Science

GCSE Science Topics — AQA, Edexcel, OCR & IGCSE

GCSE Science Topics

A readable overview of what you study in Combined Science (Double Award) and Separate Sciences (Single) across AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR, and IGCSE.

At a glance Generic topic checklist AQA Pearson Edexcel OCR IGCSE Tips & differences

At a glance

Combined (Double) Worth two GCSEs. You study Biology, Chemistry and Physics across all the core topics, at slightly less depth.

Separate (Single) Three individual GCSEs (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). Same foundations but with extra depth, more sub-topics and more papers.

All UK boards follow the national subject content, so topic names may vary but the ideas align closely.

How to use this page

Skim the Generic Topic Checklist to see the common core.
Open your exam board section for the board-specific topic wording.
Use Combined vs Separate notes to plan revision depth.

For required practicals and exact paper structure, check your school’s specification sheet or your board’s website.

Generic Topic Checklist (applies across boards)

Biology — core ideas▸

Cells & microscopy; transport; cell division
Organisation: tissues, organs & body systems
Infection & response: pathogens, immunity, antibiotics
Bioenergetics: photosynthesis & respiration
Homeostasis & response: nervous system, hormones
Inheritance, variation & evolution; genetics & natural selection
Ecology: ecosystems, cycles, biodiversity & human impact

Chemistry — core ideas▸

Atomic structure & periodic table
Bonding, structure & properties of matter
Quantitative chemistry: moles, yields, concentrations
Chemical changes: reactivity, acids–bases, electrolysis
Energy changes in reactions
Rates & equilibrium (Le Chatelier)
Organic chemistry: hydrocarbons, alcohols, polymers
Chemical analysis: chromatography, purity & tests
Atmosphere: evolution, pollutants, greenhouse gases
Using resources: extraction, LCA, sustainability

Physics — core ideas▸

Energy stores, transfers, efficiency & resources
Electricity: circuits, charge, potential difference & power
Particle model of matter: states, density, internal energy
Atomic structure & nuclear radiation: half-life, safety
Forces & motion: velocity, acceleration, momentum
Waves: properties, EM spectrum, sound & light
Magnetism & electromagnetism: motors, generators
Space/astrophysics (mostly Separate Sciences)

AQA

Combined Science (Trilogy) — topic coverage▸

Biology

Cell biology; Organisation; Infection & response; Bioenergetics
Homeostasis & response; Inheritance, variation & evolution; Ecology

Chemistry

Atomic structure & periodic table; Bonding & properties; Quantitative chemistry
Chemical changes; Energy changes; Rate & extent; Chemical analysis
Atmosphere; Using resources

Physics

Energy; Electricity; Particle model; Atomic structure
Forces; Waves; Magnetism & electromagnetism

Depth is streamlined vs Separate; required practicals still assessed.

Separate Sciences — Biology, Chemistry, Physics▸

Biology (Separate)

All Combined Biology topics, typically with extra depth & applications.

Chemistry (Separate)

As Combined plus extended Organic chemistry and further analytical techniques.

Physics (Separate)

As Combined plus Space physics and more on fields & radiation.

Three separate GCSEs; more content and usually additional required practicals.

Pearson Edexcel

Combined Science (Double Award) — topic coverage▸

Biology

Key concepts; Cells & control; Genetics
Health, disease & medicines; Exchange & transport; Ecosystems & material cycles

Chemistry

States & separation; Atomic structure & periodicity; Bonding & properties
Reactions, energy changes & rates; Fuels & Earth chemistry; Analysis (intro)

Physics

Motion & forces; Energy & work; Waves; Light & EM spectrum
Electricity & circuits; Magnetism & electromagnetism; Radioactivity

Two GCSEs awarded across the three disciplines.

Separate Sciences — Biology, Chemistry, Physics▸

Follows the same framework with greater depth and extended sub-topics (e.g., richer genetics/biotech, expanded organic chemistry, and additional physics such as space/fields).

OCR

Combined Science A (Gateway) — topic coverage▸

Biology (B1–B6)

Cell level systems; Scaling up; Organism level systems
Community level systems; Genes, inheritance & selection; Global challenges

Chemistry (C1–C6)

Particles & periodicity; Bonding & properties; Chemical reactions & energy
Rates & equilibrium; Earth chemistry & resources; Analysis (intro)

Physics (P1–P6)

Energy; Forces; Waves; Electricity; Magnetism & electromagnetism; Space (intro)

Gateway “A” shown here; “B” (Twenty First Century) arranges the same core ideas in themed contexts.

