Science T.Y. Programme TY index
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 The theme of the syllabus is the human body and each of the modules examines different aspects of the human body from
1) its genetics to
2) aspects of how it functions to
3) the effect on it of the environment and
4) how it accommodates itself to its own environment
The delivery of the syllabus is in modular form with each participant studying one biology module, one physics module and one chemistry module. For those students who do not intend to take science at the senior cycle there is a special sports science’ module which runs for the entire year.
The three regular modules are aimed at giving students a greater feel for
· practical work in general and
· for scientific material not covered in the Junior Cycle
· but serving as a possible introduction to the Senior
· Cycle but not directly taken from the Senior Cycle Syllabi.
Each module lasts for approximately 8 weeks thus guaranteeing each student covers all three modules.
There is an assessment at the end of each module and there is no formal comprehensive Christmas or Summer Exam.
As part of a link-up with an American University, we are in a position to offer a 4 to 6 week scholarship to two students from TY science Programme. These will be chosen, based on performance in a special exam (which will be based on a specially prepared additional module in Chemistry which has been developed by our Senior Chemistry Teachers Mr. Fenton and Ms. Lawrence) and on consultation within the Science Department. This is a very exciting initiative for which we are most grateful to all who have helped to bring it to fruition. |
MODULE A: BIOLOGY
The aim is to examine issues and topics of general interest which are not covered in Junior Cycle Science Syllabus but which have an intrinsic value in themselves and may also serve as a taster for those considering Senior Cycle Biology as a Leaving Cert. option.
1 The discovery of Penicillin & the search for new Antibiotics.
a.Experiments associated with the search for a new antibiotic.
b. Alternatives to antibiotics …. Phages / Superbugs.
2. Ecology Topics
a. Maintaining species diversity
b. Global warming (some ‘little known’ effects).
3. Genetics
a. Introduction to Genetic Engineering
b. Ethical issues in genetic engineering
c.
Potential of genetic engineering
4. Visualisation / Introduction to Psychology in Sport
a.
With a view to developing topics into Young Scientists projects and / or a summary of each topic in the young science writers competitions
5. Smoking – what science has to say?
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MODULE B: CHEMISTRY
The syllabus is built around a series of practicals / experiments with the aim of giving students the basic skills needed for more serious experimental work in their future academic studies in science.
1. Vitamin C. Experiment.
a.
To compare the Vitamin C content in different fruit juices and
b.
To study the effect of heat on the stability of vitamin C.
2. Urine Experiment.
To investigate the properties of ones own urine with respect to
a. pH,
b. Specific gravity, and
c.The presence of some organic and
d. Inorganic compounds.
3. Experiment on the analysis of aspirin tablet.
To examine the properties of various brands of aspirin with respect to
a.Their rate of disintegration in an acidic environment.
b.Their stability and shelf life.
c.The composition of the ‘binder’.
d.The percentage of aspirin in an aspirin tablet.
e. Saponification.
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MODULE C: PHYSICS
Option 1
The theme of the Module is graphics in physics and is aimed
· to show proportion
· to show trend
· to calculate values from graphs &
· to verify experiments.
1. Time & how time is measured using a simple pendulum.
· Essay on time.
2. To verify that T2 “for simple (i) pendulum”.
· To plot graph and calculate ‘g’.
· Essay on Gallileo (life & times).
3. Calculate “g” from earlier graph.
· Work with graph to get /T2 slope or point.
· Essay on Newton – life and times.
4.Refraction of light – swimming pool.
· Delineations of critical angle +
· Show refraction in glass block.
5. Snell’s Law. Verify Snell’s Law
. using a graph and
· Calculate value of refractive index.
· Essay “What are fibre optics”?
6. Complete outstanding activities.
7. Ohms Law
· Verify Ohms Law using graph.
· Essay on Ohm.
8. Plot the cooling curve for Naphthalene. |
Option 2
The Module is an introduction to Theoretical Physics and is aimed:
1. To foster an interest in ‘popular physics’
2. To show one of the topics in the Leaving Cert. Course, namely, the option question on Particle Physics.
Popular Physics:
1. Einstein’s Theory on Relativity
2. Fundamental Forces of Nature
3. Introduction to Quantum Theory
4. Introduction to String Theory.
Particle Physics:
1. Brief History of Particle Physics
2. Standard Model
3. Hadrons (Baryons & Mesons) and Leptons
4. Quark Model.
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| THE SPORTS SCIENCE OPTION
This module is aimed primarily at those who do not intend to pursue Science in the Senior Cycle (but does not entirely exclude participants from that option). The approach, however, is experimental and practical so that everybody in TY will have some scientific content in their programme of studies.
The following topics are covered over the period of the entire academic year with the usual three assessments in November, March & May.
1. Sports psychology
2.
Injury management
3. Joint movement & Types
4. Nutrition
5. Skeletal System
6. Muscle Systems
7. Components of Fitness
8. Teaching a Skill
9. Body Movement |
