Qualification
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Combined Science specification 4SD0.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE · Combined Science 4SD0
Online IGCSE Double Science Course
Study Biology, Chemistry and Physics through one structured home-study course. This Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Combined Science course develops scientific knowledge, practical understanding and the confidence to tackle all three written examination papers.
Immediate access to the online course
Biology, Chemistry and Physics in one structured programme
Optional tutor marking, tutorials and printed materials
Start your Double Science course
£24.99 / month
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- Course materials subscription
- Academic induction session and booking fee
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Course overview
A broad science course covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics
This course prepares students for the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Combined Science specification. It brings together key topics from Biology, Chemistry and Physics, helping students build a broad scientific understanding while also developing investigative skills and examination confidence.
Subjects covered
Biology · Chemistry · Physics
Study all three sciences within one structured home-study course.
Course structure
18 modules
Five Biology modules, six Chemistry modules and seven Physics modules.
Core lesson content
73 lessons
Includes 23 Biology lessons, 23 Chemistry lessons and 27 Physics lessons, plus practice papers.
Assignments
23 Tutor-marked Assignments
TMAs are used throughout the course to check progress in each science.
Assessment
3 written papers
One Biology paper, one Chemistry paper and one Physics paper, each contributing one third of the total.
Enrolment
Start at any time
There is no fixed term date, so you can begin when it suits your study plans.
Entry and grading
Untiered · grades 9–1
All candidates sit the same examinations and the final qualification is graded on the 9–1 scale.
A broad route through the sciences
This course is ideal for students who want to study all three sciences in one coherent programme. It develops a broad understanding of scientific facts, concepts and principles, as well as the ability to evaluate modern scientific developments and ideas.
Practical skills are built into the course
There is no separate practical examination, but practical understanding is still important. Students learn how to design investigations, carry out procedures, interpret results and evaluate methods, and these skills are assessed through written questions in the final examinations.
Suitable for students with limited previous science experience
The course is designed to be accessible to students who may have only a limited previous background in science. Those who have already studied some science will also find that the lessons develop earlier knowledge in greater depth.
How the course works
Build knowledge across the three sciences
The course is divided into separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics sections. Students can work through them in the suggested order and steadily build the scientific knowledge, vocabulary, mathematical confidence and practical understanding needed for success.
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Enrol and start online
Receive immediate access to your online Double Science course and begin studying without waiting for a fixed term date.
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Study Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Work through structured lessons supported by Oxford Home Schooling notes, activities and the required Pearson textbooks.
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Practise scientific and practical skills
Develop confidence in calculations, graphs, experiments, scientific vocabulary and the interpretation of evidence.
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Prepare for all three examinations
Revise each science in turn and complete practice papers in Biology, Chemistry and Physics under timed conditions.
Optional extra support
Add tutor support when it would help
Assignment marking, practice-paper marking, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one tutorials can all be added when you want extra explanation, feedback or examination support.
What you’ll study
Eighteen modules across Biology, Chemistry and Physics
The course is split into three science sections. Biology introduces living systems and ecology, Chemistry explores substances and reactions, and Physics explains forces, electricity, waves, energy and the universe.
Biology section
The Biology part of the course contains five modules and 23 lessons. It covers cells, physiology, homeostasis, reproduction, inheritance, ecology and food production, and concludes with a practice examination for Paper 1B.
Module 1 Cells and Organisms Cells, movement across membranes, respiration, enzymes and practical investigation skills. 5 lessons
- Cells, Organisms, and the Variety of Life
- Movement of Substances in and out of Cells
- Investigative Skills A: Design
- Respiration and Enzymes
- Investigative Skills B: Carrying Out
Tutor-marked Assignment A
Tutor-marked Assignment B
Module 2 Plant and Animal Physiology A Human nutrition, interpreting results, photosynthesis, transport and gas exchange. 5 lessons
- Human Nutrition
- Investigative Skills C: Interpreting
- Photosynthesis
- Transport in Plants and Animals
- Gas Exchange in Humans
Tutor-marked Assignment C
Tutor-marked Assignment D
Module 3 Plant and Animal Physiology B Homeostasis, excretion, the nervous system, hormones and reproduction. 5 lessons
- Homeostasis and Excretion
- The Human Nervous System
- Hormones in Plants and Animals
- Human Reproduction
- Reproduction in Plants
Tutor-marked Assignment E
Tutor-marked Assignment F
Module 4 Inheritance Chromosomes, genes, cell division, inheritance, selection, cloning and genetic engineering. 5 lessons
- Chromosomes and Genes
- Cell Division
- Genes and Inheritance
- Natural and Artificial Selection
- Genetic Engineering and Cloning
Tutor-marked Assignment G
Tutor-marked Assignment H
Module 5 Ecology and Food Production Ecosystems, human impact on the environment and food production. 3 lessons
- Ecosystems
- Human Impact on the Environment
- Food Production
Tutor-marked Assignment I
Practice Examination — Paper 1B
Chemistry section
The Chemistry part of the course begins with an introductory lesson on using numbers in Chemistry, then continues through six modules and 22 further lessons. It covers particles, bonding, reactions, practical skills, organic chemistry and quantitative calculations.
