Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award) specification (0654 & 0973)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award) 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 Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award) 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 Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award) (0654 & 0973) 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 Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award) aims to develop scientific knowledge, understanding, and skills across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The course fosters enquiry, experimental skills, and critical thinking, encouraging learners to apply scientific methods to problem-solving. It promotes effective communication using scientific language and supports an appreciation of how science benefits society and the environment. The qualification provides a balanced approach to science, building a solid foundation for further study or employment. Students learn to handle data, work safely in laboratory settings, and explore science’s social, economic, and environmental implications:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Biology
- B1 Characteristics of living organisms – Life processes, excretion, nutrition.
- B2 Cells – Structure, specialisation, and microscopy.
- B3 Movement into and out of cells – Diffusion, osmosis, active transport.
- B4 Biological molecules – Elements, large molecules, food tests.
- B5 Enzymes – Enzyme action, specificity, and effects of temperature/pH.
- B6 Plant nutrition – Photosynthesis, leaf adaptations, nutrient requirements.
- B7 Human nutrition – Balanced diet, digestion, enzymes.
- B8 Transport in plants – Xylem, phloem, water uptake, transpiration, translocation.
- B9 Transport in animals – Circulatory system, heart, blood vessels, blood composition.
- B10 Diseases and immunity – Pathogens, transmission, immunity, vaccination.
- B11 Gas exchange in humans – Structure, breathing, effects of exercise.
- B12 Respiration – Aerobic, anaerobic respiration, oxygen debt.
- B13 Coordination and response – Nervous system, reflexes, hormones, homeostasis.
- B14 Drugs – Definitions, antibiotics, resistance.
- B15 Reproduction – Asexual and sexual, human and plant reproduction.
- B16 Inheritance – Chromosomes, genes, mitosis, meiosis, monohybrid inheritance.
- B17 Variation and selection – Mutation, natural selection, selective breeding.
- B18 Organisms and their environment – Energy flow, food chains, carbon cycle.
- B19 Human influences on ecosystems – Habitat destruction, conservation.
Chemistry
- C1 States of matter – Particle theory, diffusion, changes of state.
- C2 Atoms, elements and compounds – Atomic structure, isotopes, bonding.
- C3 Stoichiometry – Formulas, equations, relative masses, the mole.
- C4 Electrochemistry – Electrolysis, hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells.
- C5 Chemical energetics – Exothermic/endothermic reactions, energy diagrams.
- C6 Chemical reactions – Rates of reaction, redox, catalysts.
- C7 Acids, bases and salts – Properties, oxides, salt preparation.
- C8 The Periodic Table – Groups I, VII, VIII, trends, transition elements.
- C9 Metals – Properties, uses, alloys, reactivity series, corrosion, extraction.
- C10 Chemistry of the environment – Water, air pollutants, climate change, acid rain.
- C11 Organic chemistry – Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, polymers.
- C12 Experimental techniques and chemical analysis – Separation techniques, titration, chromatography, qualitative analysis.
Physics
- P1 Motion, forces and energy – Measurement, motion, forces, energy, power, pressure.
- P2 Thermal physics – Kinetic theory, heat transfer, thermal properties.
- P3 Waves – Properties, light, electromagnetic spectrum, sound.
- P4 Electricity and magnetism – Circuits, resistance, safety, electromagnetic effects.
- P5 Nuclear physics – The nucleus, radioactivity, half-life, safety.
- P6 Space physics – Solar system, stars, galaxies, Big Bang theory:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Core Candidates
- Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core)
- 45 minutes, 40 marks, externally assessed.
- 30% of total grade.
- Paper 3: Theory (Core)
- 2 hours, 120 marks, externally assessed.
- 50% of total grade.
- Paper 5 or 6: Practical Test or Alternative to Practical
- Paper 5: 2 hours practical test (60 marks).
- Paper 6: 1 hour 30 minutes alternative written test (60 marks).
- 20% of total grade.
Extended Candidates
- Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended)
- 45 minutes, 40 marks, externally assessed.
- 30% of total grade.
- Paper 4: Theory (Extended)
- 2 hours, 120 marks, externally assessed.
- 50% of total grade.
- Paper 5 or 6: Practical Test or Alternative to Practical
- Same format and weighting as Core.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge with understanding – 50%.
- AO2: Handling information and problem-solving – 30%.
AO3: Experimental skills and investigations – 20%.
- Practical skills are assessed through Paper 5 or Paper 6.
- Exams test a balance of knowledge, application, problem-solving, and experimental skills.
- The qualification offers tiered entry for Core (grades 5-5 to 1-1) and Extended (grades 9-9 to 1-1) with different paper combinations:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award) 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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