AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy specification (8464)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy is designed to engage students with key scientific concepts across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The course aims to promote curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific literacy. It encourages students to explore the role of science in society, understand scientific methods, and apply knowledge in practical contexts. The qualification is structured to facilitate co-teaching with separate sciences and supports progression to A-levels. Practical investigations are central, with a focus on developing analytical and evaluative skills alongside theoretical knowledge. The specification supports a broad understanding of science and its relevance to everyday life and future scientific advancements:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Biology
- Cell Biology – Cell structure, microscopy, cell division, stem cells, transport in cells.
- Organisation – Digestive system, enzymes, heart, blood, health, disease, lifestyle impact, cancer, plant tissues and transport.
- Infection and Response – Pathogens, viral/bacterial/fungal/protist diseases, body defence systems, vaccination, antibiotics, drug development.
- Bioenergetics – Photosynthesis, rate of photosynthesis, uses of glucose, respiration, response to exercise, metabolism.
- Homeostasis and Response – Homeostasis principles, nervous system, reflexes, endocrine system, blood glucose control, reproduction, contraception, infertility treatment, feedback systems.
- Inheritance, Variation and Evolution – Sexual/asexual reproduction, meiosis, DNA and genome, genetic inheritance, disorders, variation, evolution, selective breeding, genetic engineering, evidence for evolution, fossils, extinction, resistant bacteria, classification.
- Ecology – Adaptations, interdependence, competition, abiotic and biotic factors, trophic levels, material cycles, biodiversity, human impact, maintaining biodiversity.
Chemistry
- Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table – Atoms, elements, compounds, mixtures, atomic models, isotopes, periodic trends, groups.
- Bonding, Structure, and the Properties of Matter – Ionic, covalent, metallic bonding, states of matter, properties of substances, polymers, giant structures.
- Quantitative Chemistry – Conservation of mass, relative formula mass, moles, calculations.
- Chemical Changes – Reactivity series, electrolysis, extraction, redox.
- Energy Changes – Exothermic/endothermic reactions, reaction profiles, bond energies.
- The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change – Factors affecting rates, reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium.
- Organic Chemistry – Crude oil, hydrocarbons, alkanes, alkenes, polymers.
- Chemical Analysis – Pure substances, formulations, chromatography, gas tests.
- Chemistry of the Atmosphere – Atmospheric evolution, pollutants, climate change.
- Using Resources – Sustainable development, potable water, life cycle assessment, recycling.
Physics
- Energy – Energy stores, transfers, conservation, efficiency, resources.
- Electricity – Circuits, resistance, series/parallel, mains electricity.
- Particle Model of Matter – States of matter, specific heat capacity, latent heat, pressure.
- Atomic Structure – Atomic models, radiation, half-life, uses and dangers.
- Forces – Scalars/vectors, motion, Newton's laws, momentum, work, pressure.
- Waves – Wave properties, EM spectrum, sound, reflection, refraction.
- Magnetism and Electromagnetism – Magnetic fields, electromagnets, motor effect, generators, transformers:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Biology Papers
- Paper 1 – Topics 1–4, 1h 15m, 70 marks, 16.7%.
- Paper 2 – Topics 5–7, 1h 15m, 70 marks, 16.7%.
Chemistry Papers
- Paper 1 – Topics 8–12, 1h 15m, 70 marks, 16.7%.
- Paper 2 – Topics 13–17, 1h 15m, 70 marks, 16.7%.
Physics Papers
- Paper 1 – Topics 18–21, 1h 15m, 70 marks, 16.7%.
Paper 2 – Topics 22–24, 1h 15m, 70 marks, 16.7%.
- All papers are written exams, available at Foundation and Higher tiers.
- Question types: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, open response.
- Linear assessment – all exams taken at the end of the course.
- Practical skills assessed in written exams.
- Required practical activities must be completed by students.
- Assessment objectives:
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 40%.
- AO2: Application of knowledge – 40%.
- AO3: Analysis and evaluation – 20%.
- Practical skills and mathematics integrated into exam questions.
- Each paper equally weighted with 16.7% of the qualification.
- Calculators allowed in all papers:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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