Subjects / Leaving Certificate / Agricultural Science
Mapped to: Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science (NCCA specification 2019, examined to June 2028; a new specification is introduced in September 2027) – Scientific practices, Soils, Crops and Animals · official specification (NCCA). Topic names are StudyRoom's own summaries.
Scientific practices
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Scientific practices and investigationPlanning fair investigations, handling data and working safely on the farm and in the lab.HLOL 15 q
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Individual investigative study skillsChoosing a research question, collecting data and reporting findings.HLOL 15 q
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Farm health, safety and machineryHazards on the farm from machinery, animals, slurry and chemicals, and the controls that prevent accidents.HLOL 15 q
Soils
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Soil formation and compositionWeathering, parent material and the components of soil.HLOL 15 q
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Physical properties of soilTexture, structure, water and air in soils, and drainage.HLOL 15 q
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Soil chemistry: pH and nutrientsSoil pH, liming, cation exchange capacity and plant nutrients.HLOL 15 q
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Soil biology and organic matterSoil organisms, humus, decomposition and the nitrogen cycle.HLOL 15 q
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Fertilisers and nutrient managementOrganic and chemical fertilisers, slurry and protecting water quality.HLOL 16 q
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Soil profiles and Irish soil typesSoil horizons, leaching, gleying and podzolisation, and the brown earths, gleys, podzols and peats of Ireland.HLOL 15 q
Plants
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Plant structure and physiologyPhotosynthesis, transpiration, growth and reproduction of crop plants.HLOL 15 q
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Grassland and forageGrass species, grazing systems, silage and hay.HLOL 15 q
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Crop productionCultivation of cereals, potatoes and other crops in Ireland.HLOL 15 q
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Weeds, pests and diseases of cropsIdentifying and controlling weeds, pests and diseases, including integrated pest management.HLOL 15 q
Animals
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Dairy and beef cattle productionBreeds, management, calving, milk production and beef systems.HLOL 15 q
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Sheep and pig productionBreeds, lambing, pig housing and management.HLOL 15 q
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Animal nutrition, digestion and healthRuminant digestion, feeding, diseases and parasites.HLOL 15 q
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Reproduction in farm animalsReproductive systems, the oestrous cycle, heat detection, artificial insemination, pregnancy and birth.HLOL 15 q
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Animal welfare, traceability and food qualityWelfare needs of farm animals, animal identification and traceability, and producing safe, high-quality food.HLOL 15 q
Genetics and breeding
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Genetics and animal and plant breedingInheritance, heritability, crossbreeding, hybrid vigour and breeding indexes.HLOL 15 q
Farm ecology and sustainability
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Farm ecology, biodiversity and sustainabilityHedgerows, biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable farming.HLOL 15 q