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syllabus cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award syllabus code 0654 for examination in june and november 2013

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contents cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award syllabus code 0654 1 introduction 2 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 why choose cambridge why choose cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award cambridge international certificate of education ice how can i find out more 2 assessment at a glance 5 3 syllabus aims and objectives 7 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 aims assessment objectives scheme of assessment weightings conventions 4 curriculum content 13 4.1 biology 4.2 chemistry 4.3 physics 5 practical assessment 61 5.1 paper 4 coursework school-based assessment of practical skills 5.2 paper 5 practical test 5.3 paper 6 alternative to practical cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award 0654 examination in june and november 2013 © ucles 2010

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6 appendix 72 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 symbols units and definitions of physical quantities notes for use in qualitative analysis data sheet grade descriptions mathematical requirements glossary of terms forms 7 additional information 85 7 .1 7 .2 7 .3 7 .4 7 .5 7 .6 guided learning hours recommended prior learning progression component codes grading and reporting resources cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award 0654 examination in june and november 2013.

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1 introduction 1.1 why choose cambridge university of cambridge international examinations cie is the world s largest provider of international qualifications around 1.5 million students from 150 countries enter cambridge examinations every year what makes educators around the world choose cambridge recognition cambridge igcse is internationally recognised by schools universities and employers as equivalent to uk gcse cambridge igcse is excellent preparation for a/as level the advanced international certificate of education aice us advanced placement programme and the international baccalaureate ib diploma learn more at www.cie.org.uk/recognition support cie provides a world-class support service for teachers and exams officers we offer a wide range of teacher materials to centres plus teacher training online and face-to-face and student support materials exams officers can trust in reliable efficient administration of exams entry and excellent personal support from cie customer services learn more at www.cie.org.uk/teachers excellence in education cambridge qualifications develop successful students they build not only understanding and knowledge required for progression but also learning and thinking skills that help students become independent learners and equip them for life not-for-profit part of the university of cambridge cie is part of cambridge assessment a not-for-profit organisation and part of the university of cambridge the needs of teachers and learners are at the core of what we do cie invests constantly in improving its qualifications and services we draw upon education research in developing our qualifications cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award 0654 examination in june and november 2013 2

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1 introduction 1.2 why choose cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award a double award igcse co-ordinated sciences gives candidates the opportunity to study biology chemistry and physics within a scientifically coherent syllabus candidates learn about the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study candidates learn how science is studied and practised and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals communities and the environment as well as focusing on the individual sciences the syllabus enables candidates to better understand the technological world they live in and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments the syllabus is aimed at candidates across a very wide range of attainments and will allow them to show success over the full range of grades from aa to gg the syllabus is part of a suite of igcse sciences one particular feature of the co-ordinated sciences double award is that it is a subset of the separate sciences triple award and that combined science single award is a subset of the co-ordinated sciences this enables co-teaching of cie s science courses and which allows centres greater flexibility in timetabling teaching and also entering candidates for the most appropriate examination 1.3 cambridge international certificate of education ice cambridge ice is the group award of the international general certificate of secondary education igcse it requires the study of subjects drawn from the five different igcse subject groups it gives schools the opportunity to benefit from offering a broad and balanced curriculum by recognising the achievements of students who pass examinations in at least seven subjects including two languages and one subject from each of the other subject groups the cambridge portfolio of igcse qualifications provides a solid foundation for higher level courses such as gce a and as levels and the international baccalaureate diploma as well as excellent preparation for employment a wide range of igcse subjects is available and these are grouped into five curriculum areas co-ordinated sciences double award falls into group iii science learn more about ice at www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/middlesec/ice cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award 0654 examination in june and november 2013 3

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1 introduction 1.4 how can i find out more if you are already a cambridge centre you can make entries for this qualification through your usual channels e.g cie direct if you have any queries please contact us at international@cie.org.uk if you are not a cambridge centre you can find out how your organisation can become a cambridge centre email us at international@cie.org.uk learn more about the benefits of becoming a cambridge centre at www.cie.org.uk cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award 0654 examination in june and november 2013 4

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2 assessment at a glance cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award syllabus code 0654 candidates are awarded grades aa to gg candidates expected to achieve grades dd ee ff or gg study the core curriculum only and are eligible for grades cc to gg candidates expected to achieve grades cc or higher should study the core and supplementary curriculum areas all candidates must enter for three papers candidates take paper 1 45 minutes a multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of the four-choice type and either paper 2 50 of total marks or paper 3 50 of total marks 30 of total marks 2 hours core curriculum ­ grades c to g available core theory paper consisting of short-answer and structured questions based on the core curriculum 2 hours extended curriculum ­ grades a to g available extended theory paper consisting of short-answer and structured questions the questions will be based on all of the material both from the core and supplement and will allow candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding and practical assessment either paper 4 coursework or paper 5 practical test 2 hours or paper 6 alternative to practical 1 hour 20 of total marks cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award 0654 examination in june and november 2013 5

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2 assessment at a glance availability this syllabus is examined in the may/june examination session and the october/november examination session this syllabus is available to private candidates centres in the uk that receive government funding are advised to consult the cie website www.cie.org.uk for the latest information before beginning to teach this syllabus combining this with other syllabuses candidates can combine this syllabus in an examination session with any other cie syllabus except · · · · · · · · · · · · · · syllabuses with the same title at the same level 0610 biology 0620 chemistry 0625 physics 0652 physical science 0653 combined science 5054 physics 5070 chemistry 5090 biology 5096 human and social biology 5124 science physics chemistry 5125 science physics biology 5126 science chemistry biology 5129 combined science please note that igcse cambridge international level 1/level 2 certificates and o level syllabuses are at the same level cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award 0654 examination in june and november 2013 6

