Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) 2019 PDF

Summary

This document is the specification for the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award), examined from 2019. It outlines the content, assessment information, and administrative details for the qualification. This specification covers Biology, Chemistry, and Physics content for the international GCSE program.

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INTERNATIONAL GCSE Science (Double Award) (9-1) SPECIFICATION Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (4SD0) For first teaching September 2017 First examination June 2019 Issue 2 Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications are awarded by Pearson...

INTERNATIONAL GCSE Science (Double Award) (9-1) SPECIFICATION Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (4SD0) For first teaching September 2017 First examination June 2019 Issue 2 Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked. For further information, please visit our qualification websites at qualifications.pearson.com. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our contact us page at qualifications.pearson.com/contactus About Pearson Pearson is the world's leading learning company, with 35,000 employees in more than 70 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning. We put the learner at the centre of everything we do, because wherever learning flourishes, so do people. Find out more about how we can help you and your learners at qualifications.pearson.com This specification is Issue 2. We will inform centres of any changes to this issue. The latest issue can be found on our website qualifications.pearson.com Acknowledgements This specification has been produced by Pearson on the basis of consultation with teachers, examiners, consultants and other interested parties. Pearson would like to thank all those who contributed their time and expertise to the specification’s development. References to third party material made in this specification are made in good faith. Pearson does not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which may be subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Material may include textbooks, journals, magazines and other publications and websites.) All information in this specification is correct at time of going to publication. ISBN 978 1 446 93121 9 All the material in this publication is copyright © Pearson Education Limited 2018 Summary of Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (4SD0) specification Issue 2 changes Summary of changes made between previous issue and this Page number current issue Specification point 4.16 has been amended. 38 Specification point 5.2 has been removed from sub-topic (a): Units and 50 added to the list of removed specification points. The weightings of Papers 1B, 1C and 1P have been corrected from 59 61.1% to 33.3%. Also, the final statement in the section ‘Assessment requirements’ has been amended for clarity and to indicate the correct range of grades available. Information on sample assessment materials has been added. 60 The qualification `Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Single 63 Award) (4SS0)` has been removed from the section: Forbidden combinations. Information on awarding and reporting has been amended to indicate 65 the correct range of grades available. The formatting of Appendices 2 and 3 has been updated. Also, the 71-74 names and titles in Appendix 2 have been updated. The title of Appendix 5 has been amended. 77 The subheading in the table of Appendix 5 has been corrected to `Verb 78 preceding a command word`. If you need further information on these changes or what they mean, contact us via our website at: qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/contact-us.html. Contents 1 About this specification 1 Specification updates 1 Using this specification 1 Course introduction 2 Qualification aims and objectives 3 Why choose Edexcel qualifications? 4 Why choose Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award)? 5 Supporting you in planning and implementing this qualification 6 Qualification at a glance 7 Paper overview 7 2 Science content 11 Biology content 13 Chemistry content 27 Physics content 41 3 Assessment information 59 Assessment requirements 59 Sample assessment materials 60 Experimental skills 60 Calculators 60 Assessment objectives and weightings 61 Relationship of assessment objectives to units 61 4 Administration and general information 63 Entries 63 Forbidden combinations 63 Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, special consideration and malpractice 63 Language of assessment 63 Access arrangements 64 Reasonable adjustments 64 Special consideration 64 Further information 64 Candidate malpractice 65 Staff/centre malpractice 65 Awarding and reporting 65 Student recruitment and progression 66 Prior learning and other requirements 66 Progression 66 Appendices 67 Appendix 1: Codes 69 Appendix 2: Pearson World Class Qualification design principles 71 Appendix 4: Mathematical Skills 75 Appendix 5: Command word taxonomy 77 Appendix 6: Suggested practical investigations 79 Appendix 7: The Periodic Table 83 Appendix 8: Physics formulae for relationships 85 Appendix 9: Electrical circuit symbols 87 Appendix 10: Glossary 89 1 About this specification The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) is part of a suite of International GCSE qualifications offered by Pearson. This qualification is not accredited or regulated by any UK regulatory body. This specification includes the following key features. Structure: the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) is a linear qualification. Three written examinations must be taken in the same series at the end of the course of study. Content: relevant, engaging, up to date and of equivalent standard to Pearson’s regulated GCSE in Combined Science. Assessment: untiered, written examinations with questions designed to be accessible to students of all abilities. Approach: a solid basis for students wishing to progress to Pearson Edexcel AS and Advanced GCE Level or equivalent qualifications, focusing on key science theory. Specification updates This specification is Issue 2 and is valid for the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) examined from 2019. If there are any significant changes to the specification Pearson will inform centres. Changes will also be posted on our website. For more information, please visit qualifications.pearson.com Using this specification This specification has been designed to give guidance to teachers and encourage effective delivery of the qualification. The following information will help you get the most out of the content and guidance. Content: this is arranged as separate biology, chemistry and physics topics in 2: Science content. A summary of sub-topics is included at the start of each topic. As a minimum, all the bullet points in the content must be taught. The word ‘including’ in the content helps specify the detail of what must be covered. Examples: throughout the content, we have included examples of what could be covered or what might support teaching and learning. It is important to note that examples are for illustrative purposes only and centres can use other examples. We have included examples that are easily understood and recognised by international centres. Practical investigations: these are included in 2: Science content as specification points in italics. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of experimental skills through the context of the science they are learning. Experimental skills are assessed through written examinations. Referencing: notation at the end of each sub-topic in the biology, chemistry and physics topics show statements that are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology, Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics specifications. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 1 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 Course introduction The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) is designed for use in schools and colleges. It is part of a suite of International GCSE qualifications offered by Pearson. The course gives students the opportunity to experience science within the context of their general education. How assessment relates to the qualifications available is shown below. Biology Paper 1 Biology Paper 2 International + Untiered Untiered GCSE in Biology + International Chemistry Paper 1 Chemistry Paper 2 + GCSE in Untiered Untiered Chemistry + Physics Paper 1 Physics Paper 2 International + Untiered Untiered GCSE in Physics International GCSE in Science (Double Award) A Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Single Award) qualification is also available. This will cover approximately 50% of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) specification, while still having a comparable level of rigour and demand. 2 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 Qualification aims and objectives The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to: learn about unifying patterns and themes in science and use them in new and changing situations acquire knowledge and understanding of scientific facts, terminology, concepts, principles and practical techniques apply the principles and concepts of science, including those related to the applications of science, to different contexts evaluate scientific information, making judgements on the basis of this information appreciate the practical nature of science, developing experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques analyse, interpret and evaluate data and experimental methods, drawing conclusions that are consistent with evidence from experimental activities and suggesting possible improvements and further investigations recognise the importance of accurate experimental work and reporting scientific methods in science select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically using appropriate vocabulary, definitions and conventions develop a logical approach to problem solving in a wider context select and apply appropriate areas of mathematics relevant to science as set out under each topic prepare for more advanced courses in science and for other courses that require knowledge of science. