Biology1

Biology

Biology is the study of living things.

The main aims of Leaving Certificate Biology, as outlined in the syllabus, are:

  • to encourage in students an attitude of scientific enquiry, of curiosity and self-discovery
  • to develop an understanding of biological facts and principles
  • to enhance an interest in and develop an appreciation of the nature and diversity of living things
  • to create an awareness of the application of biological knowledge to modern society
  • to develop in students an ability to make informed evaluations about contemporary biological issues.

The syllabus consists of three units:

Unit Topics
Unit 1 – Biology – The Study of Life The scientific method
Characteristics of life
Food
Ecology
Unit 2 – The Cell Cell structure and function
Enzymes
Photosynthesis and respiration
Diffusion and osmosis
Genetics
Unit 3 – The Organism Five kingdoms of living things
Bacteria, fungi and viruses
Animal physiology
Plant physiology

 

During their studies, students undertake 22 experiments at Higher Level or 21 experiments at Ordinary Level. A record of the experiments is kept by each student.

Leaving Certificate Biology is assessed at both higher and ordinary levels. Assessment comprises of 100% terminal written examination. The examination is worth 400 marks in total and takes the following structure:

Section  Number of questions to be completed  Question breakdown  Time to spend

A
Short questions

100 marks (25%)

 5 out of 6 2 from Unit 1
2 from Unit 2
2 from Unit 3
 30 minutes
B

Experiments

60 marks (15%)

 2 out of 3  All questions from the 22 (21 @ OL) mandatory experiments  30 minutes
C

Long questions

 

240 marks (60%)

4 out of 6

Q14 & 15 – answer any two of (a), (b) or (c).

1 from Unit 1
2 from Unit 2
3 from Unit 3
120 minutes

30 minutes per question

 

The biology syllabus is currently under review.

Items required by students
Textbook: ‘Biology Plus’ by Michael O’Callaghan. Published by Edco.
Leaving Certificate Biology Examination Papers
A4 Hardback Experiment Copy
Homework Copy

Websites that you may find useful

http://www.studynotes.ie/leaving-cert/biology/  Notes and videos on selected topics available
http://www.thephysicsteacher.ie/leavingcertbiologyhome.html  Class notes on all topics
https://examinations.ie  State Examinations Commission website – material archive provides all past examination papers and marking schemes
https://science.howstuffworks.com/  Articles that show the practical applications of Biology in everyday life
https://www.mrcbiology.com/  Class notes, summary mind maps, self-test sheets and class tests for each topic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuBY43N719wlQ0e17nbKRQ  YouTube channel geared towards the Leaving Certificate Biology Syllabus
www.leavingcertbiology.net/the-exam.html  Summary notes of each topic
https://www.scoilnet.ie/  Compilation of useful and relevant resources

 

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