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Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus for 2022. Syllabus overviewAssessment overviewAll candidates take three papers.Candidates who have studied the Core subject content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below, shouldbe entered for Paper 1, Paper 3 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades C to G.Candidates who have studied the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement), and who are expected toachieve a grade C or above, should be entered for Paper 2, Paper 4 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidateswill be eligible for grades A* to G.Core candidates take:Extended candidates take:Paper 1Multiple Choice (Core)45 minutes30%Paper 2Multiple Choice (Extended)45 minutes30%40 marks40 marks40 four-option multiple-choice questions40 four-option multiple-choice questionsQuestions will be based on the Core subjectcontent.Questions will be based on the Extendedsubject content (Core and Supplement).Externally assessedExternally assessedand Core candidates take:and Extended candidates take:Paper 3Theory (Core)1 hour 15 minutes50%Paper 4Theory (Extended)1 hour 15 minutes50%80 marks80 marksShort-answer and structured questionsShort-answer and structured questionsQuestions will be based on the Core subjectcontent.Questions will be based on the Extendedsubject content (Core and Supplement).Externally assessedExternally assessedAll candidates takeeither:or:Paper 5Practical Test1 hour 15 minutes20%Paper 6Alternative to Practical1 hour20%40 marks40 marksQuestions will be based on the experimentalskills in section 4.Questions will be based on the experimentalskills in section 4.Externally assessedExternally assessedInformation on availability is in the Before you start section.8www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcseBack to contents page

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus for 2022. Syllabus overviewAssessment objectivesThe assessment objectives (AOs) are:AO1 Knowledge with understandingCandidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts and theories scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities and units) scientific instruments and apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety scientific and technological applications with their social, economic and environmental implications.Subject content defines the factual material that candidates may be required to recall and explain. Candidates willalso be asked questions which require them to apply this material to unfamiliar contexts and to apply knowledgefrom one area of the syllabus to another.Questions testing this assessment objective will often begin with one of the following words: define, state, describe,explain (using your knowledge and understanding) or outline (see the Glossary of terms used in science papers).AO2 Handling information and problem-solvingCandidates should be able, in words or using other written forms of presentation (i.e. symbolic, graphical andnumerical), to: locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources translate information from one form to another manipulate numerical and other data use information to identify patterns, report trends and draw inferences present reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns and relationships make predictions and hypotheses solve problems, including some of a quantitative nature.Questions testing these skills may be based on information that is unfamiliar to candidates, requiring them to applythe principles and concepts from the syllabus to a new situation, in a logical, deductive way.Questions testing these skills will often begin with one of the following words: predict, suggest, calculate ordetermine (see the Glossary of terms used in science papers).AO3 Experimental skills and investigationsCandidates should be able to: demonstrate knowledge of how to safely use techniques, apparatus and materials (including following asequence of instructions where appropriate) plan experiments and investigations make and record observations, measurements and estimates interpret and evaluate experimental observations and data evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements.Back to contents pagewww.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse9

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus for 2022. Syllabus overviewWeighting for assessment objectivesThe approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below.Assessment objectives as a percentage of the qualificationAssessment objectiveWeighting in IGCSE %AO1 Knowledge with understanding50AO2 Handling information and problem-solving30AO3 Experimental skills and investigations20Total100Assessment objectives as a percentage of each componentAssessment objectivePapers1 and 2Papers3 and 4Papers5 and 6AO1 Knowledge with understanding63630AO2 Handling information and problem-solving37370AO3 Experimental skills and investigations00100100100100Total10Weighting in components %www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcseBack to contents page

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus for 2022.3 Subject contentThe subject content that follows is divided into three sections: Biology (B1–B12), Chemistry (C1–C12) and Physics(P1–P6). Candidates must study all three sections.All candidates should be taught the Core subject content. Candidates who are only taught the Core subject contentcan achieve a maximum of grade C. Candidates aiming for grades A* to C should be taught the Extended subjectcontent. The Extended subject content includes both the Core and the Supplement.This syllabus gives you the flexibility to design a course that will interest, challenge and engage your learners.Where appropriate you are responsible for selecting suitable subject contexts, resources and examples to supportyour learners’ study. These should be appropriate for the learners’ age, cultural background and learning context aswell as complying with your school policies and local legal requirements.Scientific subjects are, by their nature, experimental. Learners should pursue a fully integrated course which allowsthem to develop their practical skills by carrying out practical work and investigations within all of the topics listed.BiologyB1Characteristics of living organismsB1.1Characteristics of living organismsCore1Describe the characteristics of living organismsby defining the terms:–– movement as an action by an organismcausing a change of position or place–– respiration as the chemical reactions in cellsthat break down nutrient molecules andrelease energy–– sensitivity as the ability to detect and respondto changes in the environment–– growth as a permanent increase in size–– reproduction as the processes that makemore of the same kind of organism–– excretion as removal from organisms oftoxic materials and substances in excess ofrequirements–– nutrition as taking in of materials for energy,growth and developmentBack to contents pagewww.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse11

