What sciences are covered in Cambridge O-Level Combined Science?

Cambridge O-Level Combined Science (5129) covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics in a single qualification. It is equivalent to one full O-Level and is common in Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and East Africa. Students who want separate qualifications sit O-Level Biology (5090), Chemistry (5070) and Physics (5054) individually.

Which topics are most important in O-Level Science?

In Biology: cells and transport (osmosis/diffusion), genetics, and ecosystems carry the most marks. In Chemistry: equations and electrolysis, acids/bases, and rates of reaction. In Physics: circuits, motion graphs, and waves. These topics appear in almost every past paper.

How can I practise O-Level Science with AI?

Type a topic such as 'O-Level Biology osmosis' or 'O-Level Chemistry rates of reaction' into the AI Exam Prep generator. It creates Cambridge-style questions with full explanations.

Is this content up to date?

This page covers the current Cambridge O-Level Combined Science (5129) and separate science syllabuses. Cambridge updates syllabuses periodically — always verify the Cambridge International website for the version applicable to your exam series.

🌏 O-Level reference page

O-Level Science Syllabus Reference

Topic-grouped study map for Cambridge O-Level Combined Science — Biology, Chemistry and Physics — covering Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore and international Cambridge centres.

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sciences

exam papers

A*–G

grade scale

Syllabus options

Combined Science 5129

All three sciences, single qualification

Biology 5090

Separate O-Level Biology

Chemistry 5070

Separate O-Level Chemistry

Physics 5054

Separate O-Level Physics

Topics by science

What each science covers

Biology

8 topics

Osmosis and diffusion questions are tested in every paper — know the definitions precisely and be able to explain results in terms of concentration gradients. Genetics questions require Punnett squares drawn with correct notation.

Cell structure and organisation
Diffusion, osmosis and active transport
Photosynthesis and respiration
Human nutrition and digestion
Transport in plants and humans
Excretion and homeostasis
Reproduction and genetics
Ecosystems and food chains

Chemistry

7 topics

Balancing equations and electrolysis electrode products are reliably tested. For acids and bases, know that pH < 7 = acidic, pH > 7 = alkaline, and learn the common salt names (sodium chloride, copper sulphate etc.).

Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding
Balancing chemical equations
Acids, bases and salts (pH, neutralisation)
Rates of reaction (temperature, concentration, catalysts)
Electrolysis (products at electrodes)
Organic chemistry basics (alkanes, alkenes, polymers)

Physics

7 topics

Distance-time and velocity-time graphs appear in every paper. For electricity, practise calculating current, voltage and resistance in both series and parallel circuits — these are common 4–6 mark questions.

Motion (speed, velocity, acceleration, distance-time graphs)
Forces (Newton's Laws, pressure, turning moments)
Energy (forms, efficiency, power)
Waves (sound, light, electromagnetic spectrum)
Electricity (V=IR, series/parallel circuits, power)
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Radioactivity (types, uses, half-life)

Revision cues

Examiner habits

Biology definitions must be exact — 'movement of particles from high to low concentration' earns the mark; 'spreading out' does not.
Chemistry: always state conditions for reactions (e.g. catalyst, temperature, pressure) when asked 'what conditions are needed?'
Physics: show all working and include units — method marks are awarded even if the final answer is wrong.
Genetics: draw Punnett squares with dominant allele capitalised (e.g. B = brown, b = blue).
Electrolysis: at the cathode, the less reactive ion is discharged; at the anode, oxygen is produced unless halide ions are present.

Official specs

Cambridge O-Level Combined Science →

This page covers the current Cambridge O-Level Combined Science specification. Verify the Cambridge International site before your exam.

Commonly searched questions

What students ask most about O-Level Science

How to revise O-Level Science effectively

Work through past papers from Cambridge by topic rather than by full paper first. Use mark schemes to check the exact wording expected — especially for Biology definitions and Chemistry equations. For Physics, practice calculations until each formula is automatic. Focus extra time on Biology transport (osmosis/diffusion) and Chemistry acids/electrolysis, which appear on every paper.

Where to find O-Level Science past papers

Cambridge O-Level Science past papers are available on the Cambridge International website. Pakistan students can find FBISE O-Level equivalent papers on the FBISE site. GCE Guide and XtremePapers are popular third-party sites with organised past papers and mark schemes for all O-Level subjects.

What is the difference between O-Level Combined Science and separate sciences?

O-Level Combined Science (5129) covers all three sciences in a single syllabus and earns one O-Level grade. Separate sciences (Biology 5090, Chemistry 5070, Physics 5054) are three independent qualifications, each with a full syllabus. Most students in Pakistan and Malaysia sit Combined Science; students aiming for science A-Levels or pre-medical courses often sit the separate sciences.

How is O-Level Science graded?

Cambridge O-Level uses a grade scale from A* (highest) to G. A grade C or above is widely considered a pass. For university entry requirements in Pakistan (FSc), Malaysia (STPM), and for UK A-Level applications, most institutions require at least a B in the relevant science subject.

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