IGCSE Combined Science Study Guide (Cambridge & Edexcel)

This guide explains IGCSE Combined Science Double Award, focusing on Cambridge Co-ordinated Sciences (0654) and Edexcel Combined Science (4SD0). It includes practical tips, study strategies, topic outlines, exam formats, and revision advice to help you achieve your best results.

Introduction

IGCSE Combined Science combines Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in one course. In the double award versions, students get the equivalent of two IGCSEs. While Cambridge technically calls its double award course Co-ordinated Sciences (0654) and reserves Combined Science (0653) for the single award, many people still refer to both as “Combined Science”.

In this article, we’ll focus on the double award courses from Cambridge and Edexcel, as these are the most popular routes for students aiming to keep their science options open for A Level and beyond. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of the syllabus, exams, and the best ways to prepare.

What Is IGCSE Combined Science?

IGCSE Combined Science covers the three main sciences in one course. The double award versions (Cambridge 0654 and Edexcel 4SD0) give students a broad scientific foundation while awarding two IGCSE grades.

CIE Combined (0653) vs Co-ordinated (0654): What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference between Cambridge’s Combined Science (0653) and Co-ordinated Sciences (0654) is essential for choosing the right course and knowing what qualification you’ll receive.

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science (0653) is a Single Award course. You study a selection of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics topics, but the coverage is more limited, and at the end, you receive one IGCSE grade.
Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (0654) is a Double Award course. It includes a broader and deeper range of topics from all three sciences and counts as the equivalent of two IGCSEs, with two separate grades awarded.

Although many schools and students use “Combined Science” as a general term for both, the official names and codes matter, especially when registering for exams, choosing resources, or planning progression to A Levels. This guide focuses on the Double Award courses, as they’re the most popular choice for students who want a solid grounding in science for further study or STEM-related careers.

What Makes It “Combined”?

Combined Science integrates Biology, Chemistry, and Physics into one structured programme. You cover selected topics from all three rather than studying each science as a separate subject.

In the double award, you’re assessed on a wider and deeper range of content, and your results count as two IGCSEs. This balance makes it a good choice for students who want solid science skills without taking three full single sciences.

Cambridge Co-ordinated Sciences vs Edexcel Combined Science

While both Cambridge Co-ordinated Sciences (0654) and Edexcel Combined Science (4SD0) assess knowledge and skills in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, their assessment structures have some important differences:

Cambridge (0654)

Offers Core and Extended tiers so students can be entered at the level best suited to them.
Uses three separate science-specific written papers (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
Includes a practical assessment, either an in-lab Practical Test (Paper 5) or a written Alternative to Practical paper (Paper 6).

Edexcel (4SD0)

Uses a single-tier system, so all students sit the same level of paper.
Has two broad science papers, each containing questions from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Assesses practical skills within the written papers, rather than through a separate practical exam.

Who Should Choose Combined Science?

Double Award Combined Science is well-suited to a range of learners and academic goals:

Students aiming to keep STEM career options open, as it provides a solid grounding in all three sciences.
Those planning to take A Level Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, since it covers enough depth to prepare for advanced study.
Learners who want a balanced science workload without the heavier content load of triple science.
Students whose schools offer this as the main science pathway, making it the default route to meet science requirements.

It’s also a strong option for students who enjoy science but want to leave room in their timetable to excel in other IGCSE subjects such as languages, humanities, or creative arts, ensuring a well-rounded curriculum.

What Topics Are Covered in IGCSE Combined Science?

The exact topic list varies between Cambridge and Edexcel, but both cover the key areas of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Biology Topics

Students typically study:

Cell structure and function
Enzymes and biological molecules
Human body systems (respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous)
Reproduction and genetics
Ecology and ecosystems
Photosynthesis and plant biology
Diseases, immunity, and health

Chemistry Topics

Key chemistry topics include:

States of matter
Atomic structure and the periodic table
Bonding and structure
Chemical reactions and equations
Acids, bases, and salts
Metals and reactivity
Organic chemistry
Energetics and rates of reaction

Physics Topics

Students will learn about:

Forces and motion
Energy transfers and efficiency
Waves, light, and sound
Electricity and magnetism
Thermal physics
Radioactivity and nuclear physics

By the end of the course, you’ll have a working knowledge of how the natural and physical world operates, both at microscopic and large scales.

IGCSE Combined Science Exam Format & Assessment Overview

The IGCSE Combined Science exam format and assessment structure vary between exam boards, but all are designed to test knowledge, application, and practical skills across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (0654)

This is assessed through a combination of multiple-choice, structured theory, and practical papers.

