UWindsor Prep Program

Format: Online, synchronous

UWindsor Prep Chemistry is a non-credit online course that reviews grade 12 concepts to ensure students are prepared for Chemistry at the University of Windsor.  

This preparatory course offers a refresher to students who will be taking first year Chemistry courses. Introductory concepts required for first and second semester classes will be covered. These topics include nomenclature, types of reactions and balancing chemical equations, stoichiometry, properties of elements and the Periodic Table, VSEPR Theory, gas laws, thermodynamics, rates of reaction, chemical equilibria, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry.

Take this refresher if you are registered in the following UWindsor academic courses:

• CHEM-1100 General Chemistry I or
• CHEM-1103 Topics for General Chemistry

UWindsor Prep Chemistry is ideal for:

• Students starting in the Faculty of Science and majoring in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Forensics, Environmental Science and Physics.  
• It is also ideal for students who are in Civil Engineering taking CHEM-1103.  
• Any other student who is required to take CHEM-1100 or CHEM-1103 as a part of their degree program would also benefit from taking this refresher.
• Transfer students and anyone interested in refreshing their math skills. 

Course Outline

Participants can expect to complete a combination of short assignments, quizzes and activities during the course. Daily online participation is also required for successful completion. Upon completion students will be awarded a grade of complete or incomplete. 

Learner Outcomes 

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand periodic trends, how elements combine to form bonds, and molecular geometry
• Balance chemical equations, identify types of chemical reactions, and predict products of chemical reactions
• Understand the concept of the mole and how it relates to chemical reactions and solution chemistry
• Understand how gas laws explain the behaviour of gases
• Name and draw organic compounds based on name and/or structure
• Analyze rates of reactions, energy changes, and causes of equilibrium changes
• Understand redox reactions and their relationship to galvanic cells

Prerequisites: Successful completion of SCH4U, Grade 12U Chemistry, is recommended. 

Textbook: No textbook is required.  

Technical Requirements: Access to the Blackboard Learning Management System will be provided. Learners will require access to a computer with high-speed internet access. 

Assessment: Participants can expect to complete a combination of short assignments, quizzes and activities during the course. Daily online participation is also required for successful completion. Upon completion students will be awarded a grade of complete or incomplete. Learners who successfully complete this course will receive a Certificate of Completion from UWindsor Continuing Education

Fees: $350+HST. UWindsor Alumni, Staff and Students are all eligible for a discount. Contact continue@uwindsor.ca to get your discount code before registering online.

Instructor: Emilia Iacobelli

Emilia Iacobelli is a secondary school Chemistry, Mathematics, and English as a Second Language teacher with the Greater Essex County District School Board.  She is also a proud University of Windsor graduate.  She graduated from the Concurrent Honours Chemistry (with thesis)/Bachelor of Education program in 2017, with teachable subjects in Chemistry and Mathematics, also obtaining her IB Certification in these subject areas.  She subsequently completed her Master of Education degree in 2019 and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Studies with a focus on Mathematics Education.  Since her B.Ed. graduation, Emilia has also completed a number of additional qualifications in Special Education, Teaching English Language Learners, Guidance and Career Education, and eLearning.  She has a passion for teaching and a lifelong love of learning that she hopes to instill in her students. 

Format: Online, synchronous

UWindsor Prep Biology is a non-credit online course that reviews grade 12 concepts and to ensure students are prepared for Biology at the University of Windsor.  

A review of the expectations from the Grade 12 University Biology will be presented in condensed format that is designed to enhance the understanding of the core concepts.   These five main topics include biochemistry, metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis and population dynamics.  Students will have an opportunity to learn directly from on-line lectures, virtual labs and investigations, assignments and case studies.  Both formative and summative evaluations will be provided to assess student learning during the course.

Take this refresher if you are registered in the following UWindsor academic courses:

• BIOL-1101 Cell Biology or
• BIOL-1111 Biological Diversity

UWindsor Prep Biology is ideal for:

• Students starting in the Faculty of Science and majoring in Biology, Forensics, Economics, Environmental Science and Chemistry.  
• Any other student who is required to take BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1111 as a part of their degree program would also benefit from taking this refresher.