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 3 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 Why choose Edexcel qualifications? Pearson – the world’s largest education company Edexcel academic qualifications are from Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding organisation. With over 3.4 million students studying our academic and vocational qualifications worldwide, we offer internationally recognised qualifications to schools, colleges and employers globally. Pearson is recognised as the world’s largest education company, allowing us to drive innovation and provide comprehensive support for Edexcel students to acquire the knowledge and skills they need for progression in study, work and life. A heritage you can trust The background to Pearson becoming the UK’s largest awarding organisation began in 1836, when a royal charter gave the University of London its first powers to conduct exams and confer degrees on its students. With over 150 years of international education experience, Edexcel qualifications have firm academic foundations, built on the traditions and rigour associated with Britain’s education system. Results you can trust Pearson’s leading online marking technology has been shown to produce exceptionally reliable results, demonstrating that, at every stage, Edexcel qualifications maintain the highest standards. Developed to Pearson’s world class qualifications standards Pearson’s world-class standards mean that all Edexcel qualifications are developed to be rigorous, demanding, inclusive and empowering. We work collaboratively with a panel of education thought leaders and assessment experts to ensure that Edexcel qualifications are globally relevant, represent world-class best practice and maintain a consistent standard. For more information on the world class qualification process and principles, please go to Appendix 2: Pearson World Class Qualification design principles or visit our website: uk.pearson.com/about-us/news-and-policy/reports-and-campaigns/world-class- qualifications/design-principles.html 4 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 Why choose Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award)? We’ve listened to feedback from all parts of the International and UK school subject community, including a large number of teachers. We’ve made changes that will engage students and give them skills that will support progression to further study in science and a range of other subjects, in sciences and elsewhere. Our content and assessment approach has been designed to meet students’ needs and be consistent with our approach across the sciences. At Pearson we offer separate science qualifications in Biology, Human Biology. Chemistry and Physics, as well as Double Award and Single Award Science qualifications – these have been designed to meet different students’ needs. The content and assessment approach in all our science qualifications has been designed to meet students’ needs in the following ways: Content that is interesting and engaging for students but is also designed to ensure good preparation, both for those continuing to further study and for those who wish to work in a scientific field. There are opportunities to ‘localise’ the content to make it more relevant for students in their own country. Question papers are clear and straightforward – our question papers are clear and accessible for all students of all ability ranges and learning styles. Our mark schemes are straightforward, so that the assessment requirements are clear. Students’ skills are broadly developed – we have designed the International GCSE to extend students’ knowledge by broadening and deepening skills, for example: – developing students’ practical skills by including a number of practicals in the specification content. These can be supplemented with other suggested practicals. The skills developed will be assessed through questions in written examinations – improving students’ analytical and logic skills by applying understanding of scientific concepts and principles to a range of situations. This will include some examination questions that are more problem solving in style – addressing the need for mathematical skills to complement students’ science skills by covering a range of mathematical areas. Progression to A Level – International GCSEs enable successful progression to A Level and beyond. Through our World Class Qualification development process we have consulted with International Advanced Level and GCE A Level teachers as well as higher education professors to validate the appropriateness of the qualification, including its content, skills development and assessment structure. Courses to suit your students’ needs and interests – teachers of science have a choice of International GCSE courses to deliver, each giving different levels of depth to meet students’ needs. Students can be taught our Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology, International GCSE in Chemistry, International GCSE in Physics or our International GCSE in Science (Single Award). The latter offers a reduced amount of content, but is assessed to the same standard. Progression routes for these courses may vary slightly from those for the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award). More information about all our qualifications can be found on our Edexcel International GCSE pages at qualifications.pearson.com Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 5 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 Supporting you in planning and implementing this qualification Planning We will give you a course planner and editable schemes of work. Our mapping documents highlight key differences between the new and the 2011 legacy qualifications. Teaching and learning Our Getting Started Guide gives you an overview of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) to help you understand the changes to content and assessment, and what these changes mean for you and your students. Print and digital learning and teaching resources promote any time, any place learning to improve student motivation and encourage new ways of working. Preparing for exams We will also give you a range of resources to help you prepare your students for the assessments, including: specimen papers to support formative assessments and mock exams examiner commentaries following each examination series. ResultsPlus ResultsPlus provides the most detailed analysis available of your students’ exam performance. It can help you to identify the topics and skills where further learning would benefit your students. examWizard This is a free online data bank of past exam questions designed to support students and teachers with exam preparation and assessment. Training events In addition to online training, we host a series of training events each year (both online and face-to-face) that give teachers a deeper understanding of our qualifications. Get help and support Our subject advisor service ensures that you receive help and guidance from us. You can sign up to receive the Edexcel newsletter to keep up to date with our qualifications and receive product and service news. 6 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 Qualification at a glance The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) comprises three externally-assessed papers: Biology Paper 1 Chemistry Paper 1 Physics Paper 1. Paper overview Biology Paper 1 *Paper code 4BI1/1B and 4SD0/1B Externally assessed 33.3% of the total International GCSE Availability: January and June First assessment: June 2019 Content summary Topics covering core content areas: 1 The nature and variety of living organisms 2 Structures and functions in living organisms 3 Reproduction and inheritance 4 Ecology and the environment 5 Use of biological resources Assessment The paper is assessed through a 2-hour written examination paper set and marked by Pearson. The total number of marks is 110. A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. A calculator may be used in the examinations. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 7 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 Chemistry Paper 1 *Paper code 4CH1/1C and 4SD0/1C Externally assessed 33.3% of the total International GCSE Availability: January and June First assessment: June 2019 Content summary Topics covering core content areas: 1 Principles of chemistry 2 Inorganic chemistry 3 Physical chemistry 4 Organic chemistry Assessment The paper is assessed through a 2-hour written examination paper set and marked by Pearson. The total number of marks is 110. A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. A calculator may be used in the examinations. 8 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 Physics Paper 1 *Paper code 4PH1/1P and 4SD0/1P Externally assessed 33.3% of the total International GCSE Availability: January and June First assessment: June 2019 Content summary Topics covering core content areas: 1 Forces and motion 2 Electricity 3 Waves 4 Energy resources and energy transfers 5 Solids, liquids and gases 6 Magnetism and electromagnetism 7 Radioactivity and particles 8 Astrophysics Assessment The paper is assessed through a 2-hour written examination paper set and marked by Pearson. The total number of marks is 110. A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. A calculator may be used in the examinations. * See Appendix 1 for a description of this code and all the other codes relevant to this qualification. