Biology Department
Aims and Objectives
Aims
Biology is a fascinating, popular and useful subject. In St. Columba’s we aim to enthuse, inform and raise awareness about all aspects of the living world – and about the functioning of our own bodies. In so doing we also aim to prepare pupils for their certificate exams to as high a level as possible, and to prepare them for their roles as decision-making, responsible and interested members of society.
Objectives
- 1. To give an insight into the nature of science in general, and into the processes and history of scientific investigation and biological enquiry.
- 2. To develop an appreciation of the diversity of organisms, and of the integral role humans have in maintaining the delicate balance of nature.
- 3. To understand the basics of human physiology.
- 4. To gain an awareness of the value judgements made in relation to contemporary biological issues, and of the applications of biological knowledge in society.
- 5. To provide a thorough grounding for those who wish to continue in tertiary education.
- 6. To prepare each pupil comprehensively, and to as high a level as possible, for their leaving certificate examination.
Subject Organisation within the College
The Biology Department in St Columba’s is centred around a dedicated Biology Laboratory, housed in a purpose-built Science Block which includes three other dedicated laboratories and associated preparation rooms. Each laboratory is fully equipped for practical work and has digital projection facilities and internet access. One laboratory also has a fully interactive whiteboard. There is an extensive video and DVD biology library.
All pupils follow an integrated science course leading to the Junior Certificate examination at the end of form III. In Transition Year pupils may opt separately for Biology, and the TY course aims to enthuse and inform pupils about the living world as well as to provide a context for, and solid grounding in, the concepts and skills needed for the Leaving Certificate course in Forms V and VI.
Throughout the College there is adequate provision of double lessons to allow for practical work. In Forms P, I and II there are three Science classes per week (1 double lesson and 1 single lesson), and in Form III this rises to five lessons per week (1 double lesson and 3 single lessons). In the Transition Year there are four Biology classes per week (1 double lesson and 2 single lessons). In Forms V and VI there are five Biology classes per week (1 double lesson and 3 single lessons).
Details of Biology Courses
The Transition Year Biology Course
The Transition Year course bridges the gap between Junior Certificate General Science and the study of ‘pure biology’ which is required at Leaving Certificate. Topics investigated include: Plant Biology (and Classification), Animal Biology (Mammals and Annelids), Human Physiology, Microbiology, Ecology, Evolution (and the Origin of Life), Genetics (and Biotechnology), Parasites, Pathology.
Assessment is by a combination of formal exams, project work and continuous monitoring of effort and application throughout the year. Presentation skills are honed through use of Powerpoint lectures, debates and the preparation of journalistic articles.
The Leaving Certificate Biology Course
The Department of Education Biology syllabus was revised and updated in 2001 (see http://www.curriculumonline.
NB More details of the Biology course plans followed in SCC can be seen at the SCC Science website: http://www.sccscience.com
Leaving Certificate Exam Preparation and Results
Biology is continually the most popular of the non-compulsory subjects at Leaving Certificate in SCC, and all pupils are prepared initially for the Higher Level examination (over each of the past 6 years only one or two pupils in each cohort have sat the examination at Ordinary Level).
There is a proud tradition in Biology in SCC and over the past 3, years for example, 66% of Higher Level Biology candidates in SCC have achieved an A or B grade (compared with a national average of 45%).
Field Work and Trips
Ecology fieldwork is carried out locally in Forms II, IV and V, and each year there is a weekend Science trip to Northern Ireland for all pupils in Form I. This involves a study of various aspects of ecology - including visits to Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry and Castle Espie Wetlands and Wild Fowl Centre. A report on the trip is built up into a major project, for which ‘commendations’ or even ‘distinctions’ may be awarded for outstanding work.
In Transition Year (Form IV) there is an optional trip to London to visit the Natural History Museum, Down House and other sites of biological interest.
In Form V there is a four day compulsory trip to the Burren region in County Clare, on which field work is carried out regarding: use of identification keys, quantitative and qualitative sampling techniques, seashore ecology, ecological succession in coastal sand dunes, the unique flora of the Burren and adaptations for life in different environments.
The Biology Prize
The annual Biology prize is open to members of Forms IV, V and VI. An abstract of no more than 500 words is submitted on any biology-based topic, and the best five entries are then selected to go forward to give a 10-15 minute presentation in front of an external judge. Last year’s judge was well known Biology teacher, author and broadcaster Joe Reville, and the winning topic was ‘Homeopathy in Horses’.
Website
The Science Department website www.sccscience.com is run by Mr Jones, and contains course notes from each of the Biology teachers, syllabuses, an active and interesting blog (the Frog Blog) and links to various biology and examination resources.
Staff
There are three teachers of Biology in the Senior Cycle:
Jeremy Stone, BSc, PhD, HDipEd (Head of Department)
Humphrey Jones, BScEd
Peter Jackson, BSc, HDipEd.
