration by parts; physical applications of
integration, areas between curves, volumes of solids of revolution, L’Hôpital’s
Rule and indeterminate forms, improper integrals, sequences, infinite series,
power series, tests for convergence, plus Maclaurin and Taylor series and
applications.
201-NYC-05
(3.2.3)
LINEAR ALGEBRA I | P: 201-NYA
This course covers the solution of systems of linear
equations, matrices, determinants; vectors in 2-space and
3-space, dot product, cross product, lines and planes, introduction to
concepts of linear combinations, spans, subspaces, linear dependence and independence,
basis, dimension, row space, column space, null space and applications.
201-DDB-O5
(3.2.3)
CALCULUS III | P: 201-NYB WITH AT LEAST 65%
This course is strongly recommended for students who
intend to study Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics at university. Among the
topics discussed are power series and Taylor series, parametric equations,
graphs using polar co-ordinates, vector-valued functions, limits, continuity
and graphs of multivariate functions, partial derivatives, optimization
problems, Lagrange multipliers, multiple integrals, cylindrical and spherical
co-ordinates.
201-DDC-O5
(3.2.3)
LINEAR ALGEBRA II | P: 201-NYC
Recommended for students who intend to pursue
Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics in university, this course includes
general vector spaces and subspaces, inner product spaces, linear
transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization and selected
applications (linear differential equations, quadric surfaces, linear programming).
201-DDD-05
(3.2.3)
STATISTICAL METHODS | P: 201-NYA
This introductory statistics course is especially
recommended for all Science students. Topics covered include frequency
distributions, probability distributions of a discrete random variable,
probability distributions of a continuous random variable using calculus,
mathematical expectations including moment generating functions, sampling and
sampling distributions, linear models, point and interval estimation and
hypothesis testing of one and two parameters.
Physics
Physics Students are
placed in Physics courses according to their Secondary V provincial results.
Please refer to the Science Placement Chart.
203-NYA-05
(3.2.3)
MECHANICS
Topics covered in this basic mechanics course include
linear and rotational kinematics, trajectories, Newton’s laws of
motion, work, energy and momentum. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and
laboratory work. Many laboratory exercises involve using computers for data
acquisition, and students are encouraged to use computers to analyze data and
plot graphs.
203-NYB-05
(3.2.3)
ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM | P: 203-NYA
This course emphasizes the basic physical principles of
electricity and magnetism, with calculus being introduced where necessary.
Topics include Coulomb’s Law, electric field, electric potential,
motion of charged particles in electric fields, capacitors, DC circuits,
Kirchhoff’s Laws, RC circuits, Biot-Savart Law, magnetic fields, motion
of charged particles in magnetic fields, torque on a current loop and
Faraday’s Law.
203-NYC-05
(3.2.3)
WAVES, OPTICS AND MODERN PHYSICS
P: 203-NYA & 201-NYA | C: 203-NYB (PASSED
OR IN PROGRESS)
Wave behaviour is fundamental to an astonishing list of
physical phenomena. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to
analyze waves in both a qualitative and quantitative manner, and will come
face-to-face with some of the bizarre and counterintuitive implications of
modern physics. Topics include simple harmonic motion, waves and sound,
interference and diffraction of light, quantum mechanics, and special
relativity.
203-DDB-05
(3.2.3)
PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS | P: 203-NYC OR 203-NYB
& 201-NYA
Open to all science students, this course is designed
primarily for students planning to study engineering or applied science at
university and helps bridge the gap between CEGEP Physics and university
engineering courses. Topics include data analysis using spreadsheets, simple
electronic circuits, AC circuit theory, rotational motion and static
equilibrium. Laboratory work includes projects which could include such
things as building radios, popsicle bridges, small-scale robots, a fully
functional wind turbine, and electric soap-box go-cart, or something along
those lines.
203-DDM-05
(3.2.3)
ASTRONOMY | P: 203-NYA
This course is designed for science students as a general
introduction to the fascinating world of Astronomy. We begin with the
historical roots of the subject: the forecast of seasons for farmers; the
desire to predict the future by astrologers; the many and varied religious
beliefs; and finally the birth of modern science. Topics include
understanding the night sky, the evolution of the solar system, planetary
motions and composition, the structure of the sun, the birth, life and death
of stars, the origin of galaxies, the “big bang” and the future
evolution of the universe. There will be observation nights and students will
be introduced to the use of telescopes. We plan trips to the Planetarium if
time permits.