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 9 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 10 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 2 Science content Biology content 13 1 The nature and variety of living organisms 13 2 Structure and functions in living organisms 15 3 Reproduction and inheritance 21 4 Ecology and the environment 23 5 Use of biological resources 25 Chemistry content 27 1 Principles of chemistry 27 2 Inorganic chemistry 31 3 Physical chemistry 35 4 Organic chemistry 37 Physics content 41 1 Forces and motion 41 2 Electricity 43 3 Waves 45 4 Energy resources and energy transfer 48 5 Solids, liquids and gases 50 6 Magnetism and electromagnetism 52 7 Radioactivity and particles 54 8 Astrophysics 56 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 11 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 12 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 Biology content 1 The nature and variety of living organisms The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Characteristics of living organisms (b) Variety of living organisms (a) Characteristics of living organisms Students should: 1.1 understand how living organisms share the following characteristics: they require nutrition they respire they excrete their waste they respond to their surroundings they move they control their internal conditions they reproduce they grow and develop. (b) Variety of living organisms Students should: 1.2 describe the common features shown by eukaryotic organisms: plants, animals, fungi and protoctists Plants: these are multicellular organisms; their cells contain chloroplasts and are able to carry out photosynthesis; their cells have cellulose cell walls; they store carbohydrates as starch or sucrose. Examples include flowering plants, such as a cereal (for example, maize), and a herbaceous legume (for example, peas or beans). Animals: these are multicellular organisms; their cells do not contain chloroplasts and are not able to carry out photosynthesis; they have no cell walls; they usually have nervous co-ordination and are able to move from one place to another; they often store carbohydrate as glycogen. Examples include mammals (for example, humans) and insects (for example, housefly and mosquito). Fungi: these are organisms that are not able to carry out photosynthesis; their body is usually organised into a mycelium made from thread-like structures called hyphae, which contain many nuclei; some examples are single-celled; their cells have walls made of chitin; they feed by extracellular secretion of digestive enzymes onto food material and absorption of the organic products; this is known as saprotrophic nutrition; they may store carbohydrate as glycogen. Examples include Mucor, which has the typical fungal hyphal structure, and yeast, which is single-celled. Protoctists: these are microscopic single-celled organisms. Some, like Amoeba, that live in pond water, have features like an animal cell, while others, like Chlorella, have chloroplasts and are more like plants. A pathogenic example is Plasmodium, responsible for causing malaria. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 13 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 Students should: 1.3 describe the common features shown by prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria Bacteria: these are microscopic single-celled organisms; they have a cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm and plasmids; they lack a nucleus but contain a circular chromosome of DNA; some bacteria can carry out photosynthesis but most feed off other living or dead organisms. Examples include Lactobacillus bulgaricus, a rod-shaped bacterium used in the production of yoghurt from milk, and Pneumococcus, a spherical bacterium that acts as the pathogen causing pneumonia. 1.4 understand the term pathogen and know that pathogens may include fungi, bacteria, protoctists or viruses Viruses: these are not living organisms. They are small particles, smaller than bacteria; they are parasitic and can reproduce only inside living cells; they infect every type of living organism. They have a wide variety of shapes and sizes; they have no cellular structure but have a protein coat and contain one type of nucleic acid, either DNA or RNA. Examples include the tobacco mosaic virus that causes discolouring of the leaves of tobacco plants by preventing the formation of chloroplasts, the influenza virus that causes ‘flu’ and the HIV virus that causes AIDS. 14 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 2 Structure and functions in living organisms The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Level of organisation (b) Cell structure (c) Biological molecules (d) Movement of substances into and out of cells (e) Nutrition (f) Respiration (g) Gas exchange (h) Transport (i) Excretion (j) Co-ordination and response (a) Level of organisation Students should: 2.1 describe the levels of organisation in organisms: organelles, cells, tissues, organs and systems (b) Cell structure Students should: 2.2 describe cell structures, including the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, mitochondria, chloroplasts, ribosomes and vacuole 2.3 describe the functions of the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, mitochondria, chloroplasts, ribosomes and vacuole 2.4 know the similarities and differences in the structure of plant and animal cells Specification points 2.5 and 2.6 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 15 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (c) Biological molecules Students should: 2.7 identify the chemical elements present in carbohydrates, proteins and lipids (fats and oils) 2.8 describe the structure of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids as large molecules made up from smaller basic units: starch and glycogen from simple sugars, protein from amino acids, and lipid from fatty acids and glycerol 2.9 practical: investigate food samples for the presence of glucose, starch, protein and fat 2.10 understand the role of enzymes as biological catalysts in metabolic reactions 2.11 understand how temperature changes can affect enzyme function, including changes to the shape of active site 2.12 practical: investigate how enzyme activity can be affected by changes in temperature 2.13 understand how enzyme function can be affected by changes in pH altering the active site (d) Movement of substances into and out of cells Students should: 2.15 understand the processes of diffusion, osmosis and active transport by which substances move into and out of cells 2.16 understand how factors affect the rate of movement of substances into and out of cells, including the effects of surface area to volume ratio, distance, temperature and concentration gradient 2.17 practical: investigate diffusion and osmosis using living and non-living systems Specification point 2.14 is in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology only. 16 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 (e) Nutrition Students should: Flowering plants 2.18 understand the process of photosynthesis and its importance in the conversion of light energy to chemical energy 2.19 know the word equation and the balanced chemical symbol equation for photosynthesis 2.20 understand how varying carbon dioxide concentration, light intensity and temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis 2.21 describe the structure of the leaf and explain how it is adapted for photosynthesis 2.22 understand that plants require mineral ions for growth, and that magnesium ions are needed for chlorophyll and nitrate ions are needed for amino acids 2.23 practical: investigate photosynthesis, showing the evolution of oxygen from a water plant, the production of starch and the requirements of light, carbon dioxide and chlorophyll Humans 2.24 understand that a balanced diet should include appropriate proportions of carbohydrate, protein, lipid, vitamins, minerals, water and dietary fibre 2.25 identify the sources and describe the functions of carbohydrate, protein, lipid (fats and oils), vitamins A, C and D, the mineral ions calcium and iron, water and dietary fibre as components of the diet 2.26 understand how energy requirements vary with activity levels, age and pregnancy 2.27 describe the structure and function of the human alimentary canal, including the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine (duodenum and ileum), large intestine (colon and rectum) and pancreas 2.28 understand how food is moved through the gut by peristalsis 2.29 understand the role of digestive enzymes, including the digestion of starch to glucose by amylase and maltase, the digestion of proteins to amino acids by proteases and the digestion of lipids to fatty acids and glycerol by lipases 2.30 understand that bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder 2.31 understand the role of bile in neutralising stomach acid and emulsifying lipids 2.32 understand how the small intestine is adapted for absorption, including the structure of a villus Specification point 2.33 is in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 17 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (f) Respiration Students should: 2.34 understand how the process of respiration produces ATP in living organisms 2.35 know that ATP provides energy for cells 2.36 describe the differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration 2.37 know the word equation and the balanced chemical symbol equation for aerobic respiration in living organisms 2.38 know the word equation for anaerobic respiration in plants and in animals 2.39 practical: investigate the evolution of carbon dioxide and heat from respiring seeds or other suitable living organisms (g) Gas exchange Students should: Humans 2.46 describe the structure of the thorax, including the ribs, intercostal muscles, diaphragm, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli and pleural membranes 2.47 understand the role of the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm in ventilation 2.48 explain how alveoli are adapted for gas exchange by diffusion between air in the lungs and blood in capillaries 2.49 understand the biological consequences of smoking in relation to the lungs and the circulatory system, including coronary heart disease 2.50 practical: investigate breathing in humans, including the release of carbon dioxide and the effect of exercise Specification points 2.40, 2.41, 2.42, 2.43, 2.44 and 2.45 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology only. 18 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 (h) Transport Students should: 2.51 understand why simple, unicellular organisms can rely on diffusion for movement of substances in and out of the cell 2.52 understand the need for a transport system in multicellular