Prince Edward Island · Grade 11
Biology 11 (BIO521A)
Prince Edward Island’s Grade 11 science course, from Working Like a Biologist to Disease and Homeostasis.
- Units
- 4
- Lessons
- 11
- Skills
- 29
- Provincial exam
- None
- Official curriculum
- princeedwardisland.ca
Unit by unit
Every skill in the course, numbered by unit.
Unit 1 · 8 skills
Working Like a Biologist
Science, Technology, and Disease
Analysing a diagnostic or treatment technology
I can analyse how a diagnostic or treatment technology was developed.
Skill 1.1
Investigating and Arguing in Biology
Safe laboratory protocols
I can apply safe laboratory protocols and procedures.
Skill 1.2
Collecting and analysing data
I can collect and analyse biological data using appropriate techniques.
Skill 1.3
Uncertainty in measurement
I can account for uncertainty when I measure and process biological data.
Skill 1.4
Evaluating phenomena with argumentation
I can evaluate a biological phenomenon by building an evidence-based argument.
Skill 1.5
Designing a controlled experiment
I can design an experiment that identifies and controls the major variables.
Skill 1.6
Communicating research and results
I can communicate biological research clearly with language, visuals, and proper format.
Skill 1.7
Constructing Evidence-Based Arguments
Constructing an argument from evidence and perspectives
I can construct an evidence-based argument that recognizes multiple perspectives.
Skill 1.8
The official wording · 8 outcomes
- 1.1
- analyse the development of a technology related to the diagnosis or treatment of a disease.
- 1.2
- apply knowledge and understanding of safe laboratory protocols and procedures.
- 1.3
- apply appropriate techniques, procedures, and technologies for collecting and analysing data to solve problems.
- 1.4
- use uncertainty in data measurement and data processing.
- 1.5
- evaluate scientific phenomena using argumentation.
- 1.6
- design an experiment identifying and controlling major variables.
- 1.7
- use appropriate language, visual aids, and formatting conventions to effectively communicate plans, procedures, data, results, and conclusions of research and experimentation.
- 1.8
- construct arguments to support a decision or judgment, using examples and evidence and recognising various perspectives.
Key ideas
Medical technologies are developed through scientific research over time.
Choose a technique and tool suited to the biological measurement.
A supported decision uses examples and evidence, not just opinion.
New evidence and needs drive the development of diagnostic and treatment tools.
Record observations and data carefully and honestly.
Watch out for
- Thinking medical technology appears fully formed - it develops through research.
- Thinking any tool works for any measurement - match the tool to the task.
- Thinking a good argument ignores the other side - it addresses it.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 2 · 5 skills
The Cell
The Biochemistry of Life
Water and the biochemical compounds
I can describe water and the key biochemical compounds and their functions.
Skill 2.1
Polymers: synthesis and hydrolysis
I can explain how polymers are built from monomers and broken down.
Skill 2.2
The Cell Membrane and Transport
The membrane and passive transport
I can explain the membrane and how passive transport moves materials across it.
Skill 2.3
Active transport and bulk transport
I can explain active and bulk transport and contrast them with passive transport.
Skill 2.4
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis, respiration, and the energy cycle
I can explain how photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary and how ATP stores energy.
Skill 2.5
The official wording · 5 outcomes
- 2.1
- describe the structure and function of important biochemical compounds (water, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins).
- 2.2
- describe the structure and function of important biochemical compounds (water, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins).
- 2.3
- describe how the cell membrane and other organelles manage the cell processes to transport materials into and out of the cell to maintain homeostasis.
- 2.4
- transport materials into and out of the cell to maintain homeostasis.
- 2.5
- compare and contrast matter and energy transformations associated with the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Key ideas
Water's structure gives it properties essential to living systems.
The fluid-mosaic model describes a flexible membrane of lipids and proteins.
ATP stores and releases energy for cell processes (ADP + P + energy becomes ATP).
Carbohydrates store and provide energy.
The membrane is selectively permeable - it controls what crosses.
Watch out for
- Thinking all large biological molecules are the same - each class differs.
- Thinking the membrane is a solid wall - it is fluid and selective.
- Thinking plants only photosynthesize - they respire too.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 3 · 15 skills
Maintaining Dynamic Equilibrium: Homeostasis and the Body Systems
Homeostasis and Interdependent Systems
Homeostasis and interdependent organ systems
I can define homeostasis and explain how organ systems work together to maintain it.
Skill 3.1
The Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
The heart and blood flow
I can identify the parts of the heart and trace how blood flows through it.
Skill 3.2
Blood vessels, blood, and homeostasis
I can relate blood vessels and blood to how the circulatory system maintains homeostasis.
Skill 3.3
Respiratory parts and the mechanics of breathing
I can explain the parts of the respiratory system and the mechanics of breathing.
Skill 3.4
Gas transport, lung volumes, and homeostasis
I can explain gas transport and lung volumes and how the respiratory system maintains homeostasis.
Skill 3.5
The Digestive and Excretory Systems
Mechanical and chemical digestion
I can distinguish mechanical from chemical digestion and identify the digestive organs.
Skill 3.6
Absorption, enzymes, and homeostasis
I can explain nutrient absorption and how the digestive system maintains homeostasis.
Skill 3.7
Excretory organs and the kidney
I can explain the excretory organs and the role of the kidney.
