Courses

New Brunswick · Grade 12

Biology 12

New Brunswick’s Grade 12 science course, from Genetic Continuity to Maintaining Dynamic Equilibrium II.

Learn thisPractice test
Units
3
Lessons
18
Skills
101
Provincial exam
None
Official curriculum
gnb.ca

Unit by unit

Every skill in the course, numbered by unit.

Unit 1 · 45 skills

Genetic Continuity

The cell cycle, mitosis, and cancer

Molecular detail of cell division

Meiosis and the basis of inheritance

DNA structure and replication

Gene expression and mutation

Mendelian inheritance

Sex-linkage and pedigrees

Genomics and biotechnology

The official wording · 45 outcomes
1.1
Observe, identify and describe the events of the plant and animal cell cycle, including growth, cytokinesis and chromosome
1.2
Explain the role of chromosomes and the importance of maintaining the chromosome number through cellular reproduction
1.3
Investigate controls on cell division including physical and molecular cell cycle regulators
1.4
Investigate the link between mitosis and cancer, including links to gene p53
1.5
Research the methods used to treat cancer and evaluate the physiological and ethical consequences of medical treatments such
1.6
Propagate rapidly growing plant material and prepare squashes to observe the chromosomes during cell division
1.7
Explore the role of cyclin dependent kinases (cdks) in the regulation of cell growth
1.8
Discuss the role of telomerase in preventing telomere shortening and uncontrolled growth of cells in cancer
1.9
Research the use of stem cell technology, its potency and applications, and the ethics of using it in
1.10
Describe, in detail, the events of meiosis (reduction-division) and cytokinesis
1.11
Explain the necessity of chromosome reduction during the production of sex cells
1.12
Describe and illustrate the role of chromosomes in the transmission of hereditary information from one cell to another
1.13
Describe the crossing-over process and explain its role in helping randomize the gene combinations for sex cells
1.14
Analyze and identify normal and abnormal human karyotypes
1.15
Describe non-disjunction in human karyotypes and the conditions it may causes such as Down‟s syndrome, and Turner‟s syndrome
1.16
Summarize the main scientific discoveries that led to the modern concept of the gene
1.17
Identify and describe the structure and function of nucleic acids
1.18
Describe the Watson and Crick double helix model of DNA
1.19
Diagram and explain the process of DNA replication
1.20
Explain the following terms and concepts: Okazaki fragments, Helicase, primers, single stranded binding proteins, primase, ligase, leading/lagging strands
1.21
Compare and contrast the structure of DNA and tRNA, mRNA and rRNA explain their role in protein synthesis
1.22
Demonstrate an understanding of the process of protein synthesis through illustrations and explanations
1.23
Explain what is meant by a gene mutation and predict, in general, the effect on protein synthesis. Describe
1.24
Describe factors that can lead to mutations, including those that cause genetic diseases
1.25
Explain the following terms and concepts: RNA editing, 5 prime cap and poly A tail, RNA structures, A
1.26
Describe the process of gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
1.27
Briefly describe the life and work of Gregor Mendel and the beginning of an understanding of the basis
1.28
Demonstrate an understanding of Mendelian genetics, including the concepts of independent assortment, complete dominance, incomplete dominance, codominance
1.29
Explain the influence of multiple alleles and polygenic traits, plyotropic and epistatic on inheritance patterns
1.30
Explain and illustrate how probability techniques are used to predict the outcome of various genetic crosses
1.31
Predict the outcome of monohybrid and dihybrid crosses using genotypic and phenotypic ratios
1.32
Demonstrate an understanding of polyploidy and its application in biotechnology
1.33
Distinguish between genotypes and phenotypes evident in autosomal and sex-linked inheritance
1.34
Define sex-linkage
1.35
Explain why sex-linked defects are more common in males than females
1.36
Predict the outcome of genetic problems involving sex-linked genes
1.37
Discuss the influence of hormonal and environmental factors on gene expression
1.38
Draw and interpret the patterns of inheritance shown on pedigree charts
1.39
Explain the importance of human genome research
1.40
Demonstrate an understanding of current genetic engineering techniques, using knowledge of DNA
1.41
Demonstrate an understanding of the use of restriction enzymes within biotechnology and the role of plasmids and bacteria
1.42
Demonstrate an understanding of genetic modifications found in a variety of organisms either through naturally occurring processes or
1.43
Analyze from a biological, social, ethical and environmental perspective the risks and benefits involved in the production and
1.44
Research and demonstrate an in- depth understanding of current technologies in genetic engineering and the ways in which
1.45
Find and review two or three topical areas of research in human genomics

Key ideas

  1. The cell cycle: interphase (G1, S, G2) then the mitotic phase (mitosis + cytokinesis).

  2. Root tips (e.g. onion) have many dividing cells for observation.

  3. Meiosis has two divisions (meiosis I and II) producing four haploid cells.

  4. Mendel showed heredity follows discrete factors (genes).

  5. mRNA carries the gene's code from the nucleus to the ribosome.

