Sciences Department

Mrs. Marilia Marghetti, Department Head

The Science Department at Vancouver College offers students a range of opportunities to enrich their knowledge of science through academic lab based course work and extracurricular clubs and contests.

The Grade 11 program offers courses that are specialized in the major areas of science. This includes Biology 11, Chemistry 11, Earth and Ocean Science 11, and Physics 11. All four courses are graduation credits and qualify for university entrance in British Columbia. The Grade 12 program of study includes Biology 12, Chemistry 12 and Physics 12. Each of the courses in grades 11 and 12 are taught by subject area specialists. In addition, Enriched Chemistry is offered at the Grade 11 and 12 levels.

Senior science students can also participate in extra curricular enrichment activities in STRINGS (Senior Science Club). This club meets to plan and attend enrichment activities including DNA/microbiology labs, trips to local universities, and in the past two years trips to the Bamfield Marine Research Centre on Vancouver Island.

Physics students in grades 11 and 12 participate in two written contests, the Sir Isaac Newton Contest and the Leonardo da Vinci Contest, as well as the Physics Olympics at UBC. This contest combines both theory and practical application. A final favorite is the Physics Playland day attended each year by the Physics 12 students.

The Sciences Department is located in the new The Holler Family Science Centre, which houses four new classrooms where all Senior Science classes (Gr. 10 -12) will be held. The Holler wing also contains a well-equipped "SuperLab" (with a greenhouse) available for use by all Science teachers and students from Grade 4 - 12.

Further information pertaining to the Sciences Department and its course curriculum and offerings, please refer to the appropriate Academic Program Guide (Middle School Program of Studies 2010-2011, Senior School Program of Studies 2011-2012).