Topics Covered 

Biochemistry 

• Cellular Structures & Function
• Macromolecules

Metabolic Processes

• Thermodynamics
• Cellular Respiration
• Photosynthesis

Molecular Genetics

• DNA Replication
• Protein Synthesis
• Biotechnology

Homeostasis

• Human Systems
• Feedback Mechanisms

Population Dynamics

• Population Growth
• Earth’s Sustainability

Learner Outcomes 

• Understand prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells and the function of organelles
• Understand the structure and function of important biological macromolecules including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids
• Investigate the transfer of energy involved in the reactions of cellular respiration and photosynthesis
• Understand the history of discovery of the structure and function of DNA
• Understand the process of DNA replication, protein synthesis, mutations and genetic modifications and their application in agriculture and industry
• Construct feedback loops to understand how the body maintains homeostasis through the nervous system, endocrine system and urinary system.
• Analyze the relationship between population growth and sustainable ecosystems

Prerequisites: Successful completion of SBI4U, Grade 12U Biology, is recommended. 

Textbook: No textbook is required.  

Technical Requirements: Access to the Blackboard Learning Management System will be provided. Learners will require access to a computer with high-speed internet access. 

Assessment: To successfully complete this course participants will regularly attend online classes and complete a series of assignments and quizzes. Upon completion students will be awarded a grade of complete or incomplete and successful learners will receive a Certificate of Completion from UWindsor Continuing Education.

Fees: $350+HST. UWindsor Alumni, Staff and Students are all eligible for a discount. Contact continue@uwindsor.ca to get your discount code before registering online.

Instructor: Nancy Ulicny

Nancy Ulicny is a secondary school Science and Mathematics teacher with the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Honours Biological Sciences, in 2019. She possesses a minor in Biochemistry as well. She then went on to obtain her Bachelor of Education in 2019 with teachable subjects in Biology and Chemistry. Presently, Nancy is working towards a Master of Education degree with the University of Windsor, focusing on Educational Administration and Leadership. Nancy strongly believes in the value of lifelong learning. In addition to studying her Master’s degree, she has taken a variety of additional qualification courses and also obtained her International Educator Certificate (IEC) for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program through Continuing Education at the University of Windsor.

Format: Online, synchronous and asynchronous

Students can expect to commit an additional 2-3 hours/day of asynchronous work to this course.

This online course extends students’ experience with functions. Students will investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; develop techniques for combining functions; broaden their understanding of rates of change; and develop facility in applying these concepts and skills. Students will review and develop strategies, mathematical processes, and thinking skills during problem-solving sessions. Emphasis will be placed on understanding various mathematical relationships, utilizing mathematical techniques in solving problems, and applying mathematical knowledge into various contexts.

Course Outline

To successfully complete this course participants will regularly attend online classes and complete a series of assignments and quizzes. Upon completion students will be awarded a grade of complete or incomplete and successful learners will receive a Certificate of Completion from UWindsor Continuing Education.

Take this refresher if you are registered in the following UWindsor academic courses:

• Functions and Differential Calculus MATH-1760 
• Differential Calculus MATH-1720.

UWindsor Prep Advanced Functions and Problem-Solving Strategies is ideal for students who are starting in the Faculty of Engineering or Faculty of Science and majoring in Forensics, Economics, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Chemistry.  Any other student who would like to refresh their math skills or is required to take MATH-1760 or MATH-1720 as part of their degree program would also benefit from taking this refresher.

Learner Outcomes 

Throughout this course, students will:

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

• demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between exponential expressions and logarithmic expressions, evaluate logarithms, and apply the laws of logarithms to simplify numeric expressions;
• identify and describe some key features of the graphs of logarithmic functions, make connections among the numeric, graphical, and algebraic representations of logarithmic functions, and solve related problems graphically;
• solve exponential and simple logarithmic equations in one variable algebraically, including those in problems arising from real-world applications.

Trigonometric Functions

• demonstrate an understanding of the meaning and application of radian measure;
• make connections between trigonometric ratios and the graphical and algebraic representations of the corresponding trigonometric functions and between trigonometric functions and their reciprocals, and use these connections to solve problems;
• solve problems involving trigonometric equations and prove trigonometric identities.

Polynomial and Rational Functions

• identify and describe some key features of polynomial functions, and make connections between the numeric, graphical, and algebraic representations of polynomial functions;
• identify and describe some key features of the graphs of rational functions, and represent rational functions graphically;
• solve problems involving polynomial and simple rational equations graphically and algebraically;
• demonstrate an understanding of solving polynomial and simple rational inequalities.

