Cambridge IGCSE Science - Combined
Cambridge IGCSE Combined Sciences gives learners the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each covered in separate syllabus sections. It is a single award qualification, earning one grade. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study. They learn how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.
Aims of the Syllabus
The aims are 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 scientific method
• Develop skills that:
– Are relevant to the study and practice of chemistry
– 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 chemistry 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.
Syllabus
Biology
B1. Characteristics of living organisms
B2. Cells
B3. Biological molecules
B4. Enzymes
B5. Plant nutrition
B6. Animal nutrition
B7. Transport
B8. Gas exchange and respiration
B9. Coordination and response
B10. Reproduction
B11. Organisms and their environment
B12. Human influences on ecosystems
Chemistry
C1. The particulate nature of matter
C2. Experimental techniques
C3. Atoms, elements and compounds
C4. Stoichiometry
C5. Electricity and chemistry
C6. Energy changes in chemical reactions
C7. Chemical reactions
C8. Acids, bases and salts
C9. The Periodic Table
C10. Metals
C11. Air and water
C12. Organic chemistry
Physics
P1. Motion
P2. Work, energy and power
P3. Thermal Physics
P4. Properties of waves, including light and sound
P5. Electrical quantities
P6. Electric circuits
Objectives of Assessment
1. Knowledge with understanding
Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of-
• Scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts and theories
• Scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities and units)
• Scientific instruments and apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety
• Scientific and technological applications with their social, economic and environmental implications.
2. Handling information and problem solving
Candidates should be able, in words or using other written forms of presentation (i.e. symbolic, graphical and numerical), to-
• Locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources
• Translate information from one form to another
• Manipulate numerical and other data
• Use information to identify patterns, report trends and draw inferences
• Present reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns and relationships
• Make predictions and hypotheses
• Solve problems, including some of a quantitative nature.
3. Experimental skills and investigations
Candidates should be able to-
• Demonstrate knowledge of how to safely use techniques, apparatus and materials (including following a sequence of instructions where appropriate)
• Plan experiments and investigations
• Make and record observations, measurements and estimates
• Interpret and evaluate experimental observations and data
• Evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements.
Assessment
Paper 1
A multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of the four-choice type. Questions will be based on the Core syllabus content.
40 marks
This paper will be weighted at 30% of the final total mark.
Externally assessed.
45 minutes
Paper 2
A multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of the four-choice type. Questions will be based on the Extended syllabus content (Core and Supplement).
40 marks
This paper will be weighted at 30% of the final total mark.
Externally assessed.
45 minutes
Paper 3
A written paper consisting of short-answer and structured questions. Questions will be based on the Core syllabus content.
80 marks
This paper will be weighted at 50% of the final total mark.
Externally assessed.
1 hour 15 minutes
Paper 4
A written paper consisting of short-answer and structured questions. Questions will be based on the Extended syllabus content (Core and Supplement).
80 marks
This paper will be weighted at 50% of the final total mark.
Externally assessed.
1 hour 15 minutes
Paper 5
Practical Test
This paper will test assessment objective AO3. Questions will be based on the experimental skills in Section 6.
40 marks
This paper will be weighted at 20% of the final total mark.
Externally assessed
1 hour 15 minutes
Paper 6
Alternative to Practical
This paper will test assessment objective AO3. Questions will be based on the experimental skills in Section 6.
40 marks
This paper will be weighted at 20% of the final total mark.
Externally assessed.
1 hour
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