Question 1 · Both levels
Which of these is a testable hypothesis?
The Biology in Practice Investigation
The Biology in Practice Investigation is worth 40% of Leaving Cert Biology. Each year the SEC publishes a brief; you research an issue and design and carry out an experiment of your own.
| Weight | 40% of the marks |
|---|---|
| Level | A common brief, the same for every student |
| Brief | Published by the SEC in term two of fifth year |
| Time | The specification expects it to take up to 20 hours |
What you do
You research an issue linked to the brief, using secondary sources, then plan an experiment, gather your own primary data, analyse it and draw conclusions. You submit a report in Year 2 of the course in the format the SEC sets.
What is looked for
The specification describes high achievement as a testable hypothesis grounded in biology, a clear design that gives good data, valid conclusions with sources of error identified, and a reflection on how the work relates to science and society.
How this course helps
We do not write or mark investigations. Section 1 practises the skills underneath them: hypotheses, variables, controls, error, repeatability and conclusions, in quick checks and data questions.
Try 2 questions
Question 2 · Both levels
A magazine headline says 'Dark chocolate makes you smarter.' The study behind it gave chocolate to 12 volunteers, had no control group, and was paid for by a chocolate company. Which is the best evaluation of the claim?
Next step
Questions people ask
Can this course do my investigation for me?
No. The investigation must be your own work. The course practises the skills it uses.
When is the brief published?
The specification says the SEC publishes it each year in term two of fifth year.