Introduction Using Numbers in Chemistry Prepare for the calculations and numerical work used in the Chemistry section. 1 introductory lesson
- Using Numbers in Chemistry
Module 1 Introducing Chemistry Substances, particles, atomic structure, bonds, structures, equations and rates of reaction. 6 lessons
- Substances, Particles and Solutions
- Atomic Structure
- Chemical Bonds
- Structures and Properties
- Formulae and Equations
- Rates of Reaction
Tutor-marked Assignment A
Tutor-marked Assignment B
Module 2 Chemistry Investigations Practical design, carrying out investigations and interpreting results. 3 lessons
- Investigative Skills A: Design
- Investigative Skills B: Carrying out
- Investigative Skills C: Interpreting
Tutor-marked Assignment C
Module 3 Chemical Patterns Oxygen, oxides, the reactivity series, acids, bases, salts and the periodic table. 4 lessons
- Oxygen and Oxides
- The Reactivity Series
- Acids, Bases and Salts
- The Periodic Table
Tutor-marked Assignment D
Module 4 Chemistry in Practice Separating and analysing, energy changes and reversible reactions. 3 lessons
- Separating and Analysing
- Energy Changes during Reactions
- Reversible Reactions
Module 5 Organic Chemistry Organic molecules, alkanes, alkenes, crude oil and addition polymers. 3 lessons
- Organic Molecules
- Alkanes and Alkenes
- Crude Oil and Addition Polymers
Tutor-marked Assignment E
Module 6 Chemistry Calculations Moles, equations and calculations, and energy calculations. 3 lessons
- Moles
- Equations and Calculations
- Energy Calculations
Tutor-marked Assignment F
Practice Examination — Paper 1C
Physics section
The Physics part of the course contains seven modules and 27 lessons. It covers motion, forces, electricity, waves, energy, gases, magnetism, radioactivity and astrophysics, ending with a practice examination for Paper 1P.
Module 1 Forces and Motion Speed, forces, friction, experimental design, stretching and the Solar System. 6 lessons
- Speed, Distance and Time
- Forces
- Friction
- Investigative Skills A: Experimental Design
- Stretching
- The Solar System
Tutor-marked Assignment A
Tutor-marked Assignment B
Module 2 Electricity Mains electricity, current, voltage, resistance and interpretation of results. 4 lessons
- Mains Electricity
- Electrical Circuits 1: Current and Voltage
- Electrical Circuits 2: Resistance
- Investigative Skills B: Interpretation
Tutor-marked Assignment C
Module 3 Waves Wave properties, the electromagnetic spectrum, light, sound and taking readings. 5 lessons
- Properties of Waves
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Light
- Sound
- Investigative Skills C: Taking a Reading
Tutor-marked Assignment D
Module 4 Energy Energy transfers, thermal energy, work and power. 3 lessons
- Energy Transfers
- Thermal Energy
- Work and Power
Tutor-marked Assignment E
Module 5 Solids, Liquids and Gases Density, pressure and the behaviour of gases. 2 lessons
- Density and Pressure
- Gases
Tutor-marked Assignment F
Module 6 Magnetism and Electromagnetism Magnetic fields, electric motors and electromagnetic induction. 2 lessons
- Magnetism
- Electric Motors and Electromagnetic Induction
Module 7 Radioactivity, Particles and Astrophysics Atoms, radiation, half-life, applications of radioactivity, nuclear processes and stellar evolution. 6 lessons
- Atoms and Radioactivity
- Radiation and Half-life
- Applications of Radioactivity
- Fission and Fusion
- Stellar Evolution
Tutor-marked Assignment G
Tutor-marked Assignment H
Practice Examination — Paper 1P
Study the three sciences in a sensible order
The course is divided clearly into Biology, Chemistry and Physics sections. Students can work through them in the suggested sequence, or alternate between sections if that better suits their timetable.
Within each science, however, it is best to complete the modules in order so that scientific knowledge, calculations and practical skills build progressively.
Exams and assessment
How IGCSE Combined Science is assessed
Students sit three written examination papers: one in Biology, one in Chemistry and one in Physics. There is no coursework component and no separate practical examination.
