Biology
Leaving Certificate
Syllabus
The course is divided into three units
- Unit 1 The study of life (ecology and food science)
- Unit 2 The Cell (Genetics, photosynthesis, respiration and enzymes)
- Unit 3 The organism (a study of body systems, plant biology and microbiology)
There are 22 mandatory practical activities. Three of these are examined each year, two of which have to be answered. A laboratory record of these activities has to be kept and available for inspection by The Department of Education and Science. An ecology portfolio must also be completed.
Science is divided into 3 separate subjects for Leaving Certificate – Physics, Chemistry, Biology. Many courses require a science subject a t leaving cert level and it is advisable to those who are not sure what course of study they wish to follow at the end of school to keep a science subject.
Biology is the study of life. Students employ the processes of science to explore the diversity of life and the inter-relationships between organisms and their environment. They become aware of the use of living organisms and their products to enhance human health and the environment.
Examination
Higher and ordinary level – 3 hours. (The exam paper is divided into 3 units.)
- Section A – 6 short questions
- Section B – 3 questions on practical activities
- Section C – 6 long questions
Good Science Students have:
- A curiosity about the world around them
- An appreciation of the scientific method (experiments, analysis, conclusions)
- An ability to write clearly
- An eye for detail
- A desire to explore the world, understand it and explain it in a rational way.
Related Careers:
- Medicine
- Veterinary
- Dentistry
- Nursing and associated careers
- Agriculture
- Applied Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Ecology
- Earth Science and Environmental Science
- Genetics
- Marine Science and Aquaculture
- Microbiology and Zoology
- Psychologist
- Astronomer
- Teacher and Researcher