Separate Sciences — Biology, Chemistry, Physics▸

Fuller coverage and depth, more required practicals, and additional sub-topics (e.g., advanced genetics/biotech, extended analysis methods, and dedicated astrophysics).

IGCSE / International GCSE

Double Award (Science) — topic coverage▸

Mirrors UK GCSE cores across Biology, Chemistry and Physics with board-specific wording:

Biology: Cells & enzymes; genetics & evolution; human biology; ecology.
Chemistry: Principles of chemistry; inorganic; organic; physical; analysis basics.
Physics: Motion & forces; energy; electricity; waves; electromagnetism; radioactivity.

Depth and optional extensions vary by board; check your specification for exact practicals and paper format.

Separate Sciences — Biology, Chemistry, Physics▸

As above but with additional depth and extended sub-topics; assessed as three separate qualifications.

Key differences & quick tips

Combined vs Separate: Same foundations; Separate goes further (e.g., more organic chemistry; space physics appears mainly in Separate).
Practical skills: Required practicals are examined in both routes—know methods, variables, and evaluation points.
Specs change slightly over time: Always cross-check with your school’s current specification code.

A‑Level Science Topics — Physics, Chemistry, Biology (AQA, OCR, WJEC, Pearson Edexcel, International)

A‑Level Science Topics

Physics Chemistry Biology Tips

Physics

Generic topics (most boards)▸

Measurement, uncertainties & experimental design
Mechanics: kinematics, forces, moments, energy & momentum
Materials: density, stress–strain, Young modulus
Waves & optics: interference, diffraction, standing waves, refraction
Electricity & circuits; DC/AC, resistivity, power
Fields: gravitational, electric & magnetic; potential and energy
Electromagnetism & induction
Thermal physics & gas laws; thermodynamics (intro)
Quantum & particle physics; nuclear physics, decay, fission/fusion
Options/extensions (varies): Astrophysics; Medical physics; Engineering/electronics

Mathematics & modelling are embedded throughout; practical endorsements assess skills.

AQA — typical structure▸

Measurements & errors; Particles & radiation
Waves; Mechanics & materials; Electricity
Further mechanics & thermal physics
Fields & their consequences; Nuclear physics
Option examples: Astrophysics, Medical physics, Engineering physics, Turning points, Electronics

OCR — typical structure▸

Foundations in physics; Forces & motion
Electrons, waves & photons
Newtonian world & astrophysics
Particles & medical physics (depending on route)

WJEC — typical structure▸

Motion, energy & materials
Electricity, waves & optics
Thermal physics & gases
Fields (gravitational, electrical, magnetic)
Nuclear & medical physics; astrophysics (options vary)

Pearson Edexcel — typical structure▸

Mechanics; Electric circuits; Materials; Waves & particle nature
Further mechanics; Electric & magnetic fields
Nuclear & thermal physics
Optional routes often include Astrophysics

International (e.g., Cambridge International)▸

Measurements; Mechanics; Matter; Waves; Electricity
Fields & electromagnetic effects
Atomic & nuclear; Quantum/modern physics
Strong focus on practical skills & planning

Chemistry

Generic topics (most boards)▸

Atomic structure, electron configuration & periodicity
Chemical bonding & structure; intermolecular forces; shapes of molecules
Physical chemistry: energetics/thermochemistry; kinetics; equilibrium; acids–bases; redox
Inorganic chemistry: s-, p-, d-block trends; transition metals & complexes
Organic chemistry: nomenclature; isomerism; mechanisms (substitution, addition, elimination)
Functional groups: alcohols, halogenoalkanes, alkenes/alkanes, carbonyls, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, aromatics, polymers
Analytical techniques: chromatography, mass spectrometry, IR, NMR
Green, industrial & environmental chemistry; energetics of reactions, cells & fuel cells (varies)
Practical skills & data handling

AQA — typical structure▸

Physical chemistry: thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibria, acids & bases, electrochemistry
Inorganic: periodicity; Group 2, Group 7; transition metals
Organic: mechanisms; aromatic chemistry; carbonyls; carboxylic acids & derivatives; amines; polymers; amino acids & proteins
Analysis: chromatography, MS, IR, NMR

