Agricultural Science - Ordinary
The science of farming, Ag Science is becoming more popular as this sector grows in Ireland.
This subject goes really well with Biology as there are a lot of overlapping topics. The course covers lots of practical topics such as cattle, pig and sheep management but don't be mistaken - there is a lot of science in this course. If you didn't do Science at higher level for the Junior Cert you will find some parts of the Ag Science course difficult. Lots of students, especially those from farming backgrounds, fall into the trap of thinking they know it all and they can waffle through the exam. Beware: the marking scheme is really specific, and you need to practice getting precise answers to achieve full marks.
More and more students are now taking up Ag Science as an extra subject outside of school. The course is short and definitely doable in one year but it probably only makes sense if you already do Biology. Don't forget: you will need an Ag Science teacher to grade your project.
Higehr Level Course Content
- Animal Diseases
- Animal Physiology - Digestive System
- Animal Production - Reproductive Systems
- Beef Cattle
- Classification of Animals & Plants
- Coursework Project - 2021
- Coursework Project - 2022
- Crop Production
- Dairy Cattle
- Energy Crop & Catch Crop
- Fertilisers - Pollution - Environment - Cycles
- Genetics
- Grassland
- Innovation and Biotechnology in Agriculture
- Pigs
- Plant Physiology
- Scientific Practices - Experiments & Investigations
- Sheep
- Soil Science
Ordinary Level Course Content
- Animal Diseases
- Animal Physiology
- Animal Production
- Classification of Organisms
- Coursework Project - 2021
- Coursework Project - 2022
- Crop Production
- Fertilisers, Pollution & the Environment
- Genetics
- Grassland
- Health & Safety
- Innovation and Biotechnology in Agriculture
- Plant Physiology
- Scientific Practices - Experiments & Investigations
- Soil Science
The Exam
The written examination accounts for 75% of marks for both Higher and Ordinary levels. This is made up of one paper with a duration of 2-and-a-half hours. The paper is made up of short answer questions, structured questions and synoptic questions, as described below.
- Short answer questions: examine core topics across the syllabus
- Structured questions: each question focuses on one specific topic on the syllabus
- Synoptic questions: examines a number of topics
The other 25% is based on an assessment of your work. This is made up of a portfolio of specified practical activities and an individual investigative study.
The portfolio of specified practical activities requires students to carry out laboratory and field investigations, and to keep a portfolio of their results. The activities are carried out in groups but students must report on them individually. The skills developed in these activities will assist students in their individual investigative study.
The individual investigative study involves students investigating a particular topic in agricultural science in depth. The SEC will release a brief for each examination year group, which will provide a theme for this study. Students are expected to gather data, anaylse evidence and draw conclusions and arguments. Students must also present a scientific communication to describe their research and study. Skills developed during this investigative study may be examined in the written examination.
Future Careers Agricultural Science
Farming, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, Science, Zoology
Download the leaving cert Agricultural Science Specification
Download the leaving cert Agricultural Science Chief Examiner's Report (2015)
Download the leaving cert Ag Science Project Guidelines