Watch out for

  • Confusing the order of mitosis phases.
  • Using a region with no dividing cells.
  • Confusing meiosis I and II.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 2 · 10 skills

Evolution, Change and Diversity

The theory of evolution and its mechanisms

Population genetics

The official wording · 10 outcomes
2.1
Explain various scientific hypotheses for the origin, development, and diversity of living organisms on Earth
2.2
Describe historical and cultural contexts that have influenced evolutionary concepts
2.3
Explain the theory of evolution and its importance to biological sciences
2.4
Define the terms evolution, variation, natural selection and adaptation and be able to give examples of where scientists
2.5
Explain the modern theory of evolution, punctuated equilibrium, current examples of selective pressures (natural and artificial), and demonstrate
2.6
Describe some of the ways in which genes can change and become the basis of variation within a
2.7
Analyze the role of sexually produced genetic variations and mutations in the process of natural selection
2.8
Explain the Hardy- Weinberg principle, and its role in population genetics
2.9
Describe how natural evolution of organisms has been impacted by environmental pressures and human intervention
2.10
Extend their understanding of the Hardy-Weinberg principle by adding Chi- Square calculations

Key ideas

  1. Life likely arose from simple chemicals under early-Earth conditions.

  2. Hardy-Weinberg describes a non-evolving population's allele frequencies.

  3. The Miller-Urey experiment showed organic molecules can form abiotically.

  4. Equations p + q = 1 and p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1 predict genotype frequencies.

  5. From a common ancestor, life diversified over billions of years.

Watch out for

  • Thinking life appeared suddenly in its current forms.
  • Thinking Hardy-Weinberg describes evolving populations.
  • Believing there is no evidence for early life.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 3 · 46 skills

Maintaining Dynamic Equilibrium II

Neurons and impulse transmission

Nervous system organization and homeostasis

Endocrine glands and hormone action

Feedback and endocrine health

The brain and the senses

Reproductive systems and hormones

Fertilization and development

Reproductive technologies and ethics

The official wording · 46 outcomes
3.1
Diagram and explain the structure of a neuron
3.2
Describe the basic structure and function of sensory neurons, motor neurons and interneuron‟s, using the concept of the
3.3
Describe the transmission of an impulse
3.4
Identify the role of certain compounds to neuron function: oxygen, glucose, ATP, sodium ions
3.5
Explain, in general terms, the ion distribution on the membrane of a neuron and the influence of myelin
3.6
Demonstrate an understanding of natural and artificial transmitters and inhibitors of the nervous system
3.7
Explain the basic structure and function of the central nervous system
3.8
Describe the basic functions of a peripheral nervous system
3.9
Investigate the physiology of reflex arcs
3.10
Describe how the nervous system helps maintain homeostasis
3.11
Describe disorders linked to the nervous system and their effect on the homeostasis of the system and the
3.12
Describe how the use of drugs can have a role in disrupting homeostasis
3.13
Describe how the use of prescription and non- prescription drugs can have a role in maintaining or disrupting
3.14
Identify the location and function of principal endocrine glands in humans, and identify hormones, their source gland, and
3.15
Describe how the endocrine system helps maintain homeostasis
3.16
Describe an example of neural and endocrine control systems acting together in animals
3.17
Understand the general concept of a hormone and target cell or organ
3.18
Explain how protein and steroid hormones cause changes in target cells
3.19
Design an experiment to investigate and collect data on selected aspects of the endocrine system and identify specific
3.20
Analyze homeostatic phenomena to identify the feedback mechanisms involved in the endocrine system
3.21
Investigate the role played by Frederick Banting and Charles Best in the discovery of insulin
3.22
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between human health and feedback loops (e.g. diabetes)
3.23
Describe disorders linked to the secretions of the endocrine system and their effect on the homeostasis of the
3.24
Describe the structure and function of the brain: meninges, cerebrospinal fluid, cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, thalamus, hypothalamus
3.25
Describe the general structure and function of the eye: lens, iris, cornea, retina, vitreous fluid, choroid, fovea, rods,
3.26
Describe the general structure and function of the ear: tympanic membrane, ossicles (hammer, anvil, stirrup), eustachian tube, semicircular
3.27
Investigate the effect of diseases, malformations, and injury on the brain, eye, and ear, and the corresponding mechanical
3.28
Identify the structures of the male reproductive system and describe their functions
3.29
Describe the structure of sperm
3.30
Identify and describe the function of the principal reproductive hormones of the human male
3.31
Identify the structures of the female reproductive system and describe their functions
3.32
Describe the structure of egg cells
3.33
Identify and describe the function of the principal reproductive hormones of the human female
3.34
Trace the journey of sperm and egg from their origin to fertilization
3.35
Explain how fraternal and identical offspring are produced
3.36
Identify chemical control hormones associated with implantation, embryo development, birth and lactation including: progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin
3.37
Describe the basic stages of embryonic development
3.38
Describe the functions of primary membranes during the embryonic development of animals including: yolk, allantois, amnion, and chorion
3.39
Describe the roles of the placenta and umbilical cord during pregnancy, and the process of childbirth
3.40
Describe techniques and technologies used to monitor various stages of embryonic or fetal development
3.41
Describe techniques and technologies used to diagnose early genetic problems
3.42
Investigate the effect of chemical and drug abuse on fetal development, and discuss the role that society should
3.43
Evaluate the use of currently available procedures and technologies to increase fertility
3.44
Explain how and at what rate the use of various procedures and technologies decrease the chance of conception
3.45
Assess the effects of birth control technology on the population demographics of various countries with varying levels of
3.46
Debate the merits of funding solutions to human fertility problems versus the funding of human population control