OCR — typical structure▸

Foundations: atoms, bonding, periodicity
Core organic chemistry; energy & resources
Physical chemistry & transition elements
Organic synthesis & analysis

WJEC — typical structure▸

Basic chemical concepts; periodicity & inorganic families
Physical chemistry (rates, equilibria, energetics)
Organic chemistry including aromatic & nitrogen compounds
Analysis & industrial/green chemistry contexts

Pearson Edexcel — typical structure▸

Atomic structure & the periodic table; bonding & structure
Energetics; kinetics; chemical equilibria; acid–base; redox
Inorganic groups & transition metals
Organic chemistry and analysis (incl. spectroscopy) with multi‑step synthesis

International (e.g., Cambridge International)▸

Physical: energetics, kinetics, equilibria; electrochemistry
Inorganic: periodic trends; transition element chemistry
Organic: functional groups, mechanisms, stereochemistry
Analysis: instrumental techniques; qualitative/quantitative analysis

Biology

Generic topics (most boards)▸

Biological molecules: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, water; enzymes
Cells: ultrastructure; membranes & transport; cell division & differentiation
Exchange & transport: gas exchange; circulatory systems; plant transport
Energy transfers: photosynthesis; respiration; nutrient cycles
Genetic information: DNA, RNA; transcription/translation; gene expression & control
Inheritance, variation & evolution; population genetics & speciation
Organisms respond: nerves, synapses, muscles; hormones & homeostasis
Ecosystems & biodiversity: succession, sampling, conservation; human impacts
Immunity, disease & pathogens; biotechnology (e.g., PCR, gene technology)
Practical skills, statistical tests & data analysis

AQA — typical structure▸

Biological molecules; Cells; Organisms exchange substances
Genetic information, variation & relationships
Energy transfers in and between organisms
Organisms respond to changes in their internal & external environments
Genetics, populations, evolution & ecosystems
The control of gene expression

OCR — typical structure▸

Foundations in biology
Exchange & transport; Biodiversity, evolution & disease
Communication, homeostasis & energy
Genetics, evolution & ecosystems

WJEC — typical structure▸

Basic biochemistry & cell organisation
Biodiversity & physiology of body systems
Energy & ecosystems; environment
Genetics, evolution & applications (e.g., biotechnology)

Pearson Edexcel — typical structure▸

Biological molecules, cells & exchange
Genetic information & health; development & genes (context‑led routes vary)
Energy in ecosystems; responses to environment
Evolution, biodiversity & gene technologies

International (e.g., Cambridge International)▸

Cells, biochemistry & enzymes
Genetics & cell control; inheritance & selection
Physiology & homeostasis; immunology
Energy & ecosystems; biodiversity & conservation
Biotechnology & gene technology

Notes & tips

Specifications change occasionally; always check your current spec code and required practicals.
Practical endorsement skills are examined across all boards—plan regular hands‑on practice and write‑ups.
Build a formula/data booklet per subject and annotate with common pitfalls and examiner expectations.

Primary Science Topics — Year 1 to Year 6

Primary Science Topics

Generic overview aligned with UK primary science, structured by year group (Year 1–6).

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Skills progression

Year 1

Exploring the World Around Us▸

Plants — identify common wild/garden plants and trees; basic plant parts.
Animals, including humans — name common animals; body parts and the five senses.
Everyday materials — objects vs materials; simple properties and uses.
Seasonal changes — weather and the four seasons.
Working scientifically — observing, asking questions, describing patterns.

Year 2

Early Classification and Growth▸

Living things & habitats — living, dead, never alive; habitats and microhabitats.
Plants — requirements for growth; observe and record changes.
Animals, including humans — basic needs; simple life cycles; healthy diet.
Uses of everyday materials — suitability; changing shape.
Working scientifically — grouping, comparing, simple data recording.

Year 3

Deeper Observation▸

Plants — functions of parts; life cycle; growth requirements.
Animals, including humans — skeletons, muscles, nutrition.
Rocks — types, fossils, soils.
Forces & magnets — contact vs non-contact; magnetic materials.
Light — sources, reflection, shadows.
Working scientifically — fair tests, measurements, drawing conclusions.

Year 4

States and Systems▸

Living things & habitats — classification; food chains.
Animals, including humans — digestion, teeth; food webs.
States of matter — solids, liquids, gases; heating & cooling; evaporation/condensation.
Sound — vibrations, pitch, volume.
Electricity — simple circuits, switches, conductors/insulators.
Working scientifically — setting up practical enquiries & comparative tests.