organisms Flowering plants 2.53 describe the role of phloem in transporting sucrose and amino acids between the leaves and other parts of the plant 2.54 describe the role of xylem in transporting water and mineral ions from the roots to other parts of the plant Humans 2.59 describe the composition of the blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma 2.60 understand the role of plasma in the transport of carbon dioxide, digested food, urea, hormones and heat energy 2.61 understand how adaptations of red blood cells make them suitable for the transport of oxygen, including shape, the absence of a nucleus and the presence of haemoglobin 2.62 understand how the immune system responds to disease using white blood cells, illustrated by phagocytes ingesting pathogens and lymphocytes releasing antibodies specific to the pathogen 2.65 describe the structure of the heart and how it functions 2.66 explain how the heart rate changes during exercise and under the influence of adrenaline 2.67 understand how factors may increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease 2.68 understand how the structure of arteries, veins and capillaries relates to their function 2.69 understand the general structure of the circulation system, including the blood vessels to and from the heart and the lungs, the liver and the kidneys (i) Excretion Students should: Flowering plants 2.70 understand the origin of carbon dioxide and oxygen as waste products of metabolism and their loss from the stomata of a leaf Humans 2.71 know the excretory products of the lungs, kidneys and skin (organs of excretion) Specification points 2.55, 2.56, 2.57, 2.58, 2.63 and 2.64 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 19 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (j) Co-ordination and response Students should: 2.80 understand how organisms are able to respond to changes in their environment 2.81 understand that homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment, and that body water content and body temperature are both examples of homeostasis 2.82 understand that a co-ordinated response requires a stimulus, a receptor and an effector Flowering plants 2.83 understand that plants respond to stimuli 2.84 describe the geotropic and phototropic responses of roots and stems 2.85 understand the role of auxin in the phototropic response of stems Humans 2.86 describe how nervous and hormonal communication control responses and understand the differences between the two systems 2.87 understand that the central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord and is linked to sense organs by nerves 2.88 understand that stimulation of receptors in the sense organs sends electrical impulses along nerves into and out of the central nervous system, resulting in rapid responses 2.89 understand the role of neurotransmitters at synapses 2.90 describe the structure and functioning of a simple reflex arc illustrated by the withdrawal of a finger from a hot object 2.91 describe the structure and function of the eye as a receptor 2.92 understand the function of the eye in focusing on near and distant objects, and in responding to changes in light intensity 2.93 describe the role of the skin in temperature regulation, with reference to sweating, vasoconstriction and vasodilation 2.94 understand the sources, roles and effects of the following hormones: adrenaline, insulin, testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen Specification points 2.72, 2.73, 2.74, 2.75, 2.76, 2.77, 2.78, 2.79 and 2.95 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology only. 20 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 3 Reproduction and inheritance The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Reproduction (b) Inheritance (a) Reproduction Students should: 3.1 understand the differences between sexual and asexual reproduction 3.2 understand that fertilisation involves the fusion of a male and female gamete to produce a zygote that undergoes cell division and develops into an embryo Flowering plants 3.3 describe the structures of an insect-pollinated and a wind-pollinated flower and explain how each is adapted for pollination 3.4 understand that the growth of the pollen tube followed by fertilisation leads to seed and fruit formation 3.5 practical: investigate the conditions needed for seed germination 3.6 understand how germinating seeds utilise food reserves until the seedling can carry out photosynthesis 3.7 understand that plants can reproduce asexually by natural methods (illustrated by runners) and by artificial methods (illustrated by cuttings) Humans 3.8 understand how the structure of the male and female reproductive systems are adapted for their functions 3.9 understand the roles of oestrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle 3.11 describe the role of the placenta in the nutrition of the developing embryo 3.12 understand how the developing embryo is protected by amniotic fluid 3.13 understand the roles of oestrogen and testosterone in the development of secondary sexual characteristics Specification point 3.10 is in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 21 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (b) Inheritance Students should: 3.14 understand that the genome is the entire DNA of an organism and that a gene is a section of a molecule of DNA that codes for a specific protein 3.15 understand that the nucleus of a cell contains chromosomes on which genes are located 3.19 understand how genes exist in alternative forms called alleles which give rise to differences in inherited characteristics 3.20 understand the meaning of the terms: dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, phenotype, and genotype 3.22 understand that most phenotypic features are the result of polygenic inheritance rather than single genes 3.23 describe patterns of monohybrid inheritance using a genetic diagram 3.24 understand how to interpret family pedigrees 3.25 predict probabilities of outcomes from monohybrid crosses 3.26 understand how the sex of a person is controlled by one pair of chromosomes, XX in a female and XY in a male 3.27 describe the determination of the sex of offspring at fertilisation, using a genetic diagram 3.28 understand how division of a diploid cell by mitosis produces two cells that contain identical sets of chromosomes 3.29 understand that mitosis occurs during growth, repair, cloning and asexual reproduction 3.30 understand how division of a cell by meiosis produces four cells, each with half the number of chromosomes, and that this results in the formation of genetically different haploid gametes 3.31 understand how random fertilisation produces genetic variation of offspring 3.32 know that in human cells the diploid number of chromosomes is 46 and the haploid number is 23 3.33 understand that variation within a species can be genetic, environmental, or a combination of both 3.34 understand that mutation is a rare, random change in genetic material that can be inherited 3.38 explain Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection 3.39 understand how resistance to antibiotics can increase in bacterial populations, and appreciate how such an increase can lead to infections being difficult to control Specification points 3.16, 3.17, 3.18, 3.21, 3.35, 3.36 and 3.37 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology only. 22 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 4 Ecology and the environment The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) The organism in the environment (b) Feeding relationships (c) Cycles within ecosystems (d) Human influences on the environment (a) The organism in the environment Students should: 4.1 understand the terms population, community, habitat and ecosystem 4.2 practical: investigate the population size of an organism in two different areas using quadrats 4.5 understand how abiotic and biotic factors affect the population size and distribution of organisms (b) Feeding relationships Students should: 4.6 understand the names given to different trophic levels, including producers, primary, secondary and tertiary consumers and decomposers 4.7 understand the concepts of food chains, food webs, pyramids of number, pyramids of biomass and pyramids of energy transfer 4.8 understand the transfer of substances and energy along a food chain 4.9 understand why only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next (c) Cycles within ecosystems Students should: 4.10 describe the stages in the carbon cycle, including respiration, photosynthesis, decomposition and combustion Specification points 4.3, 4.4 and 4.11 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 23 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (d) Human influences on the environment Students should: 4.12 understand the biological consequences of pollution of air by sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide 4.13 understand that water vapour, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane and CFCs are greenhouse gases 4.14 understand how human activities contribute to greenhouse gases 4.15 understand how an increase in greenhouse gases results in an enhanced greenhouse effect and that this may lead to global warming and its consequences 4.16 understand the biological consequences of pollution of water by sewage 4.17 understand the biological consequences of eutrophication caused by leached minerals from fertiliser Specification point 4.18 is in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology only. 24 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 5 Use of biological resources The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Food production (b) Selective breeding (c) Genetic modification (genetic engineering) (a) Food production Students should: Crop plants 5.1 describe how glasshouses and polythene tunnels can be used to increase the yield of certain crops 5.2 understand the effects on crop yield of increased carbon dioxide and increased temperature in glasshouses 5.3 understand how the use of fertiliser can increase crop yield 5.4 understand the reasons for pest control and the advantages and disadvantages of using pesticides and biological control with crop plants