100
Combined years teaching Biology (Doyle, Walsh, Dowd)
Biology – Grinds & Courses
Biology only becomes a distinct Leaving Cert subject from 4th Year onwards, and success depends on more than memorising theory, the experiments section catches many students out. Our expert teachers combine exam-focused theory teaching with genuine attention to the practical, experiment-based side of the course.
10,000
Biology H1s Supported
20
live Biology classes every week
5
class locations – more than any other provider
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Find a Class That Fits Your Schedule
With 20 live Biology classes a week across five locations and online, you’ll always find one to suit your schedule.
Weekly Grinds — Biology
29-week course, September 2026 – May 2027. Classes are 60 minutes (4th Year) or 75 minutes (5th–6th Year). Biology is only taught as a distinct subject from 4th Year onwards; Junior Cycle years study combined Science instead.
4th Year
| Day | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 19:00 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 4th Year.
5th Year
| Day | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 12:00 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 17:30 | Higher | Swords | Enrol |
| Monday | 17:30 | Higher | Westmanstown | Enrol |
| Monday | 19:00 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 17:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Wednesday | 17:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Saturday | 10:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 5th Year.
6th Year
| Day | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 9:00 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Saturday | 10:30 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Saturday | 12:00 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 19:00 | Higher | Swords | Enrol |
| Monday | 19:00 | Higher | Westmanstown | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 17:30 | Higher | Dalkey | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 19:00 | Higher | Dalkey | Enrol |
| Tuesday | 19:00 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Wednesday | 19:00 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Thursday | 19:00 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Friday | 17:30 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
| Saturday | 9:00 | Higher | Online | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 6th Year.
August Preparation Course — Biology
Monday 17th – Thursday 20th August 2026. Classes are 75 minutes. No 4th Year Biology August course is currently offered, only 5th and 6th Year.
5th Year
| Days | Time | Level | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu | 13:00 | Higher | Leeson Street | Enrol |
No classes match these filters for 5th Year.
What To Expect
Theory vs Experiments
Leaving Cert Biology tests two quite different skills, recalling and applying theory, and understanding the mandatory practical experiments, and the second is easy to under-prepare for.
Theory Questions
The bulk of the exam covers core topics, cell biology, human systems, genetics, plant biology, ecology and microbiology, tested through short and long-answer questions.
Strong performance here comes from genuine understanding, not just memorised definitions, since questions are regularly rephrased from how topics are first taught.
Mandatory Experiments
A separate section of the exam is dedicated entirely to the mandatory practical experiments, procedure, apparatus, sources of error and expected results.
Because it feels different from theory revision, this section is the one students most often under-prepare for, despite it being entirely predictable in scope.
The experiments section is entirely predictable, and often under-revised. Every mandatory experiment on the course could appear, so working through each one properly is a highly efficient use of study time relative to the marks on offer.
What to focus on
- Genuine understanding of core topics, not just memorised definitions
- Working through every mandatory experiment, not just the ones covered most recently in class
- Practising past exam questions rather than only re-reading notes
- Keywords and marking-scheme language, since Biology answers are marked closely against specific terms
At the Institute of Education, weekly Biology classes give dedicated attention to the mandatory experiments alongside theory teaching, not just a quick pass near the exam.
Need Some Help? Access Our Free Biology Resources
We have a collection of free resources to help with Biology, including:
- Revision Plans
- Mandatory Experiments
- Key Definitions
- Past Paper Guidance
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Frequently Asked Questions
What level of Biology do you teach?
We teach Higher Level Biology only, from 4th Year onwards. Biology only exists as a distinct Leaving Cert subject from Senior Cycle, Junior Cycle years study combined Science instead. We do not currently offer a dedicated Ordinary Level Biology grinds option.
Where can I attend Biology grinds?
Depending on your year group, Biology grinds are available online and at our Leeson Street, Swords, Westmanstown and Dalkey locations. Biology is not currently offered at our Killester location. Use the filters above to see what’s available for your year.
Can I attend some classes online and others in person?
Yes. You can mix and match online and onsite classes across different subjects. Once enrolled in a specific class, though, you can only attend that class, whether online or in person.
How much do Biology grinds cost?
Fees depend on year group and how many subjects you take. For one subject, prices range from €1,020 (4th Year) up to €1,195 (6th Year) for the full 29-week course. Taking multiple subjects reduces the average cost per subject.
What’s included with Biology grinds?
Every student gets live teaching from experienced Biology teachers, free class recordings available to rewatch until the end of the State Exams, and exam-focused notes covering theory and the mandatory experiments.
Are Biology classes recorded if I miss one?
Yes. Every class, online or onsite, is recorded and available to rewatch through Moodle, right up until the end of the State Exams.
Does the exam cover the practical experiments?
Yes. A dedicated section of the exam covers the mandatory practical experiments, procedure, apparatus and results, alongside the theory-based questions in the rest of the paper. It’s a predictable but frequently under-revised part of the course.
Can I change my subject or class time during the year?
Yes. We allow class changes up to Easter, subject to availability. Contact our office on 01 661 3511 to arrange a change.
On Our Courses Students Receive:
Have Questions? We’re here to help
If you’d like to learn more about this course or need help, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.