Subject Information

The Cambridge IGCSE Combined Sciences is a single award qualification.  It is designed for learners who want to study a general science course to gain a basic understanding of the three sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physic.  Most of the topics covered in the separate science courses are covered in the Combined Sciences course, but not in as much depth.

Combined Science is an excellent course for those learners who are specialising in languages or humanities subjects and wish to have an all-round education.  They will learn the relevance of the scientific concepts studied to everyday life, and to the natural and man-made worlds.

Syllabus Content​

IGCSE Combined Science covers the following aspects of the three sciences Biology, Chemistry and Physics
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Biology
  • Characteristics of living organisms
  • Cells
  • Biological Molecules
  • Enzymes
  • Plant Nutrition
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Transport
  • Gas Exchange and Respiration
  • Co-ordination and response
  • Reproduction
  • 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
  • Organic chemistry
Physics
  • Motion
  • Work, Energy and Power
  • Thermal Physics
  • Properties of Waves, including Light and Sound
  • Electrical Quantities
  • Electric circuits

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.

Combined 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 1 hour 15 minutes (50% )
Core and Extended both take the same:
  •  Alternative to Practical 1 hour (20%)
Course code:  0653 (*A-G)

Prior Learning & Hours of Study

  • It is recommended that students taking IGCSE Combined Science have already studied Science for at least 2 years at secondary level.
  • It is anticipated that 130 hours should be dedicated to complete the study of this 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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