Subject Overview

At Bailieborough Community School we believe that through the study of Biology, students employ the processes of Science to explore the diversity of life and inter-relationships between organisms. Students will become aware of the use of living organisms to enhance human health and the environment. They will be provided with the knowledge and understanding to pursue further education, training and employment in Biology and also to make judgements on issues that impact on their daily lives.

Content Overview

Leaving Certificate Biology is divided into three units.

UNIT 1: Scientific Method, Characteristics of Living Things, Food/Nutrition, Ecology and Fieldwork.

UNIT 2: The Cell, Cell Division, Photosynthesis, Respiration, Genetics, DNA, Evolution, Genetic Engineering, Protein Synthesis and Enzymes, Diffusion and Osmosis.

UNIT 3: Fungi, Bacteria, Viruses, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Plant Anatomy and Physiology.

Many of these topics are covered in Junior Cycle, however they are treated in much more detail and depth at Leaving Certificate level.

 Methodologies

In the Biology department we use a number of different methodologies such as :

• Keywords
• Relating syllabus to everyday life
• Use of posters to enhance learning
• Students writing definitions
• Peer teaching
• Questions
• Concept and mind maps
• Powerpoint as a revision tool
• Practical activities

This leads to students mastering the following key skills:

• Critical and creative thinking
• Communicating
• Information processing
• Being personally effective
• Working with others

Assessment

(For State Exams)

Exam Structure:

The Leaving Certificate Biology Exam is worth 100%, there is currently no continuous assessment.

The subject is available at both Higher and Ordinary Level, with most of the course being covered for both levels. The exam structure for both levels is the same, and the exam lasts for 3 hours.

Section A- Short Questions

6 Questions, Answer 5.

100 marks = 25%

Section B – Experiment Questions

3 Questions, Answer 2.

60 marks = 15%

Section C – Long Questions

6 Questions, Answer 4.

240 marks = 60%

Assessment takes placed within the laboratory/classroom by:

• Verbal Questioning
• Use of worksheets and handouts
• Use of exam papers
• Designing of mind maps
• Writing of summary notes on topics taught
• Use of regular class tests

Career Prospects

Biology is a necessary requirement for many careers. The following list is only a general guide. Biology is used in many other career paths and third level courses.

 Medicine

Nursing

Beauty Therapy

Hairdressing

Pharmaceutical Science

Sport Science

General Science

Physiotherapy

PE Teaching

Fitness Instructor

Genetics

Disease Research

Marine Biologist

Zoologist

Veterinary

First Aid

Physiotherapy

Occupational Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy

Nursing

Veterinary Nursing

Rehabilitation

Agricultural Science

Microbiology

Food Industry

Brewing Industry

Horticulture

Primary Teaching (Science Aspect)

Nutrition & Dietician

Massage Therapist

Biomedical Science

Blood Testing (Haematology)

Pathology

Sports Injury