Agricultural Science

The science of farming, Ag Science is becoming more popular as this sector grows in Ireland.

This subject goes really well with Biology as there are a lot of overlapping topics. The course covers lots of practical topics such as cattle, pig and sheep management but don't be mistaken - there is a lot of science in this course. If you didn't do Science at higher level for the Junior Cert you will find some parts of the Ag Science course difficult. Lots of students, especially those from farming backgrounds, fall into the trap of thinking they know it all and they can waffle through the exam. Beware: the marking scheme is really specific, and you need to practice getting precise answers to achieve full marks.

More and more students are now taking up Ag Science as an extra subject outside of school. The course is short and definitely doable in one year but it probably only makes sense if you already do Biology. Don't forget: you will need an Ag Science teacher to grade your project.

Higehr Level Course Content

Animal Diseases
Animal Physiology - Digestive System
Animal Production - Reproductive Systems
Beef Cattle
Classification of Animals & Plants
Coursework Project - 2021
Coursework Project - 2022
Crop Production
Dairy Cattle
Energy Crop & Catch Crop
Fertilisers - Pollution - Environment - Cycles
Genetics
Grassland
Innovation and Biotechnology in Agriculture
Pigs
Plant Physiology
Scientific Practices - Experiments & Investigations
Sheep
Soil Science

Ordinary Level Course Content

Animal Diseases
Animal Physiology
Animal Production
Classification of Organisms
Coursework Project - 2021
Coursework Project - 2022
Crop Production
Fertilisers, Pollution & the Environment
Genetics
Grassland
Health & Safety
Innovation and Biotechnology in Agriculture
Plant Physiology
Scientific Practices - Experiments & Investigations
Soil Science

The Exam

The written examination accounts for 75% of marks for both Higher and Ordinary levels. This is made up of one paper with a duration of 2-and-a-half hours. The paper is made up of short answer questions, structured questions and synoptic questions, as described below.

Short answer questions: examine core topics across the syllabus
Structured questions: each question focuses on one specific topic on the syllabus
Synoptic questions: examines a number of topics

The other 25% is based on an assessment of your work. This is made up of a portfolio of specified practical activities and an individual investigative study.

The portfolio of specified practical activities requires students to carry out laboratory and field investigations, and to keep a portfolio of their results. The activities are carried out in groups but students must report on them individually. The skills developed in these activities will assist students in their individual investigative study.

The individual investigative study involves students investigating a particular topic in agricultural science in depth. The SEC will release a brief for each examination year group, which will provide a theme for this study. Students are expected to gather data, anaylse evidence and draw conclusions and arguments. Students must also present a scientific communication to describe their research and study. Skills developed during this investigative study may be examined in the written examination.

Agricultural Science

Topics

Past Papers

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