Ireland — Biology
NCCA — National Council for Curriculum and Assessment
Biology in Ireland is part of Junior Cycle Science (Biological World & Earth & Space strands) in 1st–3rd Year. At Leaving Certificate level it is a separate subject examined at Higher (H) and Ordinary (O) level.
32 topics — click any topic for a full virtual lesson with worked examples.
1st Year · 2nd Year · 3rd Year (Junior Cert)
Junior Cycle Science — Biological World
The Biological World strand of Junior Cert Science covers cells, life processes, ecology, and the human body.
Cells & Life
Living Things & Ecology
5th Year · 6th Year (Leaving Cert)
Leaving Certificate Biology
Two written papers. Mandatory experiments are assessed. Higher level includes additional material and more detailed questions.
Cell Biology
- 📖→Cell structure & ultrastructureProkaryotic vs eukaryotic · Organelles in detail (HL) · Fluid mosaic model of cell membrane
- 📖→Cell divisionMitosis: stages (PMAT) · Meiosis: stages & significance (HL) · Cell cycle control
- 📖→PhotosynthesisLight & dark reactions · Chlorophyll & light absorption · Carbon fixation (Calvin cycle, HL) · +1 more
- 📖→Cellular respirationGlycolysis · Krebs cycle (HL) · Electron transport chain (HL) · +2 more
- 📖→EnzymesActive site & substrate · Lock & key / induced fit models · Factors: temperature, pH, concentration · +1 more
Genetics & Evolution
- 📖→DNA & chromosomesDNA structure (double helix) · DNA replication (semi-conservative) · Chromosomes, genes, alleles
- 📖→Protein synthesisTranscription: DNA → mRNA · Translation: mRNA → protein · Codons & the genetic code (HL)
- 📖→Mendelian geneticsMonohybrid crosses · Dihybrid crosses (HL) · Sex-linked traits · +1 more
- 📖→Mutations & biotechnologyTypes of mutation · GMOs & genetic engineering (HL) · PCR & gel electrophoresis (HL)
- 📖→EvolutionNatural selection · Darwinian theory · Evidence for evolution · +1 more
Ecology
- 📖→Ecosystems & biomesAbiotic & biotic factors · Trophic levels & energy flow · 10% rule & energy pyramids
- 📖→Nutrient cyclesCarbon cycle · Nitrogen cycle · Role of microorganisms
- 📖→Population dynamicsSampling techniques: transect, quadrat · Population growth curves · Carrying capacity · +1 more
- 📖→Human impact & conservationPollution types · Eutrophication · Biodiversity & conservation
Human Biology
- 📖→Digestion & nutritionOrgans & secretions · Digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids · Absorption in small intestine
- 📖→Circulatory systemHeart structure & cardiac cycle · Blood vessels · Blood composition & clotting · +1 more
- 📖→Respiratory systemStructure of lungs · Mechanics of breathing · Gas exchange (partial pressures, HL)
- 📖→Nervous systemNeurone structure · Synapse & neurotransmitters · Reflex arc · +1 more
- 📖→Endocrine systemMajor glands & hormones · Insulin & glucagon (diabetes) · Negative feedback · +1 more
- 📖→Immune systemInnate vs adaptive immunity · Antibodies & antigens · Vaccines · +1 more
Microbiology & Biotechnology
Plant Biology
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