LC Biology study plan

Define and correctly use 40 core genetic terms (gene, allele, locus, genotype, phenotype, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, recessive, codominance, linkage, sex-linkage) by writing one-sentence definitions from memory and self-checking

Solve monohybrid and dihybrid crosses using Punnett squares, including 3:1 and 9:3:3:1 ratios, and state expected phenotype ratios for given parental genotypes

Describe the structure of DNA and RNA and explain replication, transcription and translation step by step in your own words without notes

Draw and label a generalized animal and plant cell, listing the function of each organelle and one structural difference between the two

Explain diffusion, osmosis, active transport and turgidity, and predict the direction of water movement for three given solute concentrations

Explain the stages of mitosis and meiosis and contrast them in a table covering chromosome number, crossing over, independent assortment and daughter cells produced

Complete a worked example of a genetic cross involving sex linkage or codominance and interpret the pedigree outcome

Outline the process of genetic engineering (isolation of a gene, vector, ligation, transformation, selection) and give two named applications in medicine or agriculture

Describe one named example of biotechnology (for example fermentation or tissue culture) and state its industrial or medical use

Explain the cause and inheritance pattern of one named human genetic disorder and one named screening or diagnostic technique

Trace the pathway of blood through the heart and both circulations, naming chambers, valves and major vessels in order

Compare artery, vein and capillary structure and relate each structure to its function

Describe gas exchange in the alveoli and list three features that make exchange surfaces efficient

Explain the role of the digestive system in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, naming the enzyme and product at each stage

Interpret a graph of enzyme activity against temperature or pH and explain the shape using the terms active site and denaturation

Describe the structure and function of the nephron and explain how filtration, reabsorption and secretion produce urine

Explain homeostasis using one named example (osmoregulation, thermoregulation or blood glucose) including negative feedback and the role of a named hormone

Compare nervous and hormonal coordination in a table covering speed, duration, transmission route and target specificity

Describe a reflex arc and label its components in a diagram

Design a controlled experiment for a given biological question, identifying independent, dependent and controlled variables, a control group and one source of error

Explain energy flow through an ecosystem using trophic levels, food chains and pyramids of numbers and energy, and state why energy is lost at each level

Describe the carbon and nitrogen cycles, naming the processes and organisms involved at each stage

Define and apply ecological terms (population, community, habitat, niche, ecosystem, biodiversity) to a named Irish or local habitat

Explain two human impacts on an ecosystem and evaluate one named conservation or management measure

Write the balanced equation for photosynthesis and describe the light and dark stages, naming the products of each

Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration, giving the balanced equations, ATP yield comparison and the products in muscle and yeast

Explain how the structure of a leaf is adapted for photosynthesis and gas exchange, linking each feature to its function

Describe how light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature limit the rate of photosynthesis and interpret a limiting-factor graph

Explain the role of ATP as an energy carrier and trace where it is produced and used in the cell

Design and describe a controlled investigation of photosynthesis or respiration, including how to measure the rate

Describe the human male and female reproductive systems and outline gametogenesis, fertilisation and early development

Explain the menstrual cycle and the role of named hormones, including one contraceptive or fertility treatment application

Describe plant transport (xylem and phloem) and relate vessel structure to function

Explain plant responses (tropisms) and one named plant reproductive process such as pollination or seed dispersal

Evaluate a set of experimental data for reliability and accuracy, identifying a control, a replicate and one possible systematic error

Complete two full timed mock papers under exam conditions and record the score for each domain

List your five weakest sub-topics from the mock results and write a one-page revision sheet for each

Re-derive from memory the key equations (photosynthesis, respiration), ratios and definitions most often lost in marking

Practise exam technique: command words, mark allocation, labelled diagrams and showing units in calculations

Review all eight weeks' deliverables and redo any question you previously answered incorrectly