Combined Science

Exam Board: AQA

This course is suitable to all students as it is available at both higher and foundation level. At the end of this course, you will receive two GCSEs.

Alongside the knowledge-based learning, the combined science specification should enable students to:

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
• Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
• Develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments
• Develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively

Biology, chemistry and physics should be studied in ways that help students to develop curiosity about the natural world, insight into how science works, and appreciation of its relevance to their everyday lives. The scope and nature of such study should be broad, coherent, practical and satisfying, and thereby encourage students to be inspired, motivated and challenged by the subject and its achievements.

Assessment

The qualification is divided into six externally examined components. Each examination is 1 hour 15 minutes in duration, available in foundation or higher tier, consists of 70 marks and contributes to 16.7% of a GCSE.

Biology Paper 1: Biology topics 1–4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.

Biology Paper 2: Biology topics 5–7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology.

Chemistry Paper 1: Chemistry topics 8–12: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes.

Chemistry Paper 2: Chemistry topics 13–17: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.

Physics Paper 1: Physics topics 18–21: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure.

Physics Paper 2: Physics topics 22–24: Forces; Waves; and Magnetism and electromagnetism.

Where can it lead?

Science provides a foundation for many science-related and unrelated careers such as: doctor, vet, physiotherapist, chemist, beautician, plumber, nurse, architect, surveyor, engineer, farmer, sports trainer, lawyer, journalist, computer games developer, marine biologist and electrician, to name but a few, a strong knowledge of at least one of the sciences will be highly desirable if not essential.