Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Combined Science specification (0653)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Combined Science 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 Combined Science 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 Combined Science (0653) 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 Combined Science provides students with a broad and balanced introduction to the sciences of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The course aims to develop scientific knowledge, understanding, and investigative skills that are relevant for both further study and everyday life. Learners are encouraged to become confident citizens in a technological world and to recognise the value and limitations of scientific methods. The syllabus fosters skills in problem-solving, effective communication, and critical thinking. It also promotes an appreciation of the social, environmental, technological, ethical, and cultural influences on science, and how scientific applications can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on individuals, communities, and the environment:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Biology
- B1 Characteristics of living organisms – Life processes, including movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, and nutrition.
- B2 Cells – Plant and animal cell structure, functions, specialisation, movement of substances (diffusion, osmosis).
- B3 Biological molecules – Composition of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and biological testing for them.
- B4 Enzymes – Function, effects of temperature and pH, enzyme action models.
- B5 Plant nutrition – Photosynthesis, leaf structure, mineral requirements, effect of light and temperature.
- B6 Animal nutrition – Balanced diet, digestive system, enzymes, alimentary canal structure and function.
- B7 Transport – Transport in plants (xylem, phloem), transpiration, transport in mammals (circulatory system, heart, blood vessels, blood components).
- B8 Gas exchange and respiration – Human gas exchange system, breathing, respiration types, role of enzymes.
- B9 Coordination and response – Hormones, nervous system, tropisms in plants.
- B10 Reproduction – Asexual and sexual reproduction, plant and human reproductive systems.
- B11 Organisms and their environment – Food chains, food webs, energy transfer, ecosystems.
- B12 Human influences on ecosystems – Carbon cycle, deforestation, combustion effects, eutrophication.
Chemistry
- C1 Particulate nature of matter – States of matter, particle theory, changes of state.
- C2 Experimental techniques – Measurement, chromatography, separation methods.
- C3 Atoms, elements and compounds – Atomic structure, bonding, Periodic Table.
- C4 Stoichiometry – Symbols, formulae, equations, mole concept.
- C5 Electricity and chemistry – Electrolysis, products of electrolysis, ionic reactions.
- C6 Energy changes in reactions – Exothermic/endothermic reactions, energy level diagrams.
- C7 Chemical reactions – Rates of reaction, collision theory, redox reactions.
- C8 Acids, bases and salts – Properties, reactions, salt preparation, tests for ions and gases.
- C9 The Periodic Table – Groups, trends, properties of elements.
- C10 Metals – Properties, reactivity series, extraction methods, alloys.
- C11 Air and water – Water treatment, air composition, pollutants, rusting.
- C12 Organic chemistry – Fuels, alkanes, alkenes, polymers, cracking.
Physics
- P1 Motion – Speed, velocity, acceleration, mass, weight, density, forces, pressure.
- P2 Work, energy and power – Work done, energy transfers, power, energy resources.
- P3 Thermal physics – Kinetic theory, heat transfer, conduction, convection, radiation.
- P4 Properties of waves – Wave properties, light, sound, electromagnetic spectrum.
- P5 Electrical quantities – Current, potential difference, resistance, charge, circuits.
- P6 Electric circuits – Circuit diagrams, series and parallel circuits, electrical safety:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Core Assessment (Grades C–G)
- Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core) – 45 minutes, 40 marks, assesses AO1 and AO2.
- Paper 3: Theory (Core) – 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks, short-answer and structured questions.
- Paper 5: Practical Test or Paper 6: Alternative to Practical – Assesses experimental skills (AO3), 40 marks.
Extended Assessment (Grades A*–G)
- Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended) – 45 minutes, 40 marks.
- Paper 4: Theory (Extended) – 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks.
- Paper 5 or Paper 6 – Practical or Alternative to Practical (as Core).
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 Knowledge with understanding – 50%
- AO2 Handling information and problem-solving – 30%
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations – 20%
- All candidates complete practical assessment via Paper 5 or 6.
- The practical papers test planning, measurement, data analysis, interpretation, and evaluation.
- Assessment emphasises scientific knowledge application, problem-solving, and practical skills:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Combined Science 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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