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 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 |