What it is
Biology is an option subject on the Ciências e Tecnologias (sciences) general academic course in 12.º ano (Year 12), the final year of secondary school. According to the Aprendizagens Essenciais (the official syllabus), it starts from knowledge already built in the course's core subjects, such as Biologia e Geologia in Years 10 and 11, so that students deepen and broaden it.
It is a one-year subject: in Year 12, students choose two one-year subjects, one of which must be linked to the nature of the course (Portaria n.º 226-A/2018).
The five domains
The Aprendizagens Essenciais propose five domains:
- Reproduction and fertility management
- Genetic heritage
- Immunity and disease control
- Food production and sustainability
- Preserving and restoring the environment
Each school covers three of the five domains, chosen every school year according to their relevance to local or global problems and to students' plans for further study. That is why Year 12 Biology content is not the same in every school.
How it is studied
The Aprendizagens Essenciais ask for the theoretical side to be integrated with practical and experimental work, and for strategies such as experimentation, researching and analysing information, argument and debate. They value examples of biotechnology products and services and reflection on their social, economic and ethical dimensions.
In practice this means lab work, reading articles and data, and open questions that call for well-founded arguments, not just definitions.
How it is assessed
Year 12 Biology has no national exam: it is not on the official list of exams (Table A of the Guia Geral de Exames 2026). In one-year subjects, the final grade is the internal school grade, CFD = CIF.
That grade goes into the final course grade and therefore into the secondary-school average used for university entry. The science entrance exams are the Year 11 exams (Biologia e Geologia 702, Física e Química A 715), not Year 12 Biology.
Who it suits
- Students who enjoyed the Biology side of Biologia e Geologia and want to go further, especially in genetics, immunity and biotechnology.
- Students considering health and life-science degrees who want a stronger foundation.
- Students who want to raise their average: with no exam, steady work through the year decides the grade.
Common questions
Does Year 12 Biology have a national exam?
No. The list of national exams in the Guia Geral de Exames 2026 does not include it. The final grade is the internal grade.
What is covered in Year 12 Biology?
Three of the five domains in the Aprendizagens Essenciais, chosen by the school: reproduction and fertility management, genetic heritage, immunity and disease control, food production and sustainability, and preserving and restoring the environment.
Do I need to have taken Biologia e Geologia?
The Aprendizagens Essenciais present it as a continuation of knowledge built in the core subjects of the sciences course, which include Biologia e Geologia.
Does Year 12 Biology count towards the entrance average?
Yes, through the final course grade. It cannot be used as an entrance exam; the Biologia e Geologia entrance exam is met with exam 702.
