Science
The main purpose of the Alberta high school science program (Grades 10–12) is to develop scientific literacy in all students. This literacy is intended to prepare students for both post-secondary education and for life as informed, critical-thinking citizens capable of engaging with science- and technology-related issues.
Science Course Sequencing Chart
Note: Students must successfully complete a 20-level science course
(Biology 20, Chemistry 20, Physics 20, Science 20 or Science 24) to meet graduation requirements for a high school diploma.
Science/Sciences 10 (5 credits)
Recommended Prerequisite: 60% in Science 9 and registration in Math 10C
Recommended French Prerequisite: 60% in Science 9 and registration in both Mathématiques 10C and FLA 10
Science 10 is the foundational course for students intending to pursue academic sciences (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) in later grades and at the post-secondary level. It is a comprehensive, fast-paced course that covers four core science disciplines, providing the prerequisites for Science 20, Biology 20, Chemistry 20, and Physics 20. The main topics are chemistry, biology, physics and ecology.
Science 14 (5 credits)
Recommended Prerequisite: 40% - 60% in Science 9 or 65% in KAE Math 9
Science 14 is designed for students who are not planning to specialize in a specific science stream or pursue science-heavy post-secondary programs. It focuses on the practical application of scientific knowledge and its relevance to everyday life and the workplace. The main topics are chemistry, biology, physics and ecology.
Science 20 (5 credits)
Recommended Prerequisite: 60% in Science 10
Science 20 is a general academic science class. It is designed for students who want a broad, comprehensive science background without specializing in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
The main topics include chemistry, biology, physics, and earth science.
Science 24 (5 credits)
Prerequisite: 50% in Science 14 or 40% in Science 10
Science 24 is a non-academic science course. It is designed for students whose post-secondary or career plans do not demand the rigorous specialization of the academic sciences.
The main topics include physics, chemistry and biology.
Biology/Biologie 20 (5 credits)
Recommended Prerequisite: 60% in Science 10
Recommended French Prerequisite: 60% in Sciences 10 and registration in FLA 20
Biology 20 focuses on the fundamental processes that maintain life and the mechanisms that drive evolution and diversity. The course balances molecular and physiological concepts with ecological and evolutionary principles.
Please note: Biologie 20 (French Immersion) together with Biologie 30 are only offered in alternative years.
Chemistry/Chimie 20 (5 credits)
Recommended Prerequisite: 60% in both Science 10 and Math 10C
Recommended French Prerequisite: 60% in both Sciences 10 and Mathématiques 10C; and registration in FLA 20
Chemistry 20 focuses on foundational concepts, quantitative analysis, and the study of chemical bonding and reactions.
Please note: Chimie 20 (French Immersion) together with Chimie 30 are only offered in alternative years.
Physics 20 (5 credits)
Recommended Prerequisite: 60% in Science 10 and 60% in Math 10C
Physics 20 focuses on the fundamental principles governing motion, forces, and energy transfer in the macroscopic world. It requires strong mathematical skills, particularly trigonometry and vector manipulation.
Science/Sciences 30 (5 credits)
Recommended Prerequisite: 60% in Science 20 or 50% in Biology, Chemistry or Physics 20 AND 60% in Math 20-1 or Math 20-2
Recommended French Prerequisite: 60% in Science 20 or 50% in Biologie, Chimie or Physics 20 AND 60% in Mathématiques 20-1 or Mathématiques 20-2 AND completion of FLA 20
Science 30 is designed for students who want to complete their Grade 12 science requirement for university admission but are not specializing in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. It provides a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of major scientific concepts. As this is a diploma course, students will write a diploma exam worth 30% of their final grade.
Please note: Sciences 30 (French Immersion) is only offered in alternative years.
Biology/Biologie 30 (5 credits)
Recommended Prerequisite: 60% in Biology 20
Recommended French Prerequisite: 60% in Biologie 20 AND completion of FLA 20
Biology 30 delves deeply into the molecular, cellular, and physiological processes that govern life and heredity, making it a prerequisite for some university programs. As this is a diploma course, students will write a diploma exam worth 30% of their final grade.
Please note: Biologie 30 (French Immersion) together with Biologie 20 are only offered in alternative years.
Chemistry/Chimie 30 (5 credits)
Recommended Prerequisite: 60% in both Chemistry 20 and 60% in Math 20-1 or Math 20-2
Recommended French Prerequisite: 60% in Chimie 20 and Mathématiques 20-1 or Mathématiques 20-2 AND completion of FLA 20
Chemistry 30 builds on the quantitative skills of Chemistry 20. It delves into the dynamics of chemical change, focusing on energy transfers and the conditions under which reactions are stable or spontaneous. As this is a diploma course, students will write a diploma exam worth 30% of their final grade.
Please note: Chimie 30 (French Immersion) together with Chimie 20 are only offered in alternative years.
Physics 30 (5 credits)
Recommended Prerequisite: 60% in both Physics 20 and 60% in Math 20-1 or Math 20-2
Physics 30 builds extensively on the concepts learned in Physics 20. It introduces concepts of fields (gravitational, electric, and magnetic) and culminates in an introduction to modern physics (quantum theory and relativity). As this is a diploma course, students will write a diploma exam worth 30% of their final grade.