Micro-organisms 5.5 understand the role of yeast in the production of food including bread 5.6 practical: investigate the role of anaerobic respiration by yeast in different conditions 5.7 understand the role of bacteria (Lactobacillus) in the production of yoghurt 5.8 understand the use of an industrial fermenter and explain the need to provide suitable conditions in the fermenter, including aseptic precautions, nutrients, optimum temperature and pH, oxygenation and agitation, for the growth of micro- organisms (b) Selective breeding Students should: 5.10 understand how selective breeding can develop plants with desired characteristics 5.11 understand how selective breeding can develop animals with desired characteristics Specification point 5.9 is in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 25 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (c) Genetic modification (genetic engineering) Students should: 5.12 understand how restriction enzymes are used to cut DNA at specific sites and ligase enzymes are used to join pieces of DNA together 5.13 understand how plasmids and viruses can act as vectors, which take up pieces of DNA, and then insert this recombinant DNA into other cells 5.14 understand how large amounts of human insulin can be manufactured from genetically modified bacteria that are grown in a fermenter 5.15 understand how genetically modified plants can be used to improve food production 5.16 understand that the term transgenic means the transfer of genetic material from one species to a different species Specification points 5.17, 5.18, 5.19 and 5.20 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology only. 26 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 Chemistry content 1 Principles of chemistry The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (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 (a) States of matter Students should: 1.1 understand the three states of matter in terms of the arrangement, movement and energy of the particles 1.2 understand the interconversions between the three states of matter in terms of: the names of the interconversions how they are achieved the changes in arrangement, movement and energy of the particles. 1.3 understand how the results of experiments involving the dilution of coloured solutions and diffusion of gases can be explained 1.4 know what is meant by the terms: solvent solute solution saturated solution. Specification points 1.5, 1.6 and 1.7 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 27 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (b) Elements, compounds and mixtures Students should: 1.8 understand how to classify a substance as an element, compound or mixture 1.9 understand that a pure substance has a fixed melting and boiling point, but that a mixture may melt or boil over a range of temperatures 1.10 describe these experimental techniques for the separation of mixtures: simple distillation fractional distillation filtration crystallisation paper chromatography. 1.11 understand how a chromatogram provides information about the composition of a mixture 1.12 understand how to use the calculation of Rf values to identify the components of a mixture 1.13 practical: investigate paper chromatography using inks/food colourings (c) Atomic structure Students should: 1.14 know what is meant by the terms atom and molecule 1.15 know the structure of an atom in terms of the positions, relative masses and relative charges of sub-atomic particles 1.16 know what is meant by the terms atomic number, mass number, isotopes and relative atomic mass (Ar) 1.17 be able to calculate the relative atomic mass of an element (Ar) from isotopic abundances 28 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 (d) The Periodic Table Students should: 1.18 understand how elements are arranged in the Periodic Table: in order of atomic number in groups and periods. 1.19 understand how to deduce the electronic configurations of the first 20 elements from their positions in the Periodic Table 1.20 understand how to use electrical conductivity and the acid-base character of oxides to classify elements as metals or non-metals 1.21 identify an element as a metal or a non-metal according to its position in the Periodic Table 1.22 understand how the electronic configuration of a main group element is related to its position in the Periodic Table 1.23 understand why elements in the same group of the Periodic Table have similar chemical properties 1.24 understand why the noble gases (Group 0) do not readily react (e) Chemical formulae, equations and calculations Students should: 1.25 write word equations and balanced chemical equations (including state symbols): for reactions studied in this specification for unfamiliar reactions where suitable information is provided 1.26 calculate relative formula masses (including relative molecular masses) (Mr) from relative atomic masses (Ar) 1.27 know that the mole (mol) is the unit for the amount of a substance 1.28 understand how to carry out calculations involving amount of substance, relative atomic mass (Ar) and relative formula mass (Mr) 1.29 calculate reacting masses using experimental data and chemical equations 1.30 calculate percentage yield 1.31 understand how the formulae of simple compounds can be obtained experimentally, including metal oxides, water and salts containing water of crystallisation 1.32 know what is meant by the terms empirical formula and molecular formula 1.33 calculate empirical and molecular formulae from experimental data 1.36 practical: know how to determine the formula of a metal oxide by combustion (e.g. magnesium oxide) or by reduction (e.g. copper(II) oxide) Specification points 1.34 and 1.35 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 29 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (f) Ionic bonding Students should: 1.37 understand how ions are formed by electron loss or gain 1.38 know the charges of these ions: metals in Groups 1, 2 and 3 non-metals in Groups 5, 6 and 7 Ag+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Pb2+, Zn2+ hydrogen (H+), hydroxide (OH–), ammonium (NH4+), carbonate (CO32–), nitrate (NO3-), sulfate (SO42–). 1.39 write formulae for compounds formed between the ions listed above 1.40 draw dot-and-cross diagrams to show the formation of ionic compounds by electron transfer, limited to combinations of elements from Groups 1, 2, 3 and 5, 6, 7 only outer electrons need be shown 1.41 understand ionic bonding in terms of electrostatic attractions 1.42 understand why compounds with giant ionic lattices have high melting and boiling points 1.43 know that ionic compounds do not conduct electricity when solid, but do conduct electricity when molten and in aqueous solution (g) Covalent bonding Students should: 1.44 know that a covalent bond is formed between atoms by the sharing of a pair of electrons 1.45 understand covalent bonds in terms of electrostatic attractions 1.46 understand how to use dot-and-cross diagrams to represent covalent bonds in: diatomic molecules, including hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, halogens and hydrogen halides inorganic molecules including water, ammonia and carbon dioxide organic molecules containing up to two carbon atoms, including methane, ethane, ethene and those containing halogen atoms. 1.47 explain why substances with a simple molecular structures are gases or liquids, or solids with low melting and boiling points the term intermolecular forces of attraction can be used to represent all forces between molecules 1.48 explain why the melting and boiling points of substances with simple molecular structures increase, in general, with increasing relative molecular mass 1.49 explain why substances with giant covalent structures are solids with high melting and boiling points 1.50 explain how the structures of diamond, graphite and C60 fullerene influence their physical properties, including electrical conductivity and hardness 1.51 know that covalent compounds do not usually conduct electricity Specification points 1.52, 1.53, 1.54, 1.55, 1.56, 1.57, 1.58, 1.59 and 1.60 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry only. 30 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 2 Inorganic chemistry The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (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) Acids, alkalis and titrations (f) Acids, bases and salt preparations (g) Chemical tests (a) Group 1 (alkali metals) – lithium, sodium and potassium Students should: 2.1 understand how the similarities in the reactions of these elements with water provide evidence for their recognition as a family of elements 2.2 understand how the differences between the reactions of these elements with air and water provide evidence for the trend in reactivity in Group 1 2.3 use knowledge of trends in Group 1 to predict the properties of other alkali metals (b) Group 7 (halogens) – chlorine, bromine and iodine Students should: 2.5 know the colours, physical states (at room temperature) and trends in physical properties of these elements 2.6 use knowledge of trends in Group 7 to predict the properties of other halogens 2.7 understand how displacement reactions involving halogens and halides provide evidence for the trend in reactivity in Group 7 Specification points 2.4 and 2.8 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 31 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (c) Gases in the atmosphere Students should: 2.9 know the approximate percentages by volume of the four most abundant gases in dry air 2.10 understand how to determine the percentage by volume of oxygen in air using experiments involving the reactions of metals (e.g. iron) and non-metals (e.g. phosphorus) with air 2.11 describe the combustion of elements in oxygen, including magnesium, hydrogen and sulfur 2.12 describe the formation of carbon dioxide from the thermal decomposition of metal carbonates, including copper(II) carbonate 2.13 know that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and that increasing amounts in the atmosphere may contribute to climate change 2.14 practical: determine the approximate percentage by volume of oxygen in air using a metal or a non-metal (d) Reactivity series Students should: 2.15 understand how metals can be arranged in a reactivity series based on their reactions with: water dilute hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. 