Almost half of students take biology for Leaving Certificate. Is it for you?

The much-discussed flight from science in secondary schools refers only to the physical sciences. Biology is as popular as ever, with almost half of all Leaving Certificate students taking the subject last

year. Two out of three biology students are female, but the subject is gaining more male students each year.

Lily Cronin of Mean Scoil Eoin Baiste, in Co Kerry, believes the subject draws such numbers because it is so fascinating.

"Even if you never work in the health sciences or use biology in your career, it's a subject that is very useful on a day-to-day level," says Cronin. "If you are watching a hospital drama on TV, deciding

what to eat, or visiting the doctor,

a knowledge of biology is very useful."

The new biology syllabus, which was examined for the first time last year, has modernised the subject matter and drawn many newsworthy topics into the curriculum. Genetic testing and in-vitro fertilisation are just two of the new topics on the Leaving Cert biology course.

Students are also introduced to some industrial applications of biology, and there is an emphasis on technology where possible, according to Cronin.

The curriculum is divided into three strands: the study of life, the study of the cell and the study of the organism. It includes 22 mandatory experiments that students must familiarise themselves with through the senior cycle.

Despite this practical component of the syllabus, however, there is no practical exam, and all marks are decided on the day of the written exam, in June.

The written paper was restructured when the new syllabus came in, and now students must answer a

range of short questions, covering the whole course, followed by

three questions on practical experiments and four long, essay-style questions on different sections of the course.

Most schools teach ordinary- and higher-level biology in the same class. This is useful for students who are unsure about their choice of paper.

Biology is not a difficult subject, but the curriculum is very

detailed and there is a lot of work involved in covering the course properly.

"Anyone with an interest in nature and the diversity of organisms will get a lot from the study of biology," says Cronin. "As for careers, biology is used in nursing, medicine, biochemistry, lab work, childcare, beauticianship, nutrition and a range of other areas. The subject sets you up for life."