Biology for leaving cert. is an exciting subject. It is even more exciting now that a new syllabus has been introduced. The emphasis of the new syllabus is to encourage in students, an attitude of scientific enquiring, of curiosity and self discovery through team work, individual study and practical work. There is a strong effort to ensure that the new syllabus will prove relevant to the loves of students. Topics such as cancer, heart disease, asthma and bronchitis are given extensive attention which relates them to the human system in order to give the students a good understanding of how these systems work. The course also covers topical, if at times controversial issues, such as genetic engineering and cloning. In this area, it is hoped that it will enable students as future citizens to discuss and make judgements on issues in biology and science that may impact on their daily lives and on society.

At Coachford College, there is a strong emphasis on practical work. The school has its own biology laboratory, separate from physics and chemistry. The transition year program in Coachford allows students to do a lot of practical work in order to determine if they will keep the subject on at leaving cert. level. Biology is available at both Higher and Ordinary levels in separate classes to ensure maximum benefit to each and every student’s ability.