2.16 understand how metals can be arranged in a reactivity series based on their displacement reactions between: metals and metal oxides metals and aqueous solutions of metal salts. 2.17 know the order of reactivity of these metals: potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, copper, silver, gold 2.18 know the conditions under which iron rusts 2.19 understand how the rusting of iron may be prevented by: barrier methods galvanising sacrificial protection. 2.20 understand the terms: oxidation reduction redox oxidising agent reducing agent in terms of gain or loss of oxygen and loss or gain of electrons. 32 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 Students should: 2.21 practical: investigate reactions between dilute hydrochloric and sulfuric acids and metals (e.g. magnesium, zinc and iron) (e) Acids, alkalis and titrations Students should: 2.28 describe the use of litmus, phenolphthalein and methyl orange to distinguish between acidic and alkaline solutions 2.29 understand how to use the pH scale, from 0–14, can be used to classify solutions as strongly acidic (0–3), weakly acidic (4–6), neutral (7), weakly alkaline (8–10) and strongly alkaline (11–14) 2.30 describe the use of universal indicator to measure the approximate pH value of an aqueous solution 2.31 know that acids in aqueous solution are a source of hydrogen ions and alkalis in a aqueous solution are a source of hydroxide ions 2.32 know that alkalis can neutralise acids f) Acids, bases and salt preparations Students should: 2.34 know the general rules for predicting the solubility of ionic compounds in water: common sodium, potassium and ammonium compounds are soluble all nitrates are soluble common chlorides are soluble, except those of silver and lead(II) common sulfates are soluble, except for those of barium, calcium and lead(II) common carbonates are insoluble, except for those of sodium, potassium and ammonium common hydroxides are insoluble except for those of sodium, potassium and calcium (calcium hydroxide is slightly soluble). 2.35 understand acids and bases in terms of proton transfer 2.36 understand that an acid is a proton donor and a base is a proton acceptor 2.37 describe the reactions of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and nitric acid with metals, bases and metal carbonates (excluding the reactions between nitric acid and metals) to form salts 2.38 know that metal oxides, metal hydroxides and ammonia can act as bases, and that alkalis are bases that are soluble in water 2.39 describe an experiment to prepare a pure, dry sample of a soluble salt, starting from an insoluble reactant 2.42 practical: prepare a sample of pure, dry hydrated copper(II) sulfate crystals starting from copper(II) oxide Specification points 2.22, 2.23, 2.24, 2.25, 2.26, 2.27, 2.33, 2.40, 2.41 and 2.43 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 33 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (g) Chemical tests Students should: 2.44 describe tests for these gases: hydrogen oxygen carbon dioxide ammonia chlorine. 2.45 describe how to carry out a flame test 2.46 know the colours formed in flame tests for these cations: Li+ is red Na+ is yellow K+ is lilac Ca2+ is orange-red Cu2+ is blue-green. 2.47 describe tests for these cations: NH4+ using sodium hydroxide solution and identifying the gas evolved Cu2+, Fe2+ and Fe3+ using sodium hydroxide solution. 2.48 describe tests for these anions: Cl–, Br– and I– using acidified silver nitrate solution SO42– using acidified barium chloride solution CO32– using hydrochloric acid and identifying the gas evolved. 2.49 describe a test for the presence of water using anhydrous copper(II) sulfate 2.50 describe a physical test to show whether a sample of water is pure 34 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 3 Physical chemistry The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Energetics (b) Rates of reaction (c) Reversible reactions and equilibria (a) Energetics Students should: 3.1 know that chemical reactions in which heat energy is given out are described as exothermic, and those in which heat energy is taken in are described as endothermic 3.2 describe simple calorimetry experiments for reactions such as combustion, displacement, dissolving and neutralisation 3.3 calculate the heat energy change from a measured temperature change using the expression Q = mcΔT 3.4 calculate the molar enthalpy change (ΔH) from the heat energy change, Q 3.8 practical: investigate temperature changes accompanying some of the following types of change: salts dissolving in water neutralisation reactions displacement reactions combustion reactions. Specification points 3.5, 3.6 and 3.7 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 35 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (b) Rates of reaction Students should: 3.9 describe experiments to investigate the effects of changes in surface area of a solid, concentration of a solution, temperature and the use of a catalyst on the rate of a reaction 3.10 describe the effects of changes in surface area of a solid, concentration of a solution, pressure of a gas, temperature and the use of a catalyst on the rate of a reaction 3.11 explain the effects of changes in surface area of a solid, concentration of a solution, pressure of a gas and temperature on the rate of a reaction in terms of particle collision theory 3.12 know that a catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a reaction, but is chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction 3.13 know that a catalyst works by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy 3.15 practical: investigate the effect of changing the surface area of marble chips and of changing the concentration of hydrochloric acid on the rate of reaction between marble chips and dilute hydrochloric acid 3.16 practical: investigate the effect of different solids on the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide solution (c) Reversible reactions and equilibria Students should: 3.17 know that some reactions are reversible and this is indicated by the symbol ⇌ in equations 3.18 describe reversible reactions such as the dehydration of hydrated copper(II) sulfate and the effect of heat on ammonium chloride Specification points 3.14, 3.19, 3.20, 3.21 and 3.22 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry only. 36 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 4 Organic chemistry The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Introduction (b) Crude oil (c) Alkanes (d) Alkenes (e) Synthetic polymers (a) Introduction Students should: 4.1 know that a hydrocarbon is a compound of hydrogen and carbon only 4.2 understand how to represent organic molecules using empirical formulae, molecular formulae, general formulae, structural formulae and displayed formulae 4.3 know what is meant by the terms homologous series, functional group and isomerism 4.4 understand how to name compounds relevant to this specification using the rules of International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature students will be expected to name compounds containing up to six carbon atoms 4.5 understand how to write the possible structural and displayed formulae of an organic molecule given its molecular formula 4.6 understand how to classify reactions of organic compounds as substitution, addition and combustion knowledge of reaction mechanisms is not required (b) Crude oil Students should: 4.7 know that crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons 4.8 describe how the industrial process of fractional distillation separates crude oil into fractions 4.9 know the names and uses of the main fractions obtained from crude oil: refinery gases, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, fuel oil and bitumen 4.10 know the trend in colour, boiling point and viscosity of the main fractions 4.11 know that a fuel is a substance that, when burned, releases heat energy 4.12 know the possible products of complete and incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons with oxygen in the air 4.13 understand why carbon monoxide is poisonous, in terms of its effect on the capacity of blood to transport oxygen references to haemoglobin are not required 4.14 know that, in car engines, the temperature reached is high enough to allow nitrogen and oxygen from air to react, forming oxides of nitrogen 4.15 explain how the combustion of some impurities in hydrocarbon fuels results in the formation of sulfur dioxide Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 37 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 Students should: 4.16 understand how sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen contribute to acid rain 4.17 describe how long-chain alkanes are converted to alkenes and shorter-chain alkanes by catalytic cracking (using silica or alumina as the catalyst and a temperature in the range of 600–700 ºC) 4.18 explain why cracking is necessary, in terms of the balance between supply and demand for different fractions (c) Alkanes Students should: 4.19 know the general formula for alkanes 4.20 explain why alkanes are classified as saturated hydrocarbons 4.21 understand how to draw the structural and displayed formulae for alkanes with up to five carbon atoms in the molecule, and to name the unbranched-chain isomers 4.22 describe the reactions of alkanes with halogens in the presence of ultraviolet radiation, limited to mono-substitution knowledge of reaction mechanisms is not required (d) Alkenes Students should: 4.23 know that alkenes contain the functional group >C=C< 4.24 know the general formula for alkenes 4.25 explain why alkenes are classified as unsaturated hydrocarbons 4.26 understand how to draw the structural and displayed formulae for alkenes with up to four carbon atoms in the molecule, and name the unbranched-chain isomers knowledge of cis/trans or E/Z notation is not required 4.27 describe the reactions of alkenes with bromine to produce dibromoalkanes 4.28 describe how bromine water can be used to