Key ideas

  1. A neuron has dendrites (receive signals), a cell body, and an axon (sends signals).

  2. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is all nerves outside the CNS.

  3. Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the blood.

  4. Negative feedback reverses a change to restore balance (most common).

  5. The cerebrum handles thought, senses, and voluntary movement.

Watch out for

  • Reversing the roles of dendrites and axon.
  • Confusing the CNS and PNS.
  • Confusing endocrine and exocrine glands.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Which course?

New Brunswick has 4 science courses for Grade 12. Here they are side by side.

What a university, college or program asks for is theirs to say: check its admission page, and your school’s course guide.

The official curriculum

This page follows New Brunswick’s own curriculum for Biology 12.

New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development - Biology 12gnb.ca · Read August 2, 2026

Textbooks

The course’s curriculum guide names its core resource:

“PHBiology refers to the 2008 edition of Prentice Hall “Biology” by Miller and Levine”
  • Biology (Miller and Levine)Prentice Hall · 2008

From the course’s curriculum guide, read October 28, 2026. gnb.ca

Study it in MapleMind

MapleMind teaches Biology 12 one skill at a time. Each skill gets a short lesson, practice as you go and a check worth up to three stars. It remembers where you stopped.

Geometry, Measurement and Finance 10 in the MapleMind app on a tablet: its units, Unit 2 open, and the skills done so far with their starsGeometry, Measurement and Finance 10 in the MapleMind app on a phone: its units, Unit 2 open, and the skills done so far with their stars
Pictured: Geometry, Measurement and Finance 10, another New Brunswick course, partway through Unit 2.

Practise it

Course Companion

Your year in one workbook

A fun way to keep Biology 12 organized, get to know your child better and see early when they need a hand. Fill it in on a screen, or print it.

Pages
32
Fillable fields
2,447
Price
$4.99
See the Course Companion

Questions about Biology 12

What is Biology 12?

New Brunswick’s Grade 12 science course: 3 units and 101 skills, from Genetic Continuity to Maintaining Dynamic Equilibrium II.

What units are in Biology 12?

1. Genetic Continuity, 2. Evolution, Change and Diversity and 3. Maintaining Dynamic Equilibrium II.

Is there a provincial exam for Biology 12?

No. New Brunswick gives no provincial exam for Biology 12.

What textbook does Biology 12 use?

The course’s curriculum guide names its core resource: Biology (Miller and Levine), Prentice Hall.

Can MapleMind help with Biology 12?

Yes. MapleMind teaches every skill of Biology 12, step by step, with practice and checks, and its tutor answers questions about any of them. It’s free with daily limits, on iPhone, Android and the web.

Before this course

Get ready for Biology 12

Practise every skill of Biology 12 in MapleMind, free with daily limits.