Biology
The most popular of all LC science subjects, many students pick it as their one science subject.
The Leaving Cert Biology course is really diverse and covers everything from Cell Biology to the Human Body to Ecology and Plants. There is a lot of learning to be done in this subject and with all the new terms it can sometimes seem like you are learning a new language! Make sure you know your definitions when studying Biology. They can often make up 25% of the questions on the exam. There are 22 experiments to be learned and these often make up over 20% of the marks. For each experiment be able to draw a diagram of the set up and know all of the steps and the reasons for taking these steps. Many students decide to leave out whole sections of the course such as Plants or Ecology. Be careful doing this as you will will have to answer at least a few questions in the short questions and it's a risky strategy if difficult questions come up in your chosen topics.
The syllabus is divided into three units:
- Unit One: Biology - The Study of Life
- Unit Two: The Cell
- Unit Three: The Organism
Higher Level Course Content:
- Bacteria
- Blood & Circulatory System
- Breathing System
- Cell Division
- Cell Metabolism & Enzymes
- Cell Structure
- Characteristics of Life
- Digestive System
- Ecology
- Excretion
- Experiment Questions
- Eye and Ear
- Food & Food tests
- Fungi
- Genetics, DNA & Evolution
- Hormonal/Endrocrine System
- Human Reproduction
- Immune system
- Movement Through Cell Membranes
- Musculoskeletal System
- Nervous System
- Photosynthesis
- Plant Reproduction
- Plant Responses
- Plant Structure
- Plant Transport
- Protista
- Respiration
- The Scientific Method
- The Study of an Ecosystem
- Viruses
Ordinary Level Course Content:
- Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi & Yeast
- Biochemical reactions & Enzymes
- Blood & Circulatory System
- Breathing System
- Cell Division
- Cell Metabolism & Osmosis
- Digestive System
- Ecology & Ecosystems
- Excretion
- Experiment Questions
- Eye/Ear & Nervous system
- Food & Food tests
- Genetics, DNA & Evolution
- Hormonal System
- Human Reproduction
- Immunity
- Musculoskeletal System
- Photosynthesis
- Plant Reproduction
- Plant Responses
- Plant Responses & Seed growth
- Plant Structure
- Respiration
- Transport in Plants
The Exam
Both Higher and Ordinary levels are assessed by a 3 hour written examination (one paper). There are three sections to the paper, Sections A, B and C. Section A is comprised of short questions, Section B examines experiment questions and Section C consists of more in-depth questions, examining a variety of topics. You are required to keep a record of your practical work (experiments) over the two years of the course and this will aid in answering Section B on the written paper.
Future Careers with Leaving Certificate Biology
Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Science, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Farming, Healthcare
Download the Leaving Cert Biology Syllabus
Download the leaving cert Biology Chief Examiner's Report (2013)
Download the leaving cert Biology Guidelines for Teachers