203-DDC-05
(3.2.3)
ASTROPHYSICS | P: 203-NYA
Designed for science students, this course attempts to
help the student understand why the universe is the way it is. Topics
include: orbital theory and Kepler’s laws, Newton’s Universal Law
of Gravity, conservation of energy, the ideal gas law, blackbody radiation,
the solar system, planetary evolution, the minor bodies in the solar system
such as comets and asteroids, stellar structure and lives including white
dwarf stars, neutron stars and black holes, the “big bang” and
the formation of galaxies and various cosmological theories. There will be
observation nights and, if time permits, a field trip to the Planetarium or other
facility is a possibility.
203-ENV-05
Environmental Sciences: The Energy Dilemma |
p: 202-nya/nyb & 203-nya/nyb
This course is about energy, the methods we
use to create and convert it, and the adverse environmental affects these
practices have on our planet. From the tar sands in Alberta to the coal pits
in Wyoming, we will study how we find, process and distribute our limited
fossil fuels. We will learn about CO2 emissions, and how climate change has
spurned the emerging green economy of wind farms, tidal generators and solar
arrays. How do these things work and how “green” are they.
This is a unique course, taught by two teachers from two
different departments (alternating labs and lectures), allowing a different
perspective for today’s most important questions.
Students may not take this course if they have successfully
completed either 202-ENV-AB or 202-DDN-05
Science Make-Up Courses
Science Make-Up Courses for Pathways to Science students and students in the Transition Program.
This course is designed to prepare students with grades
of 60-69% in Secondary V TS5 or SN5 Math for subsequent college-level
mathematics courses. Topics covered are: basic algebraic functions,
factorization, equations, functional notation,inverse of a function, trigonometric functions, identities,
trigonometric equations, sine law, cosine law, graphs of trigonometric
functions.
912-016-94
(3.2.3)
INTRODUCTION TO COLLEGE CHEMISTRY
This course is designed to prepare students with grades
of 60-69% in Secondary V Chemistry for subsequent college-level chemistry
courses. A strong emphasis is placed on fundamental competencies including dimensional
analysis, balancing equations and using stoichiometry, using chemical
nomenclature and predicting the products of chemical reactions. The
laboratory component of the course provides students with the opportunity to
develop strong technical and analytical skills.
912-017-94
(3.2.3)
INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS | P: Sec. V Math
Technical & Scientific Option or Sec. V Math Science Option or 201-009
This course is designed to prepare students with grades
of 60-69% in Secondary V Physics for subsequent college-level Physics
courses. This course covers fundamental concepts in electricity and motion. Emphasis
is placed on improving problem solving skills, collection and interpretation
of data and use of graphs in the representation and interpretation of data.
202-001-50
(3.3.4)
CHEMISTRY (EQUIVALENT TO SECONDARY V
CHEMISTRY)
Equivalent to Secondary V Chemistry, this course is
intended for students who wish to pursue science or technology programs and
have passed Secondary IV Environmental Option (558-404 or 558-402), or its
equivalent (982-003-50), but lack Secondary V Chemistry. This course provides
sufficient chemistry for entry into many technology programs (such as Dental
Hygiene and Nursing) and subsequent Chemistry courses.
In this course, students will have the opportunity learn
exponents, polynomials, factoring, operations with rational expressions,
roots, products, quotients, adding, subtracting, rationalizing and
simplifying, solving linear and quadratic equations, solving equations with
rational or radical expressions.
In this course students learn algebra, radicals,
polynomials, rational expressions, factoring, equations and inequalities,
functions, graphs, composition of functions, inverses, polynomials,
multiplication, long division, rational functions, parabolas, exponential and
logarithmic functions, solving equations, trigonometry, angles, triangle
trig, trig functions of any angle, identities, evaluating inverse trig
functions and applications.
982-003-50
(4.2.3)
Environmental Science and technology
Equivalent to Secondary IV Environmental Option courses
(558-404 or 558-402), this course is intended for students who wish to pursue
science or technology programs, but lack the necessary Physical Science
prerequisite. The course will provide sufficient chemistry, physics, and
biology to prepare students for the Secondary V equivalents 202-001-50 and
203-001-50.
203-001-50
(4.2.4)
PHYSICS | P OR C: Sec. V Math Technical &
Scientific Option or
Sec. V Math Science Option or 201-009
Designed for students with no previous background in
physics, this course is equivalent to Secondary V high school physics. It
introduces kinematics (emphasizing graphing techniques), vector analysis, and
Newton’s laws of motion.