Skill 3.8
The nephron and homeostasis
I can explain how the nephron filters blood and helps maintain homeostasis.
Skill 3.9
The Immune, Nervous, and Endocrine Systems
Immune barriers and defensive cells
I can explain the immune system's barriers and defensive cells.
Skill 3.10
Antibodies, immunity, and homeostasis
I can explain immunity and how the immune system maintains homeostasis.
Skill 3.11
Neurons and signal transmission
I can describe neurons and how nerve signals are transmitted.
Skill 3.12
The nervous system and homeostasis
I can explain the CNS and PNS and how the nervous system maintains homeostasis.
Skill 3.13
Hormones and endocrine glands
I can explain how hormones and endocrine glands communicate in the body.
Skill 3.14
Negative feedback and homeostasis
I can explain how negative feedback loops help the endocrine system maintain homeostasis.
Skill 3.15
The official wording · 15 outcomes
- 3.1
- analyse how organ systems work together to maintain homeostasis.
- 3.2
- examine how the human circulatory system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.3
- examine how the human circulatory system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.4
- examine how the human respiratory system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.5
- examine how the human respiratory system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.6
- examine how the human digestive system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.7
- examine how the human digestive system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.8
- examine how the excretory system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.9
- examine how the excretory system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.10
- examine how the immune system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.11
- examine how the immune system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.12
- examine how the nervous system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.13
- examine how the nervous system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.14
- examine how the endocrine system helps maintain homeostasis.
- 3.15
- examine how the endocrine system helps maintain homeostasis.
Key ideas
Homeostasis is maintaining a steady internal environment - a dynamic equilibrium.
The heart has four chambers and valves that keep blood moving one way.
Digestion breaks food into nutrients the body can absorb.
Physical and chemical barriers are the body's first line of defence.
Cells need conditions like oxygen, nutrients, water, and a stable temperature.
Watch out for
- Thinking homeostasis means nothing changes - it is a dynamic balance.
- Thinking the heart is a single pump - it has two sides serving different circuits.
- Thinking digestion is only in the stomach - it spans the whole tract.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 4 · 1 skill
Disease and Homeostasis
How Disease Disrupts Homeostasis
Disease and its impact on homeostasis
I can analyse how a disease disrupts homeostasis in a system and the whole organism.
Skill 4.1
The official wording · 1 outcomes
- 4.1
- analyse the impact of infectious, genetic, and environmental diseases on the homeostasis of the system and the organism as a whole.
Key ideas
Diseases have signs (observable) and symptoms (reported) and identifiable causes.
Causes can be infectious, genetic, or environmental.
A disease disrupts the normal functioning of one or more body systems.
Because systems are interdependent, disease can affect the whole organism; treatments target cause or symptoms.
Watch out for
- Thinking a disease affects only one system - effects can spread through interdependent systems.
- Confusing signs (observable) with symptoms (reported).
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Plan the term
Pick your term and the days you study. Each unit gets its share of the weeks and comes back a week later for a review. The last two weeks go over the whole course.
Which course?
Prince Edward Island has 3 science courses for Grade 11. Here they are side by side.
- Biology 11 (BIO521A)This course4 units · 29 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversWorking Like a Biologist · The Cell · Maintaining Dynamic Equilibrium: Homeostasis and the Body Systems · Disease and Homeostasis
- Chemistry, Grade 11 (CHM521A)4 units · 28 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversWorking Like a Chemist · Stoichiometry · Structure, Bonding, and Properties · Organic Chemistry
- Physics, Grade 11 (PHY521A)5 units · 47 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversWorking Like a Physicist · Kinematics · Dynamics · Momentum and Energy · Waves
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 Prince Edward Island’s own curriculum for Biology 11 (BIO521A).
Textbooks
The textbooks PEI Department of Education and Early Years lists for Biology 11 (BIO521A):
- Biology
From Senior High Program of Studies and Authorized Materials, 2026-2027, read October 27, 2026. princeedwardisland.ca
Study it in MapleMind
MapleMind teaches Biology 11 (BIO521A) 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.
Course Companion
Your year in one workbook
A fun way to keep Biology 11 (BIO521A) 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
- 30
- Fillable fields
- 1,400
- Price
- $4.99
Questions about Biology 11 (BIO521A)
What is Biology 11 (BIO521A)?
Prince Edward Island’s Grade 11 science course: 4 units and 29 skills, from Working Like a Biologist to Disease and Homeostasis.
What units are in Biology 11 (BIO521A)?
1. Working Like a Biologist, 2. The Cell, 3. Maintaining Dynamic Equilibrium: Homeostasis and the Body Systems and 4. Disease and Homeostasis.
Is there a provincial exam for Biology 11 (BIO521A)?
No. Prince Edward Island gives no provincial exam for Biology 11 (BIO521A).
What textbook does Biology 11 (BIO521A) use?
The textbooks PEI Department of Education and Early Years lists for Biology 11 (BIO521A): Biology, Nelson Education.
What comes after Biology 11 (BIO521A)?
Biology 12 (BIO621A), Human Biology 801A, Chemistry, Grade 12 (CHM621A), Environmental Science 621A and Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A).
Can MapleMind help with Biology 11 (BIO521A)?
Yes. MapleMind teaches every skill of Biology 11 (BIO521A), 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.
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