IE · Subject guide
Biology
Leaving Certificate Biology (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
01 · Overview
Biology
Leaving Certificate Biology (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
- Subject guide
- Leaving Certificate
- Topics mapped
- 18
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
The Scientific Method and the Characteristics of Life
Introduces how biologists work through experiment, observation and theory, and the defining features common to all living organisms.
- 02
Food and Nutrition (Biomolecules)
Covers the chemical building blocks of life — carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water — and their roles in living things.
- 03
Ecology and the Study of an Ecosystem
Examines how organisms interact with each other and their environment, including nutrient cycles, energy flow, populations, pollution and a practical investigation of a local habitat.
- 04
Cell Structure and Cell Diversity
Explores the ultrastructure of plant and animal cells, organelles, the cell as a unit of life, and how cells differentiate into tissues and organs.
- 05
Enzymes and Energy Carriers
Looks at the structure, action and control of enzymes as biological catalysts and the role of ATP in cellular energy transfer.
- 06
Photosynthesis and Respiration
Studies how cells capture and release energy, comparing the light and dark stages of photosynthesis with aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
- 07
Movement Through Cell Membranes
Explains diffusion, osmosis and active transport as the means by which substances pass into and out of cells.
- 08
Cell Continuity and Cell Division
Covers the cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis, and their importance in growth, repair and the production of gametes.
- 09
DNA, Genetics and Heredity
Investigates the structure and replication of DNA, protein synthesis, the laws of inheritance and the working of monohybrid genetic crosses.
- 10
Variation, Evolution and Genetic Engineering
Examines sources of genetic variation, the theory of evolution by natural selection, and applications and ethics of modern genetic engineering.
- 11
Diversity of Organisms (Five Kingdoms)
Surveys the classification of living things and detailed study of bacteria (Monera), a protist, a fungus and the structure of viruses.
- 12
Structure and Transport in the Flowering Plant
Examines plant tissues, organs and the transport of water, minerals and food through the vascular system of flowering plants.
- 13
Human Nutrition and the Digestive System
Covers a balanced human diet and the structure and functioning of the alimentary canal in processing and absorbing food.
- 14
Circulation and the Human Defence System
Studies the heart, blood vessels and composition of blood, together with the body's defences against disease, including immunity and the lymphatic system.
- 15
Breathing, Excretion and Homeostasis
Looks at gas exchange and the breathing system, removal of metabolic waste by the kidney and skin, and the maintenance of a stable internal environment.
- 16
Coordination: Nervous, Sensory and Endocrine Systems
Examines how the body detects and responds to stimuli through the nervous system, sense organs and chemical control by hormones.
- 17
Support, Movement and the Musculoskeletal System
Covers the human skeleton, joints, muscles and the principles of support and locomotion, including plant responses to stimuli.
- 18
Reproduction in Plants and Humans
Studies sexual reproduction in the flowering plant and the structure, functioning and development of the human reproductive systems.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Levels and pathways
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
Regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
2
Public references
IE · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.