IE · Subject guide
Physics and Chemistry
Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry — the combined SEC science subject, distinct from standalone Physics and standalone Chemistry (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level.
01 · Overview
Physics and Chemistry
Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry — the combined SEC science subject, distinct from standalone Physics and standalone Chemistry (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level.
- Subject guide
- Leaving Certificate
- Topics mapped
- 13
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
Mechanics
Section I (Physics): linear motion (displacement, velocity, acceleration), Newton's laws, force and momentum, work, energy and power, pressure, gravity and moments. The emphasis is quantitative problem-solving and conservation of momentum, supported by mandatory experiments such as measurement of g and conservation of momentum.
- 02
Heat, Temperature and Kinetic Theory
Section I (Physics): temperature measurement on the Celsius and absolute (Kelvin) scales, the gas laws (Boyle's, Charles's, the ideal-gas relationship) and kinetic theory as an account of the states of matter. Covers heat capacity, latent heat and energy transfer, with specific-heat-capacity and latent-heat experiments.
- 03
Light — Optics
Section I (Physics): the laws of reflection and refraction, Snell's law, total internal reflection, plane and curved mirrors and converging and diverging lenses. Includes image formation, optical instruments and experiments measuring refractive index and focal length.
- 04
Light — Wave Theory
Section I (Physics): light as a wave — wavelength, frequency, amplitude and wave speed, the electromagnetic spectrum, diffraction and the photoelectric effect. Higher Level extends to wave-particle duality and the photon model of light.
- 05
Static and Current Electricity
Section I (Physics): electrostatics (charge, electric fields, capacitance) progressing to current electricity — current, potential difference, resistance, Ohm's law, resistivity and series and parallel circuits. Includes Joule's law, with experiments on Ohm's law, Joule's law and resistivity.
- 06
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Section I (Physics): permanent magnets and magnetic fields, the force on a current-carrying conductor, electromagnetic induction (Faraday's and Lenz's laws), the transformer, and applications such as the motor and generator.
- 07
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Section II (Chemistry): the development of atomic theory (the Rutherford-Bohr model), electron arrangements and energy levels, isotopes and relative atomic mass, and the modern periodic table with trends in atomic radius, ionisation energy and electronegativity. Covers Mendeleev's work and the basis of periodic law.
- 08
Radioactivity
Section II (Chemistry): the nature of alpha, beta and gamma radiation (ionising ability, penetrating power, absorption), half-life, decay equations, and nuclear fission and fusion. Includes applications in medicine and industry and safety considerations.
- 09
Molecular Theory and Chemical Bonding
Section II (Chemistry): the structure and shape of simple molecules (VSEPR at Higher Level), ionic bonding (lattice energy, properties of ionic compounds), covalent bonding, metallic bonding and the role of electronegativity in bond polarity. Physical properties are related to bond type.
- 10
Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry
Section II (Chemistry): chemical equations and balancing, relative atomic and molecular masses, the mole concept and mole calculations (including gas volumes at STP), and introductory thermochemistry (enthalpy changes, heats of combustion and formation, Hess's law). Oxidation and reduction are introduced here.
- 11
Acid-Base Chemistry and Electrochemistry
Section II (Chemistry): the Bronsted-Lowry theory, strong versus weak acids, pH and the pH scale, acid-base titrations and buffers (Higher Level). Electrochemistry covers the electrochemical and activity series, electrolysis, Faraday's laws, galvanic cells and corrosion, with volumetric analysis as a mandatory practical.
- 12
The Chemistry of Hydrogen, Oxygen and Chlorine
Section II (Chemistry): the laboratory and industrial preparation, properties and uses of hydrogen, oxygen and water, and chlorine, including reactions with metals and non-metals to form oxides and chlorides, set against the reactivity series. Industrial processes provide applied context.
- 13
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Section II (Chemistry): the naming, structure and reactions of the main homologous series — alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and esters. Includes hydrocarbons from crude oil, isomerism and functional-group reactions, with mandatory organic experiments such as the preparation of ethanol, esters and soap.
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.