Prince Edward Island · Grade 12
Biology 12 (BIO621A)
Prince Edward Island’s Grade 12 science course, from Working Like a Biologist to Disease and Homeostasis.
- Units
- 5
- 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
Evaluating Biology Technologies
Evaluating a biology technology
I can evaluate how a biology technology was developed and how it is used.
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
- evaluate the development and use of a technology related to Biology.
- 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
Biology technologies are developed through research over time.
Choose a technique and tool suited to the biological measurement.
Evaluating a technology weighs its benefits, risks, and uses.
Record observations and data carefully and honestly.
New evidence and needs drive the development of biology technologies.
Watch out for
- Thinking a biology technology appears fully formed - it develops through research.
- Thinking any tool works for any measurement - match the tool to the task.
- Thinking a technology's use has no ethical dimension - many do.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 2 · 6 skills
Reproduction and Cell Division
Mitosis and Meiosis
The cell cycle and mitosis
I can describe the cell cycle and mitosis and explain why chromosome number stays constant.
Skill 2.1
Meiosis and genetic diversity
I can describe meiosis and explain how it creates genetic diversity.
Skill 2.2
Plant and Human Reproduction
Plant reproduction
I can explain asexual and sexual reproduction in plants.
Skill 2.3
Human reproductive systems and hormones
I can explain the human reproductive systems and how hormones regulate the male and female cycles.
Skill 2.4
Fertilization and embryonic development
I can explain fertilization and the stages of embryonic development.
Skill 2.5
Birth and positive feedback
I can explain the events of birth and how oxytocin acts as a positive feedback loop.
Skill 2.6
The official wording · 6 outcomes
- 2.1
- describe in detail the process of mitosis and meiosis.
- 2.2
- describe in detail the process of mitosis and meiosis.
- 2.3
- explain the processes involved in plant reproduction and development.
- 2.4
- explain the processes involved in human reproduction and development.
- 2.5
- explain the processes involved in human reproduction and development.
- 2.6
- explain the processes involved in human reproduction and development.
Key ideas
The cell cycle includes interphase (growth and DNA copying) and division.
Asexual reproduction makes offspring from one parent, genetically identical.
Spindle fibres move chromosomes during division.
Sexual reproduction combines genetic material from two parents.
Mitosis has four stages, followed by cytokinesis.
Watch out for
- Thinking mitosis changes chromosome number - it keeps it constant.
- Thinking all plants reproduce sexually - many also reproduce asexually.
- Thinking interphase is a resting phase - the cell is very active.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 3 · 5 skills
Genetics
Patterns of Heredity
Mendelian inheritance and crosses
I can apply Mendel's principles to predict the outcomes of genetic crosses.
Skill 3.1
Non-Mendelian and sex-linked inheritance
I can analyse non-Mendelian and sex-linked inheritance and interpret pedigrees.
Skill 3.2
DNA, Gene Expression, and Variation
DNA and RNA structure and replication
I can describe DNA and RNA structure and explain semi-conservative replication.
Skill 3.3
The central dogma of gene expression
I can explain the central dogma of gene expression and what triggers genes to be expressed.
Skill 3.4
Genetic variation and mutation
I can describe the causes, types, and effects of mutations.
Skill 3.5
The official wording · 5 outcomes
- 3.1
- analyse patterns of heredity.
- 3.2
- analyse patterns of heredity.
- 3.3
- analyse the structure, function, and synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) and proteins.
- 3.4
- analyse the structure, function, and synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) and proteins.
- 3.5
- analyse sources, types and effects of genetic variation.
Key ideas
Mendel's principles: dominance, segregation, and independent assortment.
DNA is made of nucleotides forming a double helix (Franklin, Watson, Crick).
The chromosomal theory links genes to chromosomes.
RNA differs from DNA in its sugar, bases, and single-stranded structure.
A Punnett square predicts the outcome of monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.
Watch out for
- Thinking dominant traits are more common - dominance is about expression, not frequency.
- Thinking DNA and RNA are the same - they differ in sugar, bases, and strandedness.
- Confusing genotype (genes) with phenotype (appearance).
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 4 · 9 skills
Evolution and Biodiversity
The History and Mechanisms of Evolution
The history of evolutionary thought
I can trace how evolutionary thought developed, including Darwin's contribution.
Skill 4.1
Mechanisms of evolution and natural selection
I can explain how variation, selection, and selective pressure drive evolution.
Skill 4.2
The evidence for evolution
I can evaluate the different lines of evidence that support evolution.
