Is the recitation of Birchos HaTorah a Torah obligation? 

To show the proper reverence for talmud Torah, one is obligated to recite Birchos HaTorah before he begins to learn. According to many Achronim, reciting at least one brocha is a Torah obligation. Therefore, if one is uncertain if he said Birchos HaTorah, he must be stringent and recite the brocha of Asher Bochar Bonu. Some Achronim hold that Birchos HaTorah is only a rabbinic obligation. In their view, if one is uncertain if he has already said the brochos, he should not repeat them. In light of the opposing opinions, it is best to hear the brochos from another person if one finds himself in this situation. All agree that if a person only became doubtful after he finished davening, he should not say Birchos HaTorah. His recitation of Ahavah Rabbah takes the place of Birchos HaTorah in this case.

ס"ק א'

Which parts of Torah cannot be learned before saying Birchos HaTorah?

All areas of limud haTorah--including Mikrah, Mishnah, Talmud, halochos and Medrash—may not be engaged in before saying Birchos HaTorah. Some Achronim are unsure whether Birchos HaTorah are necessary before learning Sifrei Kabbalah and Aggadic passages. Others are unequivocal that these limudim also require Birchos HaTorah. It is permitted to include phrases of Torah in a conversation (without intent to engage in the mitzvah of Talmud Torah) before reciting Birchos HaTorah.

סעיף ב וס"ק ד; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 9  

Are Birchos HaTorah recited over the enjoyment of learning? 

The first of the Birchos HaTorah is a typical birchas hamitzvah which is said before doing a mitzvah. The second brocha is a birchas hashvach, praising Hakodosh Boruch Hu for selecting Klal Yisroel to be the recipients of the Torah. Some Achronim suggest that the brochos fall into the categtory of birchas hanehinin that are recited over the pleasure of limud haTorah. In their view, the first brocha is a brocha achronah on the previous day’s learning, while the second one is a brocha rishonah on the limud haTorah of the upcoming day.

ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 2 ו־8

• It is forbidden to learn Torah before saying Birchos HaTorah. Shulchon Aruch quotes a disagreement about whether this learning includes reciting pesukim as a part of tefilah. He rules that it is appropriate to be stringent.

• The pesukim of Shema Yisroel and Boruch Shem are inserted into the passage of L’olam Yehei Adam. This is because in some instances the congregation is running late, and people would otherwise miss the opportunity to say Kriyas Shema at the proper time. By reciting these pesukim earlier, they can fulfill the basic obligation.

• If someone realizes that the tzibur will not say Kriyas Shema on time, many poskim rule that he should say all three parshios on his own when saying the passage of L’olam Yehei Adam. He should then say Birchos Kriyas Shema, Shema and Shemoneh Esreh together with the tzibur to fulfill tefilah b’tzibur.  

• Is it permissible to listen to a recorded shiur before saying Birchos HaTorah?

• Is saying Kriyas Shema considered learning Torah?

• Is there a way to be yotzei Birchos HaTorah at night?