Biology Paper
4SD0/1B
2 hours
Exam duration
110 marks
Available marks
One third
Of the qualification
Assesses all relevant Biology content, including knowledge, understanding, practical reasoning and application of ideas.
Chemistry Paper
4SD0/1C
2 hours
Exam duration
110 marks
Available marks
One third
Of the qualification
Assesses all relevant Chemistry content, including scientific knowledge, calculations and interpretation of practical work.
Physics Paper
4SD0/1P
2 hours
Exam duration
110 marks
Available marks
One third
Of the qualification
Assesses all relevant Physics content, including calculations, practical interpretation and the application of physical principles.
Entry tier
Untiered examination
Science IGCSE examinations are not divided into different entry tiers.
Practical work
Assessed through written papers
There is no separate practical paper, but practical skills are tested through written questions.
Question types
Short, structured and calculation-based
Students may be required to perform calculations, draw graphs, and describe, explain and interpret scientific phenomena.
Calculator use
Calculators may be used
Calculators are permitted in all three papers.
Examination entry
You arrange your examination centre separately
Course enrolment does not automatically enter you for the examinations. Private candidates should locate a centre willing to accept Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Combined Science candidates and confirm its entry arrangements, fees and deadlines.
Make sure your centre enters you for all three components: 4SD0/1B, 4SD0/1C and 4SD0/1P.
Support and add-ons
Choose the level of science support you need
Your subscription provides the structured online course. Optional add-ons allow you to buy written feedback, direct tutor contact, live support and printed materials when needed.
Written feedback
Assignment marking
Purchase marking for individual tutor-marked assignments and receive feedback on scientific understanding, calculations, explanations and practical reasoning.
Assignment marking bundle£206.79
Exam preparation
Practice-exam marking
Complete the Biology, Chemistry and Physics practice papers under timed conditions and purchase marking to identify strengths, gaps and priorities for final revision.
Practice examination marking bundle£71.25
Written tutor contact
Email Tutor Support
Ask focused questions about scientific concepts, calculations, experiments, graphs or course activities through the managed Email Tutor Support service.
Email Tutor Support£10.00 / month
Live support
One-to-one tutorials
Book a live tutorial for personalised explanation, support with difficult topics or focused examination preparation in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Tutorial time Purchased separately
Study your way
Printed course materials
Add printed Oxford Home Schooling course materials if you prefer working from paper alongside your online course and textbooks.
Printed course materials£80.00
Flexible support
Add support when you need it
Begin with the core course and add marking, tutor contact, tutorials or printed materials as your Double Science studies progress.
Course support
See all available Double Science support
Prospective students can compare the available support services. Existing students can purchase Double Science marking, tutorials and other course-specific add-ons through their account.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the IGCSE Double Science course
Find answers about the qualification, the three sciences, practical work, textbooks, examinations and progression.
What does this course cover?
This course covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics through one structured programme based on the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Combined Science specification 4SD0.
Do I need previous science knowledge?
No strong previous background is required. The course is designed to be accessible to students with limited prior science experience, while still being useful for those who have studied some science before.
How many exams are there?
There are three written papers: Biology 4SD0/1B, Chemistry 4SD0/1C and Physics 4SD0/1P.
Each paper lasts two hours and carries 110 marks.
Is the course tiered?
No. Science IGCSE examinations are not divided into different entry tiers. All candidates sit the same papers.
Is there coursework or a practical exam?
No. There is no coursework and no separate practical examination. Practical skills are assessed through written questions in the final papers.
Should I carry out practical work at home?
Practical work can be very helpful in developing your understanding, and you should carry out suitable work if it can be done safely.
Only attempt practical activities that are appropriate for the home environment and properly supervised where needed.
Do I need textbooks?
Yes. The course uses three separate Pearson textbooks: one each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Lesson-by-lesson reading references are supplied, and the textbooks provide helpful supporting coverage and extra questions.
Can I use a calculator?
Yes. Calculators may be used in all three examination papers.
How are Tutor-marked Assignments used?
TMAs appear regularly throughout the course and are designed in an IGCSE style to test the lessons just completed. Marking can be purchased when you want structured feedback.
What can I do after this course?
In combination with other suitable IGCSE subjects, this course provides a strong preparation for further study, including science subjects at A level.
Ready to begin?
Start your online IGCSE Double Science course
Enrol at any time and begin working towards Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Combined Science through a structured, flexible home-study course covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Study all three sciences in one course
- Immediate access to the online course
- Prepare for Biology, Chemistry and Physics exams
Start your Double Science course
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