Core Tier

Paper 1: Multiple-choice questions covering Core content – 45 minutes.
Paper 3: Short-answer and structured questions on Core content – 2 hours.
Paper 5: Practical Test (or Paper 6, the written Alternative to Practical for schools without lab facilities) – 1 hour 15 minutes.

Extended Tier

Paper 2: Multiple-choice questions covering Extended content – 45 minutes.
Paper 4: Short-answer and structured questions on Extended content – 2 hours.
Paper 5: Practical Test (or Paper 6, Alternative to Practical) – 1 hour 15 minutes.

This format ensures that students are tested across the full range of skills, from quick recall in multiple-choice to in-depth written responses and practical science techniques.

This structure applies to the Double Award qualification, not the 0653 Single Award course.

Edexcel IGCSE Combined Science (4SD0 Double Award)

This is assessed through two main examination papers, each lasting two hours and covering content from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Paper 1: Multiple-choice and short-answer questions – 2 hours.
Paper 2: Structured and practical-based questions – 2 hours.

Unlike Cambridge, this course follows a single-tier system, meaning all students take the same papers regardless of ability level. Practical skills are assessed through written questions embedded in both papers, rather than through a separate practical exam.

Both Cambridge and Edexcel structure their IGCSE Combined Science exams to ensure students demonstrate a balanced mix of scientific knowledge, application, and practical skills.

Grading System Explained (9–1 or A–G)

Understanding the grading system in IGCSE Combined Science is key to setting realistic goals and tracking your progress.

Cambridge

Core Tier maximum = Grade C
Extended Tier maximum = Grade A* (or numerical 9)
Results are awarded as a pair of grades, for example 7–6 or A–B

Edexcel

Graded on the 9–1 scale
Results shown as two separate grades, for example 8–7 or 6–6

Choosing Core or Extended: What’s Right for You?

The choice between Core and Extended for Cambridge students depends on your current level, exam confidence, and future plans.

Core is a good fit if you find science challenging, want to focus on essential principles, and are aiming for a maximum of Grade C. It allows you to build a solid understanding without the extra pressure of more advanced topics.

Extended is better suited if you’re confident in science and maths, planning to take A Levels in science subjects, and aiming for higher grades up to A* or 9. This route covers both the Core content and additional material in greater depth.

Schools usually recommend the tier based on mock exam performance and teacher assessment.

How to Prepare Effectively for IGCSE Combined Science

To do well, you need to combine good organisation with active learning. Here’s how:

Use the Official Syllabus as Your Checklist

Download the Cambridge 0654 or Edexcel 4SD0 syllabus from the exam board’s website. Tick off topics as you cover them. This ensures no part of the course is missed.

Master Keywords & Definitions

Science marking schemes reward precise use of terms. Keep a glossary of important words and definitions for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Understand Diagrams, Graphs & Experiments

Many exam questions involve interpreting diagrams or data. Practise:

Reading and labelling diagrams
Analysing graphs and tables
Explaining experimental results

Flashcards, Mind Maps & Summary Sheets

Mix your revision methods using flashcards to quickly recall definitions, mind maps to connect concepts across topics, and summary sheets to keep essential formulas, equations, and key facts in one place.

Past Paper Practice: The Ultimate Strategy

The best way to prepare is to start with untimed practice to get used to the question style, mark your work using official mark schemes, review mistakes by writing corrected answers, and then switch to timed conditions to build speed.

With consistent practice, smart use of resources, and a clear study plan, you can confidently approach the IGCSE Combined Science exam and achieve your best results.

Need Personalised Help? Work With an IGCSE Combined Science Tutor

Professional teachers from TutorsPlus can explain tricky concepts clearly, give targeted feedback on past paper answers, help with exam technique and time management, and keep you motivated and accountable, which is especially valuable if you’re moving from Core to Extended or aiming for top grades.

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FAQ

How many hours should I study each week for Combined Science?
Most students benefit from 3–5 hours a week outside class, increasing to 6–8 hours during exam season.

Is Combined Science harder than Triple Science?
It covers less content in each subject than triple science, but the pace can still be demanding because you study all three sciences in a condensed format.

Can I go into A Level Sciences after taking Combined Science?
Yes, especially if you take the Extended tier and achieve strong grades. Some schools may ask for bridging work in the summer before Year 12.

How do I improve my grade from 6 to 9?
Focus on exam technique, master extended content, and work through a variety of past papers. Learn from examiner reports to avoid common mistakes.

Don’t hesitate to contact us at +41 22 731 8148 or to get personalised support for your IGCSE Combined Science studies.