Characteristics of Functions

• demonstrate an understanding of average and instantaneous rate of change, and determine, numerically and graphically, and interpret the average rate of change of a function over a given interval and the instantaneous rate of change of a function at a given point
• determine functions that result from the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of two functions and from the composition of two functions, describe some properties of the resulting functions, and solve related problems;
• compare the characteristics of functions, and solve problems by modelling and reasoning with functions, including problems with solutions that are not accessible by standard algebraic techniques.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of MHF4U (Grade 12U Advanced Functions) is recommended.

Textbook: No textbook is required.  

Fees: $350+HST. UWindsor Alumni, Staff and Students are all eligible for a discount. Contact continue@uwindsor.ca to get your discount code before registering online.

Instructor Dr. Justin Teeuwen

Justin Teeuwen recently completed his Ph. D. in Educational Studies at the University of Windsor with a focus on Cognition and Learning. He researched the transferability of metacognition to domains far from the seed domain of mathematics. Dr. Teeuwen has worked as an educator in primary, secondary, and post-secondary systems for over ten years. Dr. Teeuwen’s research interests include metacognition, metaemotion, mathematics education, science education, mentorship education, motivation, and wellness. Previous to his Ph.D. studies, Dr. Teeuwen graduated with a Master of Science, Physics and a Bachelor of Education at the University of Windsor.

Format: Online, synchronous

This online course extends students’ experience with calculus. Students will review limits, derivative rules, and their applications to polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. These skills will then be applied to produce graphs of combinations of functions and to solve optimization problems. These skills with then be extended to include implicit differentiation and related rate problems. The course will be structured to allow for a combination of direct instruction, independent work, and small group learning. Emphasis will be placed on making connections between previous learning and new learning, and on deepening students’ understanding of foundational skills necessary for further studies in calculus.

Take this refresher if you are registered in the following UWindsor academic courses:

• MATH-1720.Differential Calculus
• MATH-1760. Functions and Differential Calculus
• MATH-1780 Access to Differential Calculus
• PHYS-1400. Introductory Physics I

This prep program is ideal for:

• Students starting at the Faculty of Engineering
• Students starting at the Faculty of Science and majoring in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Sciences or Physics. 
• Transfer students and anyone interested in refreshing their math skills.

Course Outline

To successfully complete this course participants must attend online classes and complete a series of online quizzes and assignments. Upon completion students will be awarded a grade of complete or incomplete.

Learner Outcomes

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Limits and Derivatives

• Define the limit of a function and apply properties of limits to simplify and determine the behaviour of graphs for a variety of types of functions
• Determine derivatives of functions from first principles and graph the derivative function for polynomial, exponential, and sinusoidal functions
• Prove derivative rules from first principles, including the chain rule
• Apply derivative rules to polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and sinusoidal functions and combinations of these functions

Applications of Derivatives

• Calculate higher order derivatives for polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and sinusoidal functions, as well as for combinations of these functions
• Make connections between the first and second derivatives of a function and the properties of the graph of that function and apply this understanding to sketch the curve for the function
• Solve problems (including optimization problems) that require the use of derivatives and their properties

Implicit Differentiation and Applications

• Differentiate an implicit function by using the chain rule and isolating the desired derivative
• Apply the process of implicit differentiation to solve related rate problems
• Apply the process of implicit differentiation to determine the derivative of the natural logarithmic function, f(x) = ln x, and to differentiate functions that include the natural logarithm

Prerequisites: Successful completion of MCV4U Grade 12 Calculus is recommended. 

Textbook: No textbook is required.  

Assessment: To successfully complete this course participants will regularly attend online classes and complete a series of assignments and quizzes. Upon completion students will be awarded a grade of complete or incomplete and successful learners will receive a Certificate of Completion from UWindsor Continuing Education.

Fees: $350+HST. UWindsor Alumni, Staff and Students are all eligible for a discount. Contact continue@uwindsor.ca to get your discount code before registering online.

Instructor: Kristi Ryan

Kristi Ryan has been teaching mathematics with the Greater Essex County District School Board for fifteen years. She holds an undergraduate degree in Honours Biochemistry from Western University and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Windsor. Her love of learning has led to the completion of a number of additional university courses, including a Master of Professional Education in the area of Educational Leadership and Honour’s Specialist designations in Mathematics, Biology and Special Education. She believes in creating a safe and positive learning environment and strives to build critical thinking and self-reflection skills in her students.