IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences Topics (CIE): Full List

If you're studying the Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences syllabus (0654/0973), knowing exactly which topics you need to cover is one of the most effective ways to organise your revision. 

This guide breaks down every IGCSE Co-ordinated Science topic across biology, chemistry and physics, so you can use it as a clear revision checklist.

Key Takeaways

• The Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences syllabus (0654/0973) covers a wide range of topics across biology, chemistry and physics

• It is a double award qualification, so you will receive two IGCSE grades

• The 2025–2027 syllabus updated content and introduced Space Physics as a new topic

• Co-ordinated Sciences is a Cambridge qualification, while other exam boards offer Combined Science courses instead

• Both Core and Extended tiers follow the same topic areas, but Extended includes additional content in greater depth

IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences Biology Topics (B1–B19)

The biology module is the largest section of the Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences syllabus, with 19 topics. Here's every topic you'll need to cover.

1. Characteristics & Classification of Living Organisms – how living things are grouped based on shared features

2. Organisation of the Organism – cell structure, tissues, organs and organ systems

3. Movement into & out of Cells – diffusion, osmosis and active transport

4. Biological Molecules – carbohydrates, proteins, fats and their food tests

5. Enzymes – how biological catalysts work, including factors affecting enzyme activity

6. Plant Nutrition – photosynthesis, leaf structure and limiting factors

7. Human Nutrition – diet, the digestive system and nutrient absorption

8. Transport in Plants – xylem, phloem and transpiration

9. Transport in Animals – the heart, blood vessels and blood composition

10. Diseases & Immunity – pathogens, the immune response and vaccination

11. Gas Exchange in Humans – the lungs, breathing mechanism and gas exchange surfaces

12. Respiration – aerobic and anaerobic respiration in cells

13. Coordination & Response – the nervous system, hormones and homeostasis

14. Drugs – effects of drugs on the body, including alcohol and tobacco

15. Reproduction – sexual and asexual reproduction in plants and humans

16. Inheritance – genes, chromosomes, DNA and genetic crosses

17. Variation – differences between individuals, including genetic and environmental causes

18. Organisms & Their Environment – ecosystems, food chains and energy flow

19. Human Influences on Ecosystems – pollution, deforestation and conservation

There’s a lot to learn. Consult our guide on how to revise IGCSE Biology for plenty of useful advice on where to start.

IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences Chemistry Topics (C1–C12)

Chemistry has 12 topics covering the core principles of the subject.

1. States of Matter – solids, liquids and gases, particle theory and changes of state

2. Atoms, Elements & Compounds – atomic structure, bonding and the difference between elements, compounds and mixtures

3. Stoichiometry – moles, relative formula mass and balancing equations

4. Electrochemistry – electrolysis, the reactivity series and displacement reactions

5. Chemical Energetics – exothermic and endothermic reactions, energy profiles

6. Chemical Reactions – rates of reaction, reversible reactions and conditions affecting equilibrium

7. Acids, Bases & Salts – pH, neutralisation, salt preparation methods

8. The Periodic Table – group trends, noble gases and transition metals

9. Metals – extraction methods, alloys and properties of metals

10. Chemistry of the Environment – air composition, water treatment and pollution

11. Organic Chemistry – alkanes, alkenes, polymers and their reactions

12. Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis – separation methods, tests for ions and gases

Stoichiometry (C3) and Organic Chemistry (C11) tend to be the topics students find trickiest. Start these early so you've got time to practise calculations and reaction pathways.

Read our guide to revising for IGCSE chemistry for advice on how to prepare for this element of your course.

IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences Physics Topics (P1–P6)

Physics is divided into six main topic areas, covering everything from motion and energy to space.

1. Motion, Forces & Energy – speed, acceleration, forces, work, energy transfers and power

2. Thermal Physics – thermal properties of matter, kinetic theory and heat transfer

3. Waves – properties of waves, light, sound, the electromagnetic spectrum

4. Electricity & Magnetism – circuits, resistance, electromagnetism, motors and transformers

5. Nuclear Physics – radioactivity, types of radiation, half-life and their uses

6. Space Physics – the Solar System, stellar evolution and the expanding universe

If physics feels like the hardest module to you, you're not alone. Our article on whether IGCSE Physics is hard explains why and offers ideas on how to tackle it.

