The Biology in Practice Investigation
A research project you design, carry out and write up yourself - worth 40% of your final Leaving Certificate Biology grade. Here is what it involves and how the marks are described.
Free interactive companion tool
AAC Pathfinder - your step-by-step Investigation guide
Work through all 6 stages with a 20-hour planner, progress checklist, sample report with marker commentary, self-assessment against the descriptors, skills videos and PDF export.
How your grade is made up
40%
Investigation
This project - set and examined by the SEC
60%
Written examination
Higher and Ordinary level - revise it on this site
20 hrs
Class time
Indicative time for the whole investigation
What you actually do
- Research a scientific issue linked to the common brief the State Examinations Commission publishes in the second term of fifth year.
- Design and run your own experiment - you choose the method, variables and controls, and collect your own primary data.
- Build an evidence-based argument from your data - tables, graphs, analysis and honest evaluation of errors.
- Submit a written report in sixth year covering your research, method, findings and reflection.
Timeline: fifth year to sixth year
- Second term, fifth year - the SEC publishes the common brief for your year.
- Fifth and sixth year - research, design, experiment and analysis, guided by your teacher (about 20 hours in total).
- Sixth year - the report is completed and submitted; the SEC marks it for 40% of your grade.
The 6 stages
Indicative hours add up to the 20-hour budget - your teacher will guide how the time is split.
Initial Response to the Investigation Brief
1-2 hoursExplore & connect
Read the SEC brief carefully, note how it links to the specification and record your first ideas in your investigative log.
Background Research
2-3 hoursInvestigate & discover
Turn the brief into a focused research question, read credible sources and keep full references in your log.
Designing & Planning the Experiment
2-3 hoursPlan & prepare
Design a fair test: variables, controls, apparatus, method and safety. Plan how you will record your data.
Conducting the Experiment
3-5 hoursExperiment & record
Carry out your experiment, collect your own primary data and record observations and measurements carefully.
Data Analysis & Conclusions
1-2 hoursAnalyse & interpret
Present your data in tables and graphs, analyse the patterns and draw conclusions justified by your evidence.
Finalising the Investigation Report
Up to 4 hoursCompile & reflect
Write up your report: research, method, data, analysis, evaluation of errors and reflection on science and society.
How quality is described
The guidelines describe four areas of quality, each at high, moderate and low levels. Below is what high-quality work looks like in each - marks themselves are allocated by the SEC in the annual brief.
Knowledge and understanding
Engage thoroughly with the concepts; explain the biological phenomena clearly and accurately; pose a testable hypothesis underpinned by theory.
Investigative skills - design and method
Use clear, thorough, appropriate design and methods to collect high-quality primary data, presented and analysed well.
Investigative skills - analysis and conclusions
Draw valid conclusions justified by the data; evaluate the investigation and acknowledge sources of error.
Relating the work to science in society
Offer a considered reflection that locates your outcomes within broader issues of science and society.
Free interactive companion tool