distinguish between an alkane and an alkene Specification points 4.29, 4.30, 4.31, 4.32, 4.33, 4.34, 4.35, 4.36, 4.37, 4.38, 4.39, 4.40, 4.41, 4.42, 4.43 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry only. 38 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 (e) Synthetic polymers Students should: 4.44 know that an addition polymer is formed by joining up many small molecules called monomers 4.45 understand how to draw the repeat unit of an addition polymer, including poly(ethene), poly(propene), poly(chloroethene) and (poly)tetrafluoroethene 4.46 understand how to deduce the structure of a monomer from the repeat unit of an addition polymer and vice versa 4.47 explain problems in the disposal of addition polymers, including: their inertness and inability to biodegrade the production of toxic gases when they are burned. Specification points 4.48, 4.49 and 4.50 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 39 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 40 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 Physics content 1 Forces and motion The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Units (b) Movement and position (c) Forces, movement, shape and momentum (a) Units Students should: 1.1 use the following units: kilogram (kg), metre (m), metre/second (m/s), metre/second2 (m/s2), newton (N), second (s) and newton/kilogram (N/kg) (b) Movement and position Students should: 1.3 plot and explain distance−time graphs 1.4 know and use the relationship between average speed, distance moved and time taken: distance moved average speed = time taken 1.5 practical: investigate the motion of everyday objects such as toy cars or tennis balls 1.6 know and use the relationship between acceleration, change in velocity and time taken: change in velocity acceleration = time taken (v − u ) a= t 1.7 plot and explain velocity-time graphs 1.8 determine acceleration from the gradient of a velocity−time graph 1.9 determine the distance travelled from the area between a velocity−time graph and the time axis 1.10 use the relationship between final speed, initial speed, acceleration and distance moved: (final speed)2 = (initial speed)2 + (2 × acceleration × distance moved) v2 = u2 + (2 × a × s) Specification point 1.2 is in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 41 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (c) Forces, movement, shape and momentum Students should: 1.11 describe the effects of forces between bodies such as changes in speed, shape or direction 1.12 identify different types of force such as gravitational or electrostatic 1.13 understand how vector quantities differ from scalar quantities 1.14 understand that force is a vector quantity 1.15 calculate the resultant force of forces that act along a line 1.16 know that friction is a force that opposes motion 1.17 know and use the relationship between unbalanced force, mass and acceleration: force = mass × acceleration F=m×a 1.18 know and use the relationship between weight, mass and gravitational field strength: weight = mass × gravitational field strength W=m×g 1.19 know that the stopping distance of a vehicle is made up of the sum of the thinking distance and the braking distance 1.20 describe the factors affecting vehicle stopping distance, including speed, mass, road condition and reaction time 1.21 describe the forces acting on falling objects (and explain why falling objects reach a terminal velocity) 1.22 practical: investigate how extension varies with applied force for helical springs, metal wires and rubber bands 1.23 know that the initial linear region of a force-extension graph is associated with Hooke’s law 1.24 describe elastic behaviour as the ability of a material to recover its original shape after the forces causing deformation have been removed Specification points 1.25, 1.26, 1.27, 1.28, 1.29, 1.30, 1.31, 1.32 and 1.33 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics only. 42 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 2 Electricity The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Units (b) Mains electricity (c) Energy and voltage in circuits (a) Units Students should: 2.1 use the following units: ampere (A), coulomb (C), joule (J), ohm (Ω), second (s), volt (V) and watt (W) (b) Mains electricity Students should: 2.2 understand how the use of insulation, double insulation, earthing, fuses and circuit breakers protects the device or user in a range of domestic appliances 2.3 understand why a current in a resistor results in the electrical transfer of energy and an increase in temperature, and how this can be used in a variety of domestic contexts 2.4 know and use the relationship between power, current and voltage: power = current × voltage P=I×V and apply the relationship to the selection of appropriate fuses 2.5 use the relationship between energy transferred, current, voltage and time: energy transferred = current × voltage × time E=I×Vxt 2.6 know the difference between mains electricity being alternating current (a.c.) and direct current (d.c.) being supplied by a cell or battery (c) Energy and voltage in circuits Students should: 2.7 explain why a series or parallel circuit is more appropriate for particular applications, including domestic lighting 2.8 understand how the current in a series circuit depends on the applied voltage and the number and nature of other components 2.9 describe how current varies with voltage in wires, resistors, metal filament lamps and diodes, and how to investigate this experimentally Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 43 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 Students should: 2.10 describe the qualitative effect of changing resistance on the current in a circuit 2.11 describe the qualitative variation of resistance of light-dependent resistors (LDRs) with illumination and of thermistors with temperature 2.12 know that lamps and LEDs can be used to indicate the presence of a current in a circuit 2.13 know and use the relationship between voltage, current and resistance: voltage = current × resistance V=I×R 2.14 know that current is the rate of flow of charge 2.15 know and use the relationship between charge, current and time: charge = current × time Q=I×t 2.16 know that electric current in solid metallic conductors is a flow of negatively charged electrons 2.17 understand why current is conserved at a junction in a circuit 2.18 know that the voltage across two components connected in parallel is the same 2.19 calculate the currents, voltages and resistances of two resistive components connected in a series circuit 2.20 know that: voltage is the energy transferred per unit charge passed the volt is a joule per coulomb. 2.21 know and use the relationship between energy transferred, charge and voltage: energy transferred = charge × voltage E=Q×V Specification points 2.22, 2.23, 2.24, 2.25, 2.26, 2.27 and 2.28 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics only. 44 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 3 Waves The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Units (b) Properties of waves (c) The electromagnetic spectrum (d) Light and sound (a) Units Students should: 3.1 use the following units: degree (°), hertz (Hz), metre (m), metre/second (m/s) and second (s) (b) Properties of waves Students should: 3.2 explain the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves 3.3 know the definitions of amplitude, wavefront, frequency, wavelength and period of a wave 3.4 know that waves transfer energy and information without transferring matter 3.5 know and use the relationship between the speed, frequency and wavelength of a wave: wave speed = frequency × wavelength v=f×λ 3.6 use the relationship between frequency and time period: 1 frequency = time period 1 f = T 3.7 use the above relationships in different contexts including sound waves and electromagnetic waves 3.8 explain why there is a change in the observed frequency and wavelength of a wave when its source is moving relative to an observer, and that this is known as the Doppler effect 3.9 explain that all waves can be reflected and refracted Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 45 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 (c) The electromagnetic spectrum Students should: 3.10 know that light is part of a continuous electromagnetic spectrum that includes radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma ray radiations and that all these waves travel at the same speed in free space 3.11 know the order of the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of decreasing wavelength and increasing frequency, including the colours of the visible spectrum 3.12 explain some of the uses of electromagnetic radiations, including: radio waves: broadcasting and communications microwaves: cooking and satellite transmissions infrared: heaters and night vision equipment visible light: optical fibres and photography ultraviolet: fluorescent lamps x-rays: observing the internal structure of objects and materials, including for medical applications gamma rays: sterilising food and medical equipment. 