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3 syllabus aims and objectives 3.1 aims the aims of the syllabus below are not listed in order of priority the aims are to 1 provide a worthwhile educational experience for all candidates through well-designed studies of experimental and practical science whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level in particular candidates studies should enable them to acquire understanding and knowledge of the concepts principles and applications of biology chemistry and physics and where appropriate other related sciences so that they may · · · become confident citizens in a technological world able to take or develop an informed interest in matters of scientific importance recognise the usefulness and limitations of scientific method and appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life be suitably prepared to embark upon certain post-16 science-dependent vocational courses and studies in any of the pure sciences and applied sciences are relevant to the study and practice of science are useful in everyday life encourage safe practice encourage effective communication curiosity interest and enjoyment in science and its methods of enquiry interest in and care for the environment the study and practice of science are co-operative and cumulative activities subject to social economic technological ethical and cultural influences and limitations the applications of science may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual the community and the environment the concepts of science are of a developing and sometimes transient nature science transcends national boundaries and that the language of science is universal 2 develop abilities and skills that · · · · · · · · · · 3 stimulate 4 promote an awareness that cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award 0654 examination in june and november 2013 7

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3 syllabus aims and objectives in addition to these general aims igcse co-ordinated sciences seeks to 5 emphasise that some principles and concepts are common to all science while others are more particular to the separate sciences of biology chemistry and physics 6 promote interdisciplinary enquiry through practical investigations and through the co-ordination of the subject matter of the three separate sciences 3.2 assessment objectives the three assessment objectives in co-ordinated sciences are a b c knowledge with understanding handling information and problem solving experimental skills and investigations a description of each assessment objective follows a · · · · · knowledge with understanding 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 quantities and their determination scientific and technological applications with their social economic and environmental implications students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to the curriculum content defines the factual material that candidates may be required to recall and explain questions testing this will often begin with one of the following words define state describe explain or outline b · · · · · handling information and problem solving 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 students should be able using words or other written forms of presentation i.e symbolic graphical and numerical to cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award 0654 examination in june and november 2013 8

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3 syllabus aims and objectives · · make predictions and hypotheses solve problems these skills cannot be precisely specified in the curriculum content because questions testing such skills are often based on information which is unfamiliar to the candidate in answering such questions candidates are required to use principles and concepts in the syllabus and apply them in a logical deductive manner to a new situation questions testing these skills will often begin with one of the following words discuss predict suggest calculate or determine c · · · · experimental skills and investigations use techniques apparatus and materials including the following of a sequence of instructions where appropriate make and record observations measurements and estimates interpret and evaluate experimental observations and data plan investigations and/or evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements including the selection of techniques apparatus and materials students should be able to cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award 0654 examination in june and november 2013 9

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3 syllabus aims and objectives 3.3 scheme of assessment all candidates must enter for three papers paper 1 either paper 2 or paper 3 one from papers 4 5 or 6 candidates who have only studied the core curriculum or who are expected to achieve grade dd or below should normally be entered for paper 2 candidates who have studied the extended curriculum and who are expected to achieve grade cc or above should be entered for paper 3 candidates take paper 1 45 minutes a multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of the four-choice type 30 of total marks the questions will be based on the core curriculum will be of a difficulty appropriate to grades c to g and will test skills mainly in assessment objectives a and b and either or paper 2 50 of total marks 2 hours core curriculum ­ grades c to g available core theory paper consisting of short-answer and structured questions based on the core curriculum the questions will be of a difficulty appropriate to grades c to g and will test skills mainly in assessment objectives a and b paper 3 50 of total marks 2 hours extended curriculum ­ grades a to g available extended theory paper consisting of short-answer and structured questions the questions will be based on all of the material both from the core and supplement and will allow candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding the questions will be of a difficulty appropriate to the higher grades and will test skills mainly in assessment objectives a and b 120 marks 120 marks and practical assessment 20 of total marks either paper 4 coursework ­ a school-based assessment of practical skills or paper 5 practical test 2 hours ­ with questions covering experimental and observational skills or paper 6 alternative to practical 1 hour ­ a written paper designed to test familiarity with laboratory based procedures scientific subjects are by their nature experimental so it is important that an assessment of a candidate s knowledge and understanding of science should contain a component relating to practical work and experimental skills see assessment objective c because schools and colleges have cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award 0654 examination in june and november 2013 10

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3 syllabus aims and objectives different circumstances ­ such as the availability of resources ­ three different means of assessment are provided school-based assessment a formal practical test and an `alternative to practical paper teachers may not undertake school-based assessment without the written approval of cie this will only be given to teachers who satisfy cie requirements concerning moderation and they will have to undergo special training in assessment before entering candidates cie offers schools in-service training in the form of occasional face-to-face courses held in countries where there is a need and also through the igcse coursework training handbook available from cie publications n.b the data sheet periodic table will be included in papers 1 2 and 3 3.4 weightings the approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives in the assessment model are summarised in the table below assessment objective a knowledge with understanding b handling information and problem solving c experimental skills and investigations weighting 50 not more than 25 recall 30 20 the relationship between the assessment objectives and the scheme of assessment is set out in the table below all the figures given below are for guidance only and have a tolerance of ±2 assessment objective paper 1 20 paper 2 or 3 30 paper 4 5 or 6 ­ whole assessment 50 a knowledge with understanding b handling information and problem solving c experimental skills and investigations 10 20 ­ 30 ­ ­ 20 20 cambridge igcse co-ordinated sciences double award 0654 examination in june and november 2013 11

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