Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular) specification (4XCH1)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular) 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 Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular) 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 Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular) (4XCH1) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry (Modular) provides a structured approach for learners to understand chemical principles, apply them in various contexts, and develop practical and analytical skills. The course encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and safe experimental techniques. It fosters the ability to evaluate chemical data, make evidence-based conclusions, and appreciate the significance of chemistry in global and societal contexts. Students are equipped to progress to advanced studies and careers in scientific fields. The modular structure allows flexibility in assessment while ensuring thorough coverage of fundamental chemical concepts, practical skills, and mathematical applications:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
1 Principles of Chemistry: Part 1
- States of matter, changes between states, diffusion, solubility, solubility curves.
- Elements, compounds, mixtures, separation techniques, chromatography, Rf values.
- Atomic structure, isotopes, atomic number, mass number, relative atomic mass.
- The Periodic Table, electronic configuration, metals vs non-metals, group trends.
- Chemical formulae, balanced equations, mole calculations, empirical/molecular formulae, gas volumes, titrations, yield.
2 Inorganic Chemistry: Part 1
- Reactivity series, displacement, corrosion, prevention methods, redox reactions.
- Metal extraction, use of metals and alloys, properties and hardness of alloys.
- Acids, alkalis, pH indicators, neutralisation, titration methods.
- Solubility rules, reactions of acids with various substances, preparation of salts.
3 Physical Chemistry: Part 1
- Exothermic/endothermic reactions, calorimetry, enthalpy change calculations, energy diagrams, bond energies.
4 Organic Chemistry: Part 1
- Hydrocarbons, homologous series, crude oil fractional distillation, combustion products, cracking, alkanes, alkenes reactions, tests for unsaturation.
5 Principles of Chemistry: Part 2
- Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding, properties of substances.
- Electrolysis processes, electrode reactions, practical investigations.
6 Inorganic Chemistry: Part 2
- Group 1 and Group 7 properties and trends, gases in the atmosphere, oxygen reactions, carbon dioxide production and effects, greenhouse gases, chemical tests.
7 Physical Chemistry: Part 2
- Factors affecting rates of reaction, collision theory, catalysts, reaction profiles.
- Reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium, Le Chatelier’s Principle, equilibrium shifts.
8 Organic Chemistry: Part 2
- Alcohols, oxidation and manufacturing methods.
- Carboxylic acids, reactions with metals and carbonates.
- Esters formation, uses, and practical preparation.
- Polymers: addition and condensation polymerisation, biopolyesters, environmental considerations:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Chemistry Unit 1
- 1 hour 40 minutes, 90 marks, 50% of qualification.
- Covers: Principles of Chemistry Part 1, Inorganic Chemistry Part 1, Physical Chemistry Part 1, Organic Chemistry Part 1.
- Assessment includes multiple-choice, short-answer, calculations, extended responses.
- Use of calculators allowed.
Chemistry Unit 2
- 1 hour 40 minutes, 90 marks, 50% of qualification.
- Covers: Principles of Chemistry Part 2, Inorganic Chemistry Part 2, Physical Chemistry Part 2, Organic Chemistry Part 2.
Same assessment structure as Unit 1.
- Experimental skills assessed within written papers based on embedded practical tasks.
- Practical assessment includes: problem-solving, experimental planning, method application, data analysis, conclusion drawing, and reliability evaluation.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (38–42%): Knowledge and understanding of chemistry.
- AO2 (38–42%): Application, analysis, and evaluation.
AO3 (19–21%): Experimental skills and data interpretation.
- Modular entry with flexibility for resits; best two recent attempts used for aggregation.
- Uniform Mark Scale (UMS) used for reporting.
- All units untiered and externally assessed; calculators permitted.
- Core practicals recommended for examination readiness:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular) 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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