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus for 2022. Subject content0653 BiologyB2CellsB2.1Cell structureSupplementCore1State that living organisms are made of cells2Describe and compare the structure of a plantcell with an animal cell, as seen under a lightmicroscope, limited to cell wall, nucleus,cytoplasm, chloroplasts, vacuoles and location ofthe cell membrane3State the functions of the structures seen underthe light microscope in the plant cell and in theanimal cell4Relate the structure of the following to theirfunctions:–– c iliated cells – movement of mucus in thetrachea and bronchi–– root hair cells – absorption–– palisade mesophyll cells – photosynthesis–– red blood cells – transport of oxygen–– sperm and egg cells – reproduction5Calculate magnification and size of biologicalspecimens using millimetres as unitsB2.2Movement in and out of cellsCore121Define diffusion as the net movement of particlesfrom a region of their higher concentration toa region of their lower concentration downa concentration gradient, as a result of theirrandom movement2State that substances move into and out of cellsby diffusion through the cell membrane3State that water diffuses through partiallypermeable membranes by osmosis5State that water moves in and out of cells byosmosis through the cell membrane6Investigate and describe the effects on planttissues of immersing them in solutions ofdifferent Supplement4Define osmosis as the net movement of watermolecules from a region of higher waterpotential (dilute solution) to a region of lowerwater potential (concentrated solution), througha partially permeable membraneBack to contents page

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus for 2022. Subject content0653 BiologyB3Biological moleculesB3.1Biological moleculesCore1List the chemical elements that make up:–– carbohydrates–– fats–– proteins2State that large molecules are made from smallermolecules, limited to:–– starch and glycogen from glucose–– proteins from amino acids–– fats and oils from fatty acids and glycerol3Describe the use of:–– iodine solution to test for starch–– B enedict’s solution to test for reducingsugars–– biuret test for proteins–– ethanol emulsion test for fats and oils4State that water is important as a solventB4EnzymesB4.1EnzymesCoreSupplement1Define enzymes as proteins that function asbiological catalysts2Explain enzyme action with reference to thecomplementary shape of the active site of anenzyme and its substrate and the formation of aproduct3Investigate and describe the effect of changes intemperature and pH on enzyme activity4Explain the effect of changes in temperature onenzyme activity, in terms of kinetic energy, shapeand fit, frequency of effective collisions anddenaturation5Explain the effect of changes in pH onenzyme activity in terms of shape and fit anddenaturationBack to contents pagewww.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse13

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus for 2022. Subject content0653 BiologyB5Plant nutritionB5.1Plant nutritionCore1Define photosynthesis as the process by whichplants manufacture carbohydrates from rawmaterials using energy from light2State the word equation for photosynthesis:carbon dioxide water glucose oxygen,in the presence of light and chlorophyllSupplement3State the balanced equation for photosynthesis6CO 2 6H 2OlightchlorophyllC 6 H 12 O 6 6O 24Explain that chlorophyll transfers light energyinto chemical energy in molecules, for thesynthesis of carbohydrates5Outline the subsequent use and storage of thecarbohydrates made in photosynthesis6Investigate the necessity for chlorophyll, lightand carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, usingappropriate controls7Investigate and describe the effect of varyinglight intensity and temperature on the rate ofphotosynthesis (e.g. in submerged aquatic plants)8Identify chloroplasts, cuticle, guard cells andstomata, upper and lower epidermis, palisademesophyll, spongy mesophyll, vascular bundles,xylem and phloem in leaves of a dicotyledonousplant9Describe the significance of the features of a leafin terms of functions, to include:–– p alisade mesophyll and distribution ofchloroplasts – photosynthesis–– s tomata, spongy mesophyll cells and guardcells – gas exchange–– xylem for transport and support–– phloem for transport10 Describe the importance of:–– nitrate ions for making amino acids11 Explain the effects of nitrate ion and magnesiumion deficiency on plant growth–– magnesium ions for making ack to contents page

