Description
This IGCSE Chemistry course will help students develop an understanding of the unifying patterns and themes of chemistry and further appreciate the practical nature of chemistry, developing experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques.
Students will also develop an appreciation of the importance related to scientific methods of accurate experimental work and accurate reporting. A knowledge will be gained on how to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them using a logical approach to problem-solving in a wider context.
IGCSE Chemistry will show learners how the work of the chemist has social, industrial, technological, environmental and economic consequences for the community. The preparation will be put in place for more advanced courses in chemistry or courses which require a knowledge of chemistry.
Cambridge Syllabus Exams up to 2028
Cambridge Course Code(s)
IGCSE Chemistry (9-1): 0971
IGCSE Chemistry (A*-G): 0620
(Please note, there is no difference in the course teachings for the two specifications, there only difference is the grade you will receive once you have taken the exams. 0971 is graded 9-1, 9 being the highest while 0620 is graded A* to G, A* being the highest.)
Cambridge Exams: June & November
Cambridge Study Hours: 130 hours
This IGCSE Chemistry CAIE Course will allow you to understand the technological world in which you live and enable you to take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Students gain an understanding of the basic principles of Chemistry through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. You will also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at Cambridge International A Level, skills which are useful in everyday life.
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry Modules
States of matter
1.1 Solids, liquids and gases
1.2 Diffusion
Atoms, elements and compounds
2.1 Elements, compounds and mixtures
2.2 Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
2.3 Isotopes
2.4 Ions and ionic bonds
2.5 Simple molecules and covalent bonds
2.6 Giant covalent structures
2.7 Metallic bonding
Stoichiometry
3.1 Formulae
3.2 Relative masses of atoms and molecules
3.3 The mole and the Avogadro constant
Electrochemistry
4.1 Electrolysis
4.2 Hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells
Chemical energetics
5.1 Exothermic and endothermic reactions
Chemical reactions
6.1 Physical and chemical changes
6.2 Rate of reaction
6.3 Reversible reactions and equilibrium
6.4 Redox
Acids, bases and salts
7.1 The characteristic properties of acids and bases
7.2 Oxides
The Periodic Table
8.1 Arrangement of elements
8.2 Group I properties
8.3 Group VII properties
8.4 Transition elements
8.5 Noble gases
Metals
9.1 Properties of metals
9.2 Uses of metals
9.3 Alloys and their properties
9.4 Reactivity series
9.5 Corrosion of metals
9.6 Extraction of metals
Chemistry of the environment
10.1 Water
10.2 Fertilisers
10.3 Air quality and climate
Organic chemistry
11.1 Formulae, functional groups and terminology
11.2 Naming organic compounds
11.3 Fuels
11.4 Alkanes
11.5 Alkenes
11.6 Alcohols
11.7 Carboxylic acids
11.8 Polymers
Experimental techniques and chemical analysis
12.1 Experimental design
12.2 Acid–base titrations
12.3 Chromatography
12.4 Separation and purification
12.5 Identification of ions and gases
Cambridge Assessment
All candidates take three papers.
EXTENDED IGCSE Chemistry
Candidates who have studied the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement), and who are expected to achieve a grade C or above should be entered for Paper 2, Paper 4 and Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades A* to G.
Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended)
45 minutes
40 marks
Forty compulsory multiple-choice items of the four-choice type.
Paper 4: Theory (Extended)
1 hour 15 minutes
80 marks
Compulsory short-answer and structured questions
Paper 6: Alternative to Practical
1 hour
40 marks
Candidates will not be required to do experiments as part of this test
CORE IGCSE Chemistry
Candidates who have studied the Core subject content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below should be entered for Paper 1, Paper 3 and Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades C to G
Paper 1 Multiple Choice (Core)
45 minutes
40 marks
Forty compulsory multiple-choice items of the four-choice type.
Paper 3: Theory (Core)
1 hour 15 minutes
80 marks
Compulsory short-answer and structured questions
Paper 6: Alternative to Practical
1 hour
40 marks
Candidates will not be required to do experiments as part of this test
Edexcel Syllabus
Edexcel Course Code(s): 4CH1
Edexcel Exams: June & November
Edexcel Study Hours: 130 hours
IGCSE Chemistry Course will allow you to learn about unifying patterns and themes of chemistry. You will acquire knowledge and understanding of chemical facts, concepts and principles and develop a logical approach to problem solving in a wider context. Grades 9-1 are available.
Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Modules
Principles of chemistry
(a) States of matter
(b) Elements, compounds and mixtures
(c) Atomic structure
(d) The Periodic Table
(e) Chemical formulae, equations and calculations
(f) Ionic bonding
(g) Covalent bonding
(h) Metallic bonding
(i) Electrolysis
Inorganic chemistry
(a) Group 1 (alkali metals) – lithium, sodium and potassium
(b) Group 7 (halogens) – chlorine, bromine and iodine
(c) Gases in the atmosphere
(d) Reactivity series
(e) Extraction and uses of metals
(f) Acids, alkalis and titrations
(g) Acids, bases and salt preparations
(h) Chemical tests
Physical chemistry
(a) Energetics
(b) Rates of reaction
(c) Reversible reactions and equilibria
Organic chemistry
(a) Introduction
(b) Crude oil
(c) Alkanes
(d) Alkenes
(e) Alcohols
(f) Carboxylic acids
(g) Esters
(h) Synthetic polymers
Edexcel Assessment
All candidates take two papers.
Chemistry Paper 1
2-hour written examination paper
110 marks
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Chemistry Paper 2
1-hour and 15-minute written examination paper
70 marks
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.