IGCSE Combined Science Topics By Exam Board: Full List

If you're revising for IGCSE Combined Science, one of the most effective ways to improve your results is to understand exactly what you need to learn. The IGCSE Combined Science syllabus brings together biology, chemistry and physics, but the way topics are organised can vary depending on your exam board.

This guide gives you a clear, specification-led overview of IGCSE Combined Science topics for both Cambridge and OxfordAQA, so you can use it as a checklist and structure your revision with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science and OxfordAQA International GCSE Science (Double Award) both cover biology, chemistry and physics, but organise the content differently

• Cambridge assesses all three sciences together across three papers and awards a single grade (A*–G)

• OxfordAQA assesses biology, chemistry and physics separately across three papers and awards two grades (9–1)

• The core scientific content overlaps significantly between exam boards, but topics are grouped and labelled in different ways

• You can use these topic lists to build a revision checklist and track your progress across all three sciences

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science (0653): Full Topic List

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science (0653) combines biology, chemistry and physics into a single qualification. You will sit three papers and receive one overall grade (A* to G).

Below is a full overview of the topics you need to cover.

Biology Topics

• Characteristics of living organisms

• Classification of living organisms

• Organisation of the organism (cell structure and function)

• Movement into and out of cells (diffusion, osmosis and active transport)

• Biological molecules

• Enzymes

• Plant nutrition (photosynthesis and leaf structure)

• Human nutrition (diet, digestion and the alimentary canal)

• Transport in plants (xylem, phloem and transpiration)

• Transport in animals (heart, blood vessels and circulation)

• Diseases and immunity

• Gas exchange in humans

• Respiration

• Excretion in humans

• Coordination and response (nervous system, hormones and homeostasis)

• Drugs

• Reproduction (plants and humans)

• Inheritance (genes, chromosomes and cell division)

• Variation and selection

• Organisms and their environment (ecosystems, food chains and energy flow)

• Human influences on ecosystems

• Biotechnology and genetic modification

Biology is the largest section of the Cambridge Combined Science syllabus, with a wide range of topics covering both human and plant systems, as well as ecology and genetics.

Chemistry Topics

• States of matter

• Atoms, elements and compounds

• Stoichiometry

• Electrochemistry

• Chemical energetics

• Chemical reactions (including rates of reaction, equilibrium and redox)

• Acids, bases and salts

• The periodic table

• Metals

• Chemistry of the environment

• Organic chemistry

• Experimental techniques and chemical analysis

Chemistry is structured around key principles such as atomic structure, reactions and energy changes, with practical skills embedded throughout.

Physics Topics

• Motion, forces and energy

• Thermal physics

• Waves (including light, sound and the electromagnetic spectrum)

• Electricity and magnetism

• Space physics

Although physics is divided into fewer topic areas, each one covers a broad range of concepts, particularly in areas such as electricity and energy.

Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science (Double Award): Full Topic List

Oxford AQA IGCSE Science (Double Award) (9204) covers biology, chemistry and physics within a single course. You will sit three written papers, one for each science, and receive two grades on the 9–1 scale.

Below is a full overview of the topics you need to cover.

Biology Topics

Organisation

• Cell structure

• Principles of organisation

• Animal tissues, organs and systems

• Plant tissues, organs and systems

• Transport in cells

Bioenergetics

• Photosynthesis

• Circulation in humans

• Digestion

• Breathing

• Respiration

Ecology

• Energy transfer in ecosystems

• Adaptations, interdependence and competition

• Decay and the carbon cycle

Organisms’ Interaction with the Environment

• Nervous system

• Homeostasis

• Temperature control

• Blood glucose control

• Behaviour

• Infection and response

Inheritance

• Reproduction

• Cell division

• Genetic variation

• Genetic disorders

• Genetic manipulation

Variation and Evolution

• Variation

• Natural selection

Chemistry Topics

Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

• Solids, liquids and gases

• A simple model of the atom

• The periodic table

Structure, Bonding and the Properties of Matter

• Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding

• How bonding relates to the properties of substances

• Structure and bonding of carbon

Chemical Changes

• Metals

• The reactivity series

• Metal carbonates

• Electrolysis

Acids, Bases and Salts

• Properties of acids and bases

• Preparation of salts

Chemical Analysis

• Purity and chromatography

• Identification of ions

Quantitative Chemistry

• Conservation of mass and chemical equations

• The mole concept

• Calculations involving masses and concentrations

Trends within the Periodic Table

• Group properties

The Rate of Chemical Change

• Rate of reaction

Energy Changes

• Exothermic and endothermic reactions

• Calculating and explaining energy changes

Organic Chemistry

• Crude oil and hydrocarbons

• Fractional distillation and useful products

• Polymers

• Structure and reactions of organic compounds

Chemistry follows a clear progression from atomic structure through to reactions and real-world applications.