Year 5

Change, Forces, and Earth▸

Living things & habitats — life cycles; reproduction in plants and animals.
Animals, including humans — human development from birth to old age.
Properties & changes of materials — dissolving, mixing; reversible/irreversible changes.
Forces — gravity; friction; air & water resistance; levers & pulleys.
Earth & space — planets, orbits, day & night.
Working scientifically — drawing conclusions & presenting evidence.

Year 6

Systems, Evolution, and Inheritance▸

Living things & habitats — classification; microorganisms.
Animals, including humans — circulatory system; health & lifestyle.
Evolution & inheritance — adaptation; fossils; offspring & variation.
Light — how light travels; reflection; vision & shadows.
Electricity — circuit components; brightness/volume; symbols & diagrams.
Working scientifically — designing experiments; controlling variables; evaluating evidence.

Skills Progression (Year 1–6)

Observation → Classification → Prediction → Testing → Evaluation
Build vocabulary and conceptual understanding step-by-step.
Communicate ideas with diagrams, tables, and clear explanations.

Our Science Tutors — MyLearningLab

Our Science Tutors

Expert teachers in Biology, Chemistry and Physics providing structured, personalised support from KS3 to GCSE/IGCSE and A-Level.

Specialist Teachers with Proven Experience

Each tutor is a qualified science teacher with real classroom experience and proven results across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We explain complex ideas with models and analogies, break down multi-step problems, and pre-empt misconceptions before they block progress.

Biology: linking cells → tissues → organs → systems; experimental design and analysis.
Chemistry: connecting particle models → bonding → structure → properties.
Physics: unpicking forces vs motion, energy pathways, and field ideas.

Clear worked examples for calculations and data handling.
Examiner insight on command words, required practicals, and common pitfalls.
Adaptive questioning to secure genuine understanding.

Sequencing Learning for Long-Term Success

Science grows in layers. We map pre-requisites and sequence lessons so each new idea connects to what came before. Spaced retrieval and interleaving (e.g., revisiting required practicals while learning new theory) make knowledge stick.

Concept maps for each topic show where students are and what’s next.
Checkpoint tasks ensure thresholds are met before moving on.
Retrieval routines at the start of lessons keep foundations active.

Personalised Support & Diagnostic Feedback

We begin with diagnostics to identify strengths, gaps and learning preferences. From there, we build a personalised plan with clear milestones. Frequent low-stakes quizzes, mini-practicals, and targeted past-paper items track progress.

Start-of-unit diagnostics and end-of-unit reviews.
Actionable feedback with specific next steps.
Parent/guardian updates (on request) with progress snapshots.

Focusing on What Matters Most

We prioritise the high-leverage ideas that unlock marks and deep understanding.

Biology

Cells & microscopy; transport; enzymes.
Homeostasis & response: nervous and hormonal control.
Inheritance, variation & evolution; genetics problems.
Ecology, sampling, and required practicals.

Chemistry

Atomic structure & periodicity; bonding & structure.
Quantitative chemistry (moles, yields, concentration).
Rates, equilibrium & Le Chatelier; energetics.
Organic families, mechanisms & spectroscopy; analysis.

Physics

Energy and electricity; circuits, power & efficiency.
Forces & motion; momentum; graphs & modelling.
Waves and optics; EM spectrum; practical skills.
Particle/nuclear physics; fields & their consequences.

Cross-cutting skills

Graphs & data handling; significant figures & units.
Planning, variables, risk & evaluation in practicals.
Exam technique: command words, structure, timing.

Using Technology to Enhance Learning

Interactive simulations and virtual labs to visualise abstract processes.
Digital whiteboards and shared notebooks for annotated solutions.
Auto-marked quizzes for immediate feedback and spaced retrieval.

Building Confidence and Motivation

Through clear explanations, achievable steps and visible progress, students rebuild belief in their ability. Small wins create momentum; momentum builds confidence.

Helping Every Learner Fulfil Their Potential

Our goal is mastery and self-belief. With expert teaching, thoughtful sequencing and personalised feedback, students learn the science — and how to think like scientists.

FAQs

Do you cover GCSE/IGCSE and A-Level? Yes — including AQA, OCR, WJEC, Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge International.
Online or in-person? Both; the same structured approach in either format.
Do you set homework? Purposeful practice with model answers and feedback.