3.13 explain the detrimental effects of excessive exposure of the human body to electromagnetic waves, including: microwaves: internal heating of body tissue infrared: skin burns ultraviolet: damage to surface cells and blindness gamma rays: cancer, mutation and describe simple protective measures against the risks (d) Light and sound Students should: 3.14 know that light waves are transverse waves and that they can be reflected and refracted 3.15 use the law of reflection (the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection) 3.16 draw ray diagrams to illustrate reflection and refraction 3.17 practical: investigate the refraction of light, using rectangular blocks, semi-circular blocks and triangular prisms 3.18 know and use the relationship between refractive index, angle of incidence and angle of refraction: sin i n= sin r 3.19 practical: investigate the refractive index of glass, using a glass block 3.20 describe the role of total internal reflection in transmitting information along optical fibres and in prisms 3.21 explain the meaning of critical angle c 46 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 Students should: 3.22 know and use the relationship between critical angle and refractive index: 1 sin c = n 3.23 know that sound waves are longitudinal waves which can be reflected and refracted Specification points 3.24, 3.25, 3.26, 3.27, 3.28 and 3.29 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 47 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 4 Energy resources and energy transfers The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Units (b) Energy transfers (c) Work and power (a) Units Students should: 4.1 use the following units: kilogram (kg), joule (J), metre (m), metre/second (m/s), metre/second2 (m/s2), newton (N), second (s) and watt (W) (b) Energy transfers Students should: 4.2 describe energy transfers involving energy stores: energy stores: chemical, kinetic, gravitational, elastic, thermal, magnetic, electrostatic, nuclear energy transfers: mechanically, electrically, by heating, by radiation (light and sound) 4.3 use the principle of conservation of energy 4.4 know and use the relationship between efficiency, useful energy output and total energy output: useful energy output efficiency = × 100% total energy output 4.5 describe a variety of everyday and scientific devices and situations, explaining the transfer of the input energy in terms of the above relationship, including their representation by Sankey diagrams 4.6 describe how thermal energy transfer may take place by conduction, convection and radiation 4.7 explain the role of convection in everyday phenomena 4.8 explain how emission and absorption of radiation are related to surface and temperature 4.9 practical: investigate thermal energy transfer by conduction, convection and radiation 4.10 explain ways of reducing unwanted energy transfer, such as insulation 48 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 (c) Work and power Students should: 4.11 know and use the relationship between work done, force and distance moved in the direction of the force: work done = force × distance moved W=F×d 4.12 know that work done is equal to energy transferred 4.13 know and use the relationship between gravitational potential energy, mass, gravitational field strength and height: gravitational potential energy = mass × gravitational field strength × height GPE = m × g × h 4.14 know and use the relationship: kinetic energy = 12 × mass × speed2 KE = 12 × m × v 2 4.15 understand how conservation of energy produces a link between gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy and work 4.16 describe power as the rate of transfer of energy or the rate of doing work 4.17 use the relationship between power, work done (energy transferred) and time taken: work done power = time taken W P= t Specification points 4.18 and 4.19 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 49 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 5 Solids, liquids and gases The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Units (b) Density and pressure (c) Ideal gas molecules (a) Units Students should: 5.1 use the following units: degree Celsius (°C), Kelvin (K), joule (J), kilogram (kg), kilogram/metre3 (kg/m3), metre (m), metre2 (m2), metre3 (m3), metre/second (m/s), metre/second2 (m/s2), newton (N) and pascal (Pa) (b) Density and pressure Students should: 5.3 know and use the relationship between density, mass and volume: mass density = volume m ρ= V 5.4 practical: investigate density using direct measurements of mass and volume 5.5 know and use the relationship between pressure, force and area: force pressure = area F p= A 5.6 understand how the pressure at a point in a gas or liquid at rest acts equally in all directions 5.7 know and use the relationship for pressure difference: pressure difference = height × density × gravitational field strength p=h×ρ×g Specification points 5.2, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13 and 5.14 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics only. 50 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 (c) Ideal gas molecules Students should: 5.15 explain how molecules in a gas have random motion and that they exert a force and hence a pressure on the walls of a container 5.16 understand why there is an absolute zero of temperature which is –273 °C 5.17 describe the Kelvin scale of temperature and be able to convert between the Kelvin and Celsius scales 5.18 understand why an increase in temperature results in an increase in the average speed of gas molecules 5.19 know that the Kelvin temperature of a gas is proportional to the average kinetic energy of its molecules 5.20 explain, for a fixed amount of gas, the qualitative relationship between: pressure and volume at constant temperature pressure and Kelvin temperature at constant volume. 5.21 use the relationship between the pressure and Kelvin temperature of a fixed mass of gas at constant volume: p1 p 2 = T1 T2 5.22 use the relationship between the pressure and volume of a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature: p1V1 = p 2V2 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 51 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 6 Magnetism and electromagnetism The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Units (b) Magnetism (c) Electromagnetism (d) Electromagnetic induction (a) Units Students should: 6.1 use the following units: ampere (A), volt (V) and watt (W) (b) Magnetism Students should: 6.2 know that magnets repel and attract other magnets and attract magnetic substances 6.3 describe the properties of magnetically hard and soft materials 6.4 understand the term magnetic field line 6.5 know that magnetism is induced in some materials when they are placed in a magnetic field 6.6 practical: investigate the magnetic field pattern for a permanent bar magnet and between two bar magnets 6.7 describe how to use two permanent magnets to produce a uniform magnetic field pattern (c) Electromagnetism Students should: 6.8 know that an electric current in a conductor produces a magnetic field around it 6.12 understand why a force is exerted on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field, and how this effect is applied in simple d.c. electric motors and loudspeakers 6.13 use the left-hand rule to predict the direction of the resulting force when a wire carries a current perpendicular to a magnetic field 6.14 describe how the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field changes with the magnitude and direction of the field and current Specification points 6.9, 6.10 and 6.11 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics only. 52 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 (d) Electromagnetic induction Students should: 6.15 know that a voltage is induced in a conductor or a coil when it moves through a magnetic field or when a magnetic field changes through it and describe the factors that affect the size of the induced voltage 6.16 describe the generation of electricity by the rotation of a magnet within a coil of wire and of a coil of wire within a magnetic field and describe the factors that affect the size of the induced voltage Specification points 6.17, 6.18, 6.19 and 6.20 are in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics only. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – 53 Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 7 Radioactivity and particles The following sub-topics are covered in this section. (a) Units (b) Radioactivity (c) Fission and fusion (a) Units Students should: 7.1 use the following units: becquerel (Bq), centimetre (cm), hour (h), minute (min) and second (s) (b) Radioactivity Students should: 7.2 describe the structure of an atom in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons and use symbols such as 14 6 c to describe particular nuclei 7.3 know the terms atomic (proton) number, mass (nucleon) number and isotope 7.4 know that alpha (α) particles, beta (β−) particles, and gamma (γ) rays are ionising radiations emitted from unstable nuclei in a random process 7.5 describe the nature of alpha (α) particles, beta (β−) particles, and gamma (γ) rays, and recall that they may be distinguished in terms of penetrating power and ability to ionise 7.6 practical: investigate the penetration powers of different types of radiation using either radioactive sources or simulations 7.7 describe the effects on the atomic and mass numbers of a nucleus of the emission of each of the four main types of radiation (alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation) 7.8 understand how to balance nuclear equations in terms of mass and charge 7.9 know that photographic film or a Geiger−Müller detector can detect ionising radiations 7.10 explain the sources of background (ionising) radiation from Earth and space 7.11 know that the activity of a radioactive source decreases over a period of time and is measured in becquerels 7.12 know the definition of the term half-life and understand that it is different for different radioactive isotopes 7.13 use the concept of the half-life to carry out simple calculations on activity, including graphical methods 7.14 describe uses of radioactivity in industry and medicine 7.15 describe the difference between contamination and irradiation 7.16 describe the dangers of ionising radiations, including: that radiation can cause mutations in living organisms that radiation can damage cells and tissue the problems arising from the disposal of radioactive waste and how the associated risks can be reduced. 54 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) – Specification – Issue 2 – April 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2016 (c) Fission and fusion Students should: 7.17 know that nuclear reactions, including fission, fusion and radioactive decay, can be a source of energy 7.18 understand how a nucleus of U-235 can be split (the process of fission) by collision with a neutron, and that this process releases energy as kinetic energy of the fission products 7.19 know that the fission of U-235 produces two radioactive daughter nuclei and a small number of neutrons 7.20 describe how a chain reaction can be set up if the neutrons produced by one fission strike other U-235 nuclei 7.2

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