AQA Combined Science Overview

Study Notes

Combined Science Overview

AQA Combined Science is a two-year course providing a broad understanding of scientific principles across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
The course covers fundamental concepts, practical skills, and problem-solving.
Exam assessment is typical for the course.
Course content may vary depending on the specific AQA Combined Science specification.

Biology

Cells: Structure and function of different cell types (animal and plant). Key organelles and their roles.
Biological Molecules: Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids; structures, properties, and functions.
Enzymes: Factors influencing enzyme activity; lock and key/induced fit model.
Biological Systems: Digestion, respiration, transport systems in plants and animals, hormone/nerve coordination, homeostasis.
Inheritance: Genetic information, DNA structure, gene expression, genetic variations, Mendelian inheritance (limitations).
Evolution: Natural selection, speciation, and evidence for evolution (fossils, comparative anatomy).
Ecology: Ecosystem interactions, food chains, food webs, energy flow, nutrient cycles.
Plant Physiology: Photosynthesis.

Chemistry

Atomic Structure: Atom structure (protons, neutrons, electrons), electron configuration, periodic table.
Chemical Bonding: Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding; substance properties related to bonding.
Reactions: Acids, bases, neutralization, redox reactions, electrochemistry.
Quantitative Chemistry: Moles, reacting masses, concentration, titrations.
Organic Chemistry: Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, properties, reactions, and uses.
Energy Changes: Exothermic and endothermic reactions.
Materials: Properties of metals and polymers and their uses.
Experimental Techniques: Appropriate apparatus use and calculations.

Physics

Motion: Displacement, velocity, acceleration, and forces.
Energy: Kinetic and potential energy, work, power, energy transfer.
Waves: Wave properties, including light and sound waves.
Electricity: Current, voltage, resistance, and circuits.
Magnetism: Magnetic fields, electromagnets, and electromagnetic induction.
Forces: Types and effects of forces, Newton's laws of motion.
Heat: Thermal energy, specific heat capacity, and thermal transfer.
Radioactivity: Types of radiation, half-life, and applications.

General Skills

Practical Techniques: Developing practical skills through structured experiments, analysis, and safe technique.
Data Analysis: Interpreting experimental data and graphical representations; drawing conclusions.
Scientific Method: Hypothesis formation, experimental design, and evaluating results.
Problem Solving: Applying scientific concepts to solve problems and real-world situations.
Communication: Using scientific language precisely and effectively, including technical terms and reasoned argument.

Description

This quiz assesses your understanding of AQA Combined Science, covering essential concepts from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. It includes topics such as cell structure, biological molecules, enzymes, and biological systems, focusing on their functions and interactions. Ideal for students preparing for final assessments in this course.