IGCSE Combined Science

Summary of course content

In this course, you will understand the biological and technological aspects of life and dive into the principles and concepts that are fundamental to science. Learn skills that have utility in everyday life and encourage you to take a new look at solving problems in real life.

This course aims to:

• provide an enjoyable and worthwhile educational experience for all learners, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level
• enable learners to acquire sufficient knowledge and understanding to:
  •  become confident citizens in a technological world and develop an informed interest in scientific matters
  •  be suitably prepared for studies beyond Cambridge IGCSE
• allow learners to recognise that science is evidence-based and understand the usefulness and the limitations of the scientific method
• develop skills that:
  • are relevant to the study and practice of science
  • are useful in everyday life
  • encourage a systematic approach to problem-solving
  • encourage efficient and safe practice
  • encourage effective communication through the language of science
• develop attitudes relevant to science, such as:
  •   concern for accuracy and precision
  •   objectivity
  •   integrity
  •   enquiry
  •   initiative
  •   inventiveness
• enable learners to appreciate that:
  • science is subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations
  • the applications of science may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment.

Areas of Study

Biology

1. Characteristics of living organisms
2. Cells
3. Biological molecules
4. Enzymes
5. Plant nutrition
6. Animal nutrition
7. Transport
8. Gas exchange and respiration
9. Coordination and response
10. Reproduction
11. Organisms and their environment
12. Human influences on ecosystems

Chemistry

1. The particulate nature of matter
2. Experimental techniques
3. Atoms, elements and compounds
4. Stoichiometry
5. Electricity and chemistry
6. Energy changes in chemical reactions
7. Chemical reactions
8. Acids, bases and salts
9. The Periodic Table
10. Metals
11. Air and water
12. Organic chemistry

Physics

1. Motion
2. Work, energy and power
3. Thermal physics
4. Properties of waves, including light and sound
5. Electrical quantities
6. Electric circuits