Physics Topics

Forces and Their Effects

• Forces and their interactions

• Motion

• Resultant forces

• Safety in public transport

Energy

• Forces and energy

• Energy transfers, conservation and dissipation

• Energy resources

Waves

• General properties of waves

• The electromagnetic spectrum

• Sound

• Reflection

Particle Model of Matter

• Kinetic theory

• Energy transfers and particle motion

Electricity and Magnetism (including generation and use of electricity)

• Electrical circuits

• Magnetism and electromagnetism

• Using electricity in the home

• The motor effect

• Transferring electrical energy

Nuclear Physics

• Atomic structure

• Ionising radiation from the nucleus

• Nuclear fission

Space Physics

• Life cycle of a star

• The solar system and orbital motion

Physics is organised into clear sections that link core principles such as forces, energy and electricity with real-world applications, including transport, energy use and space.

How the Exam Boards Compare

One of the main differences between Cambridge and OxfordAQA is how grades are awarded. Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science gives you a single overall grade, while OxfordAQA International GCSE Science (Double Award) gives you two grades on the 9–1 scale. This matters for what's next after your IGCSEs, as some sixth forms and colleges may consider your science performance in more detail.

Assessment is also structured differently. Cambridge uses three papers: a multiple-choice paper, a theory paper, and a practical skills paper (either a practical exam or an alternative-to-practical paper). OxfordAQA also uses three written papers, each covering biology, chemistry and physics content.

In terms of content, there is significant overlap between the two courses. Both cover key areas such as cells, chemical reactions, forces, electricity, waves and ecology. The main difference is how this content is organised. Cambridge presents topics as a series of clearly defined sections across biology, chemistry and physics, while OxfordAQA groups content into broader thematic areas that combine related concepts.

One practical difference worth noting: Cambridge uses the A*–G grading scale, while OxfordAQA uses the 9–1 grading scale.

How to Use These IGCSE Combined Science Topics for Revision

Having a full topic list is useful, but it only helps if you use it effectively. Here is how to turn it into a clear revision plan.

Print or copy your board's topic list. Rate each topic as green (confident), amber (need practice), or red (not yet secure). This gives you a clear starting point. Be honest with yourself. Overestimating your knowledge and marking everything green ultimately won't help you much.

Focus on red and amber topics first. It's tempting to revise what you already know, but your biggest grade gains come from strengthening your command of weaker areas. 

And if you're unsure when to start revising for IGCSEs, the answer is earlier than you think! Starting early gives you more time to revisit difficult topics and build confidence. Don’t put off starting your revision.

Break large topics into smaller chunks. Many areas include several related ideas, so it is more effective to revise them one part at a time rather than trying to cover everything in a single session.

Use past paper questions alongside your revision. Once you've revised a topic, test yourself on it immediately. Don't wait until you've covered the whole syllabus. This helps you apply what you have learned straightaway and allows you to identify any knowledge gaps. 

You can also practise IGCSE mock exams under timed conditions to build your exam technique.

Track your progress as you go. Move topics from red to amber to green as your understanding improves. Seeing that visual progress makes your revision more focused and allows you to feel confident about how much progress you’re making. 

For more revision strategies to help you make the most of every study session, check out our guide to how to get better grades at IGCSE.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between combined and coordinated science IGCSE?

Combined Science (0653) gives you one IGCSE grade and covers biology, chemistry, and physics at a slightly reduced depth. Coordinated Science (0654) also covers all three subjects but in more detail, and it awards two IGCSE grades. 

If you're exploring your options, our guide to best IGCSE subject combinations can help you decide.

How many papers are in IGCSE combined science?

It depends on your exam board. Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science has three papers: multiple choice, theory, and alternative to practical. OxfordAQA International GCSE Combined Science (Double Award) has three written papers, one for each science. 

Check your IGCSE exam dates so you know when each paper falls.

Is IGCSE combined science hard?

IGCSE Combined Science can feel challenging because it brings together biology, chemistry and physics in one course. There is a broad range of content, so staying organised and revising consistently is important.

The level of difficulty is comparable to other IGCSE subjects. The key difference is managing content across three sciences rather than focusing on just one.

Can you do A-Levels after IGCSE combined science?

Yes. Many schools accept Combined Science as a foundation for A-Level sciences, although entry requirements vary. Some schools may prefer students who have studied separate or coordinated sciences, especially for more competitive courses.

If you are planning to take science at A Level, it is worth checking entry requirements early so you can choose the most suitable pathway.

If you have questions about what IGCSEs are and how they lead into further study, our guide can help you. 

Final Thoughts

Whichever science courses you ultimately opt to study, Save My Exams has topic-matched revision notes for IGCSE Science to help you. You can revise by topic using revision notes and flashcards, test yourself using exam questions and past papers, and track your progress using the Strengths and Weaknesses tool. Everything is written by teachers and examiners, so you can have confidence that you’re revising the correct content.

97% of Save My Exams members report getting better grades. Start revising your IGCSEs and ace your exam preparation, with everything in one place.

References:

• International GCSE Combined Science (9204) | OxfordAQA International Qualifications (opens in a new tab)

• OXFORDAQA | INTERNATIONAL GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE Science - Combined (0653) (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE 0653 Combined Science syllabus for examination in 2025, 2026 and 2027 (opens in a new tab)