IE · Subject guide
Technology
Leaving Certificate Technology (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
01 · Overview
Technology
Leaving Certificate Technology (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
- 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
A Process of Design
The structured design methodology underpinning the whole subject: interpreting design briefs and themes, developing design specifications, investigating existing solutions, generating and selecting ideas, planning production and presenting work as a portfolio. It is the spine of the design-and-make approach applied across every other area.
- 02
Project and Quality Management
Basic principles of project management such as Gantt charts and critical-path analysis, together with quality-management concepts. Covers product life-cycle considerations, reliability and the relationship between cost and quality.
- 03
Materials and Production
Development of practical manufacturing skills to produce artefacts, including the safe use of hand and power tools. Covers the properties and selection of materials, joining and finishing techniques, and the economical management of resources.
- 04
Communications and Graphic Media
Communicating design ideas through graphic media: projection systems, dimensioned drawings, freehand sketching and three-dimensional representation, modelling and computer graphics. Includes using ICT tools to develop and present design information.
- 05
Information and Communications Technology
Core ICT capability: the components and specification of a computer system, safe system operation and basic ICT skills. Covers common software applications such as word processing, graphics and spreadsheets, and using computers for research and investigation.
- 06
Structures and Mechanisms
Naturally occurring and manufactured structures, forces and their effects, triangulation, stability and centre of gravity. Mechanisms covered include levers, pulleys, gears and cams.
- 07
Energy, Electricity and Electronics
Energy sources and conservation, fundamental electrical concepts and measurement, and components such as switches and sensors. Includes circuit design and construction and the operation of basic logic gates.
- 08
Electronics and Control
Optional area — an in-depth electronics study covering electrical measurement, circuit and component design, power supplies, motors and PCB production. Covers sensor design and logic circuits with inputs, outputs and counting systems.
- 09
Applied Control Systems
Optional area — control and automation: robotic-control principles, servo and stepper motors, analogue-to-digital conversion and programmable devices. Includes pneumatic systems for manufacturing applications.
- 10
Information and Communication Technology (Option)
Optional area, distinct from the core ICT study: computer architecture, data communications, local-area networks, and use of the internet, web and email. Covers multimedia design, image and sound formats and data protection.
- 11
Manufacturing Systems
Optional area — industrial manufacturing systems and strategies, quality-management tools such as control charts, and project management. Covers concurrent engineering, CAD applications and the design of manufacturing systems.
- 12
Materials Technology
Optional area — advanced study of materials: classification, properties and testing and material degradation. Covers joining processes, surface treatments, processing methods, environmental considerations and quality assurance in production.
- 13
Design-and-Make Project
The mandatory student project to a specified thematic brief, integrating the core and chosen options through the design process: analysing and developing the brief, researching and generating solutions, planning materials and processes, and producing an artefact plus an accompanying folder, evaluating the result against the brief.
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.