Combined Science
Cambridge IGCSE
This is the published topic structure for Cambridge Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653, 2025–2027. Topics map to the papers below, so a student entered for only some components never sees progress counted against papers they do not sit.
Papers in this syllabus
Every component Cambridge lists for 0653. Which ones a candidate sits depends on the route chosen.
Syllabus topics
The topics a teacher works through, in syllabus order.
B1 Characteristics of living organisms
Characteristics of living organisms
B2 Cells
Cell structure · Size of specimens
B3 Movement into and out of cells
Diffusion · Osmosis · Active transport
B4 Biological molecules
Biological molecules
B5 Enzymes
Enzymes
B6 Plant nutrition
Photosynthesis · Leaf structure
B7 Human nutrition
Diet · Digestive system · Digestion
B8 Transport in plants
Xylem and phloem · Water uptake · Transpiration
B9 Transport in animals
Circulatory systems · Heart · Blood vessels · Blood
B10 Diseases and immunity
Diseases and immunity
B11 Gas exchange in humans
Gas exchange in humans
B12 Respiration
Respiration
B13 Drugs
Drugs
B14 Reproduction
Sexual reproduction in plants · Sexual reproduction in humans
B15 Organisms and their environment
Energy flow · Food chains and food webs · Carbon cycle
B16 Human influences on ecosystems
Habitat destruction · Conservation
C1 States of matter
Solids, liquids and gases
C2 Atoms, elements and compounds
Elements, compounds and mixtures · Atomic structure and the Periodic Table · Ions and ionic bonds · Simple molecules and covalent bonds
C3 Stoichiometry
Formulas
C4 Electrochemistry
Electrolysis
C5 Chemical energetics
Exothermic and endothermic reactions
C6 Chemical reactions
Physical and chemical changes · Rate of reaction · Redox
C7 Acids, bases and salts
The characteristic properties of acids and bases · Oxides · Preparation of salts
C8 The Periodic Table
Arrangement of elements · Group I properties · Group VII properties · Transition elements · Noble gases
C9 Metals
Properties of metals · Uses of metals · Alloys and their properties · Reactivity series · Corrosion of metals · Extraction of metals
C10 Chemistry of the environment
Water · Air quality and climate
C11 Organic chemistry
Terminology · Fuels · Alkanes · Alkenes · Polymers
C12 Experimental techniques and chemical analysis
Experimental design · Chromatography · Separation and purification · Identification of ions and gases
P1 Motion, forces and energy
Physical quantities and measurement techniques · Motion · Mass and weight · Density · Forces · Energy, work and power · Pressure
P2 Thermal physics
Kinetic particle model of matter · Thermal properties and temperature · Transfer of thermal energy
P3 Waves
General properties of waves · Light · Electromagnetic spectrum · Sound
P4 Electricity
Electrical quantities · Electrical circuits · Electrical safety · Cells, batteries, generators and motors
P5 Space physics
The Solar System · Stars and the Universe
Source: Cambridge International Combined Science 0653 syllabus, 2025–2027. Extracted and checked against the published structure. Cambridge International is not affiliated with Fect and does not endorse it. All Cambridge courses.