The Grade 11 biology curriculum in Ontario provides students with a comprehensive understanding of fundamental biological concepts and principles. Students explore diverse topics ranging from cellular biology to genetics and evolution. Through hands-on laboratory experiments and theoretical lessons, students delve into the intricate workings of living organisms, ecosystems, and the diversity of life forms. They learn about the structure and function of cells, including cellular processes such as respiration and photosynthesis.

With Grade 11 biology tutoring some of the common problems we assist students with are distinguishing between different types of fatty acid triglycerides, carbohydrates, and amino acids, as well as understanding their respective ester, glycosidic, and peptide bonds, which can be broken and re-formed to create complex chemical structures.

In Genetics, mathematical misunderstandings often arise as students are tasked with translating autosomal and sex-linked inheritance patterns into coherent Punnett squares and pedigrees. Other Grade 11 biology tutoring topics may include Evolution from a Population Genetics standpoint, where they are expected to manipulate the Hardy-Weinberg formula and its derivatives to calculate allelic and genetic probabilities.

Grade 12 Biology provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes associated with biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, evolution, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on achievement of the detailed knowledge and refined skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.

Further information about the Grade 11 and 12 Biology curriculum can be found at the Ontario Ministry of Education Website: https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/secondary-science/courses-list?curriculum_discipline=biology 

York Region Tutoring urges all students to complete the past tests that we have compiled specifically from YRDSB/YCDSB school teachers from our Past Test Bank. Tests in Grade 11 and 12 math and sciences tend to follow a very strict layout, and so completing them will give students the opportunity to assess their strengths and weaknesses as well as direct their attention to topics that require more attention. Completing past tests also allows students to approach school evaluations with more confidence as they are familiarized with the organization of the test & general nature of questions asked. *Please note: while there are clear trends in the types of questions asked on tests, it is not guaranteed that past test questions will map perfectly onto school evaluations, since test-making is ultimately a subjective endeavor, meaning teachers can and do exercise their creative liberties when writing tests.