Subject Information

The Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences gives learners the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a cross-referenced, scientifically coherent syllabus. Co-ordinated Sciences counts as two subjects both for examination and for fees.  Note however that the exam may not be taken alongside single subject Biology, Chemistry or Physics because of the overlap in syllabus content.

Double Award Co-ordinated Science is an extremely popular course and provides  a well-rounded basis in science.  It is accepted by universities and employers as proof of essential knowledge and ability.  Students  who are awarded grades 4-4 to 9-9 in this subject  are well prepared to follow courses leading to A Levels in sciences or IB Diploma in sciences.

Syllabus Content​

Biology
  • Characteristics of living organisms
  • Cells
  • Biological Molecules
  • Enzymes
  • Plant Nutrition
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Transport
  • Gas Exchange and Respiration
  • Co-ordination and response
  • Reproduction
  • Inheritance
  • Organisms and their Environment
  • Human influences on the ecosystem
Chemistry
  • The particulate nature of matter
  • Experimental techniques
  • Atoms and compounds
  • Stoichiometry
  • Electricity and chemistry
  • Energy changes in chemical reactions
  • Chemical reactions
  • Acids, bases and salts
  • The Periodic Table
  • Metals
  • Air and water
  • Sulfur
  • Carbonates
  • Organic chemistry
Physics
  • Motion
  • Work, Energy and Power
  • Thermal Physics
  • Properties of Waves, including Light and Sound
  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Electric Circuits
  • Electromagnetic Effects
  • Atomic Physics

Core and Extended Papers

To take into account of differing abilities, there is a choice between Core and Extended curriculum papers in biology.
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The Core curriculum is within the ability range of a large majority of students. It provides a full overview of the subject and is targeted at students expected to achieve grades C to G (5 to 1).
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The Extended curriculum has been designed for the more academically able. It is targeted at those expected to achieve grades A* to E (levels 9 - 4).  Please go to Preparing for Taking Exams IGCSE for more information.

Coordinated Science Exam Papers

All students sit three papers, which have the same structure. Core and Extended students take different versions of two of the papers
  • Multiple Choice 45 minutes (30% of the marks)
  •  Short Answers & Structured Questions 2 hours  (50% )
Core and Extended both take the same:
  •  Alternative to Practical 1 hour 30 minutes (20%)

Course codes: 0973 (1-9), 0654 (*A-G)

Prior Learning & Hours of Study

  • It is recommended that students taking IGCSE Coordinated  Science have already studied Science for at least 3 years at secondary level.
  • Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses are designed on the assumption that learners have about 130 guided learning hours per subject over the duration of the course. As this is a double award, the guided learning hours are about 260 hours, but this is for guidance only.  The number of hours required to gain the qualification may vary according to the learners’ prior experience of the subject.
  • Learners for this subject should also have adequate mathematical skills for the content contained in the syllabus.​
The Latham School is a registered school with Cambridge Assessment International
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