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus for 2022. Subject content0653 BiologyB6Animal nutritionB6.1DietSupplementCore1State what is meant by the term balanced diet forhumans2List the principal sources of, and describe thedietary importance of:3Explain how age, gender and activity affectthe dietary needs of humans including duringpregnancy and whilst breast-feeding4Describe the effects of malnutrition in relation tostarvation, constipation, coronary heart disease,obesity and scurvy5Explain the causes and effects of vitamin D andiron deficiencies–– carbohydrates–– fats–– proteins–– vitamins, limited to C and D–– mineral salts, limited to calcium and iron–– fibre (roughage)–– waterB6.2Alimentary canalCore1Define ingestion as the taking of substances, e.g.food and drink, into the body through the mouth2Define digestion as the breakdown of large,insoluble food molecules into small, watersoluble molecules using mechanical and chemicalprocesses5Define absorption as the movement of smallfood molecules and ions through the wall of theintestine into the blood6Define egestion as the passing out of food thathas not been digested or absorbed, as faeces,through the anus7Identify the main regions of the alimentary canaland associated organs, limited to mouth, salivaryglands, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine,pancreas, liver, gall bladder, large intestine andanus8Describe the functions of the regions of thealimentary canal listed above, in relation toingestion, digestion, absorption and egestion offoodBack to contents pageSupplement3Define mechanical digestion as the breakdown offood into smaller pieces without chemical changeto the food molecules4Define chemical digestion as the breakdown oflarge, insoluble molecules into small, se15

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus for 2022. Subject content0653 BiologyB6.3DigestionCoreSupplement12State the significance of chemical digestion inthe alimentary canal in producing small, solublemolecules that can be absorbedState the functions of enzymes as follows:–– a mylase breaks down starch to simplersugars–– protease breaks down protein to amino acids–– l ipase breaks down fats to fatty acids andglycerolB7TransportB7.1Transport in plantsCore161State the functions of xylem and phloem2Identify the position of xylem as seen in sectionsof roots, stems and leaves, limited to non-woodydicotyledonous plants3Identify root hair cells, as seen under the lightmicroscope, and state their functions5State the pathway taken by water through root,stem and leaf as root hair cells, root cortex cells,xylem and mesophyll cells6Investigate, using a suitable stain, the pathway ofwater through the above-ground parts of a plant7State that water is transported from the roots toleaves through the xylem vessels8Define transpiration as loss of water vapourfrom plant leaves by evaporation of water atthe surfaces of the mesophyll cells followed bydiffusion of water vapour through the stomata9Investigate and describe the effects of variationof temperature and humidity on cse3State where, in the alimentary canal, amylase,protease and lipase are secreted4State the functions of the hydrochloric acid ingastric juice, limited to killing bacteria in foodand giving an acid pH for enzymesSupplement4Explain that the large surface area of root hairsincreases the rate of the absorption of water10 Explain the effects of variation of temperatureand humidity on transpiration rateBack to contents page

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus for 2022. Subject content0653 BiologyB7.2Transport in mammalsCoreSupplement12Describe double circulation in terms ofcirculation to the lungs and circulation to thebody tissues in mammals3Explain the advantages of a double circulationDescribe the circulatory system as a system ofblood vessels with a pump and valves to ensureone-way flow of blood4Name and identify the structures of themammalian heart, limited to the muscular wall,the septum, the left and right ventricles and atria,one-way valves and coronary arteries5State that blood is pumped away from the heartinto arteries and returns to the heart in veins6Describe the functioning of the heart in termsof the contraction of muscles of the atria andventricles and the action of the valves7Name the main blood vessels to and from the:8Describe coronary heart disease in terms ofthe blockage of coronary arteries and state thepossible risk factors as diet, stress, smoking,genetic predisposition, age and gender–– h eart, limited to vena cava, aorta, pulmonaryartery and pulmonary vein–– l ungs, limited to the pulmonary artery andpulmonary vein9Investigate and state the effect of physicalactivity on pulse rate11 Describe the structure and functions of arteries,veins and capillaries10 Explain the effect of physical activity on the heartrate12 Explain how the structures of arteries, veins andcapillaries are adapted for their function13 List the components of blood as red blood cells,white blood cells, platelets and plasma14 Identify red and white blood cells, as seen underthe light microscope, on prepared slides and indiagrams and photomicrographs15 State the functions of the following componentsof blood:–– r ed blood cells in transporting oxygen,including the role of haemoglobin–– w hite blood cells in phagocytosis andantibody production–– platelets in clotting (details are not required)–– p lasma in the transport of blood cells, ions,soluble nutrients, hormones and carbondioxideBack to contents pagewww.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse17

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus for 2022. Subject content0653 BiologyB8Gas exchange and respirationB8.1Gas exchangeCoreSupplement1Name and identify the lungs, diaphragm, ribs,intercostal muscles, larynx, trachea, bronchi,bronchioles, alveoli and associated capillaries2List the features of gas exchange surfaces inanimals, limited to large surface area, thinsurface, good blood supply and good ventilationwith air3State the d

Combined Science 0653 Use this syllabus for exams in 2022. Exams are available in the June and November series. . reflective, innovative and engaged – equipped for success in the modern world. Every year, nearly a million Cambridge students from 10 000 schools in 160 count