Skill 4.3
Speciation and Population Genetics
How new species form
I can explain how new species form through reproductive isolation.
Skill 4.4
Hardy-Weinberg and microevolution
I can use the Hardy-Weinberg principle to detect microevolution in a population.
Skill 4.5
Taxonomy and the Diversity of Life
Taxonomy and classification
I can classify organisms using the taxonomic hierarchy and binomial nomenclature.
Skill 4.6
Phylogeny and evolutionary relationships
I can interpret evolutionary trees to infer relationships between organisms.
Skill 4.7
The diversity of the kingdoms
I can distinguish the domains and kingdoms and describe plant diversity.
Skill 4.8
Animal diversity and the chordates
I can describe the diversity of animals, including non-chordates, arthropods, and chordates.
Skill 4.9
The official wording · 9 outcomes
- 4.1
- describe historical and cultural contexts that have changed evolutionary concepts.
- 4.2
- analyze evolutionary mechanisms and their effects on biodiversity.
- 4.3
- analyze evolutionary mechanisms and their effects on biodiversity.
- 4.4
- explain the evolution of new species.
- 4.5
- examine how the Hardy-Weinberg principle is used to determine whether a population is undergoing microevolution.
- 4.6
- demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of taxonomy.
- 4.7
- demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of taxonomy.
- 4.8
- describe the anatomy and physiology of organisms from each kingdom.
- 4.9
- describe the anatomy and physiology of organisms from each kingdom.
Key ideas
Before the modern era, species were thought to be fixed and unchanging.
Reproductive isolation (geographic or biological) separates populations.
Taxonomy classifies life into nested taxa (domain, kingdom, phylum, and so on).
Several thinkers contributed to the theory of evolution.
Over time, isolated populations diverge into new species.
Watch out for
- Thinking Darwin invented the idea of evolution alone - others contributed.
- Thinking new species appear suddenly - most arise through gradual isolation.
- Thinking common names are precise - scientific names avoid confusion.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 5 · 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 5.1
The official wording · 1 outcomes
- 5.1
- analyse the impact of infectious, genetic, and environmental diseases on the homeostasis of the system and the organism as a whole.
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 5 science courses for Grade 12. Here they are side by side.
- Biology 12 (BIO621A)This course5 units · 29 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversWorking Like a Biologist · Reproduction and Cell Division · Genetics · Evolution and Biodiversity · Disease and Homeostasis
- Chemistry, Grade 12 (CHM621A)5 units · 33 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversWorking Like a Chemist · Thermochemistry · Solutions, Kinetics, and Equilibrium · Acids and Bases · Redox and Electrochemistry
- Environmental Science 621AENV621A6 units · 62 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversInquiry Skills (Project Based Learning) · Introduction to Environmental Science · Ecological Principles · Human Population and Carrying Capacity · Natural Resources · Environmental Challenges and Successes
- Human Biology 801ABIO801A11 units · 51 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversHomeostasis · Nutrition · Digestive System · Circulatory System · Blood and Immunity · Respiratory System · Excretory System · Muscular and Nervous Systems · Endocrine System · Reproductive Systems and Embryonic Development · Genetics
- Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A)4 units · 39 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversWorking Like a Physicist · Application of Vectors · Circular and Planetary Motion · Electricity and Magnetism
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 12 (BIO621A).
Textbooks
The textbooks PEI Department of Education and Early Years lists for Biology 12 (BIO621A):
- Biology
From Senior High Program of Studies and Authorized Materials, 2026-2027, read October 27, 2026. princeedwardisland.ca
Study it in MapleMind
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Course Companion
Your year in one workbook
A fun way to keep Biology 12 (BIO621A) 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
- 33
- Fillable fields
- 1,447
- Price
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Questions about Biology 12 (BIO621A)
What is Biology 12 (BIO621A)?
Prince Edward Island’s Grade 12 science course: 5 units and 29 skills, from Working Like a Biologist to Disease and Homeostasis.
What units are in Biology 12 (BIO621A)?
1. Working Like a Biologist, 2. Reproduction and Cell Division, 3. Genetics, 4. Evolution and Biodiversity and 5. Disease and Homeostasis.
Is there a provincial exam for Biology 12 (BIO621A)?
No. Prince Edward Island gives no provincial exam for Biology 12 (BIO621A).
What textbook does Biology 12 (BIO621A) use?
The textbooks PEI Department of Education and Early Years lists for Biology 12 (BIO621A): Biology, Nelson Education.
Can MapleMind help with Biology 12 (BIO621A)?
Yes. MapleMind teaches every skill of Biology 12 (BIO621A), 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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