How Does Co-ordinated Sciences Differ From Other IGCSE Science Options?

This is one of the most confusing parts of choosing your IGCSE sciences. Here's how the options compare.

Co-ordinated Sciences vs Cambridge Combined Science

Both are double award qualifications from Cambridge. Co-ordinated Sciences (0654/0973) covers more content and goes into greater depth than Combined Science (0653). If your school offers Co-ordinated Sciences, you'll study the same core topics as single-science students, just with slightly less detail in each.

Combined Science is a lighter course. It's designed for students who want a solid science foundation without the depth required for Co-ordinated Sciences.

Co-ordinated Sciences vs Single Sciences

Cambridge single sciences – Biology (0610), Chemistry (0620) and Physics (0625) – cover each subject as a standalone IGCSE. You'll sit separate exams and receive three individual grades.

Co-ordinated Sciences bundles all three into one course with two grades. The topic overlap is significant, but single sciences typically go deeper into each subject. If you're planning to study a science at A Level or IB, check whether your sixth form prefers single science grades.

What About Edexcel and AQA?

Edexcel and Oxford AQA don't offer a qualification called "Co-ordinated Sciences." Their closest equivalent is Combined Science (or Science Double Award). The topic names, syllabus structure and exam format are all different.

If you're trying to compare across exam boards, our IGCSE science topics guide maps out topics for every major board side by side.

How To Revise for IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences

Thirty-seven topics across three subjects is a big workload. These strategies will help you cover everything without burning out.

Start early and space it out. With so many topics, cramming won't work. Begin at least 3–4 months before your exams. Our guide on when to start revising for IGCSEs can help you plan a realistic timeline.

Prioritise your weak topics first. Skim through the topic lists above. Mark anything you don't feel confident on and tackle those before revisiting stronger areas.

Use active revision techniques. Reading notes passively won't stick. Try past paper questions, flashcards and self-testing. The best revision techniques are the ones that force you to recall information, not just recognise it.

Practise with past papers. Co-ordinated Sciences has both Core and Extended papers. Make sure you're using the right tier. Time yourself under exam conditions once you're closer to your IGCSE exam dates.

Don't revise all three sciences the same way. Biology rewards detailed recall. Chemistry needs calculation practice. Physics requires you to apply equations to unfamiliar situations. Adjust your approach for each.

Save My Exams has real examiner-written, exam-specific resources to simplify your revision, build real exam confidence, and help you get the best possible grades. Start improving your grades today.

FAQ

Is IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences harder than Combined Science?

Generally, yes. Co-ordinated Sciences (0654/0973) covers more content and goes into greater depth than Cambridge Combined Science (0653). The exam papers are also longer. 

That said, both are double award qualifications and carry equal weight as two IGCSEs.

How many papers are in the Co-ordinated Sciences exam?

You will sit papers assessing multiple choice, theory and practical skills (or an alternative to practical paper). The exact combination depends on whether you are entered for Core or Extended tier. Your school will confirm which tier you're entered for.

Can I switch from Co-ordinated Sciences to single sciences?

This depends on your school. Some schools allow it if you request the change early enough. The topic overlap between Co-ordinated Sciences and the Cambridge single sciences (0610, 0620, 0625) is large, so the transition is manageable. 

Speak to your science teacher or exams officer for advice if you’re considering making the switch.

What grade do I need in Co-ordinated Sciences for A Level?

Most sixth forms ask for a B or 6 (at minimum) in the relevant science to study it at A Level. Because Co-ordinated Sciences gives you two grades rather than three separate ones, some schools prefer single science qualifications for A Level entry. Always check with your specific school or college.

References:

• Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Sciences - Co-ordinated (0973) (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) 0973 Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award) syllabus for examination in 2025, 2026 and 2027 (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE Sciences - Co-ordinated (Double) (0654) (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE 0654 Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award) syllabus for examination in 2025, 2026 and 2027 (opens in a new tab)