NATURAL SCIENCES ADMISSIONS ASSESSMENT

(NSAA)

Content Specification
For assessment in 2023

Copyright © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023

Changes for 2023

There have been no changes made to specification topics for 2023.

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Overview
The Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment consists of two sections:

Section 1 consists of four parts of which candidates should answer two (mathematics
and one of the sciences). Each part contains 20 multiple-choice questions. The time
allowed for Section 1 is 60 minutes. Calculators may NOT be used in Section 1.

Section 2 consists of three parts of which candidates should answer any one. Each part
contains 20 multiple-choice questions. The time allowed for Section 2 is 60 minutes.
Calculators may NOT be used in Section 2.

The purpose of the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment is to determine a candidate’s

potential to achieve in an academically demanding undergraduate degree course. Questions draw
upon a candidate’s ability to use and apply their scientific and mathematical knowledge. The
assessment is designed to be challenging in order to differentiate effectively between able
applicants, including those who might have achieved the highest possible grades in school
examinations.

Format
Section 1 consists of four parts. Candidates will be required to answer Part A, and one further
Part chosen from B, C and D. The four parts are:

Part A Mathematics
Part B Physics
Part C Chemistry
Part D Biology
There are 20 multiple-choice questions in each part, and each candidate will therefore be
required to answer a total of 40 questions. The time allowed to complete Section 1 is 60
minutes and candidates should be careful to manage their time accordingly. Results for
each part will be reported separately. Calculators may NOT be used in Section 1.

Section 2 consists of three parts. Candidates will be required to answer one part only. The three
parts are:

Part X Physics
Part Y Chemistry
Part Z Biology
There are 20 multiple-choice questions in each part. The time allowed to complete
Section 2 is 60 minutes. Calculators may NOT be used in Section 2.

Candidates will require a soft (HB) pencil for both sections, and will be issued with a separate
answer sheet for each section on which to indicate their answers.

Example questions for Section 1 and Section 2 are given in Appendix 3.

3
Content
Section 1

Questions in Section 1 will draw upon the topics listed for each part in Appendix 1. All parts will
assume knowledge of the mathematical content of Part A (Mathematics). The knowledge assumed
for each part in Section 1 is summarised:

Part A
Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)
(Mathematics)
Part B Physics (topics labelled ‘P’, Appendix 1)
(Physics) Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)
Part C Chemistry (topics labelled ‘C’, Appendix 1)
(Chemistry) Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)
Part D Biology (topics labelled ‘B’, Appendix 1)
(Biology) Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)

Section 2

Questions in Section 2 will draw upon the relevant subject-specific topics as in the following table:

Advanced Physics (topics labelled ‘AP’, Appendix 2)

Part X Advanced Mathematics (topics labelled ‘AM’, Appendix 2)
(Physics) Physics (topics labelled ‘P’, Appendix 1)
Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)
Advanced Chemistry (topics labelled ‘AC’, Appendix 2)
Part Y
Chemistry (topics labelled ‘C’, Appendix 1)
(Chemistry)
Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)
Advanced Biology (topics labelled ‘AB’, Appendix 2)
Part Z
Biology (topics labelled ‘B’, Appendix 1)
(Biology)
Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)

All parts in this section assume knowledge of the mathematical content of Section 1 Part A
(Mathematics). Parts X (Physics), Part Y (Chemistry) and Part Z (Biology) assume knowledge of the
specified additional ‘Advanced’ content listed in Appendix 2.

Candidates are expected to apply conceptual knowledge to deconstruct and solve problems. Some
questions involve the straightforward application of this knowledge, but others require more creative
thinking, problem solving, and the application of principles in less familiar contexts.

Scoring
In both Section 1 and Section 2, each correct answer will score 1 mark. No marks are deducted for
incorrect answers. Results for each part will be reported separately.

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Scientific Quantities and Units
Throughout this specification, it should be assumed that, where mention is made of a particular
quantity, knowledge of the SI unit of that quantity is also expected (including the relationship of the
unit to other SI units through the equations linking their quantities).

Candidates will be expected to be familiar with the following SI prefixes when used in connection
with any SI unit:

nano- 10–9
micro- 10–6
milli- 10–3
centi- 10–2
deci- 10–1
kilo- 103
mega- 106
giga- 109

Candidates are expected to be familiar with the use of negative indices in units, for example m s–1
for velocity.

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APPENDIX 1: KNOWLEDGE ASSUMED IN SECTION 1
The material that follows outlines the scientific and mathematical knowledge assessed in Section 1
of the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment.

Section 1 consists of four parts. Candidates will be required to answer Part A, and one further
Part chosen from B, C and D. The four parts are:

Part A Mathematics
Part B Physics
Part C Chemistry
Part D Biology

There are 20 multiple-choice questions in each part.

The time allowed to complete Section 2 is 60 minutes.

Calculators may NOT be used in Section 2.

Questions in Section 1 will draw upon the topics listed for each part in Appendix 1 as in the following
table:

Part A
Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)
(Mathematics)
Part B Physics (topics labelled ‘P’, Appendix 1)
(Physics) Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)
Part C Chemistry (topics labelled ‘C’, Appendix 1)
(Chemistry) Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)
Part D Biology (topics labelled ‘B’, Appendix 1)
(Biology) Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)

All parts will assume knowledge of the mathematical content of Part A (Mathematics).

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MATHEMATICS

M1. Units
M1.1 Use standard units of mass, length, time, money and other measures.
Use compound units such as speed, rates of pay, unit pricing, density and pressure,
including using decimal quantities where appropriate.

M1.2 Change freely between related standard units (e.g. time, length, area, volume/capacity,
mass) and compound units (e.g. speed, rates of pay, prices, density, pressure) in
numerical and algebraic contexts.

M2. Number
M2.1 Order positive and negative integers, decimals and fractions.

Understand and use the symbols: = , ≠ , < , > , ≤ , ≥ .

M2.2 Apply the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) to integers,
decimals, simple fractions (proper and improper) and mixed numbers – any of which
could be positive and negative.
Understand and use place value.

M2.3 Use the concepts and vocabulary of prime numbers, factors (divisors), multiples, common
factors, common multiples, highest common factor, lowest common multiple, and prime
factorisation (including use of product notation and the unique factorisation theorem).

M2.4 Recognise and use relationships between operations, including inverse operations.
Use cancellation to simplify calculations and expressions.
Understand and use the convention for priority of operations, including brackets, powers,
roots and reciprocals.

M2.5 Apply systematic listing strategies. (For instance, if there are m ways of doing one task
and for each of these tasks there are n ways of doing another task, then the total number
of ways the two tasks can be done in order is m × n ways.)

M2.6 Use and understand the terms: square, positive and negative square root, cube and
cube root.

M2.7 Use index laws to simplify numerical expressions, and for multiplication and division of
integer, fractional and negative powers.

M2.8 Interpret, order and calculate with numbers written in standard index form (standard
n
form); numbers are written in standard form as a × 10 , where 1 ≤ a < 10 and n is an
integer.

M2.9 Convert between terminating decimals, percentages and fractions.

Convert between recurring decimals and their corresponding fractions.

M2.10 Use fractions, decimals and percentages interchangeably in calculations.

Understand equivalent fractions.

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M2.11 Calculate exactly with fractions, surds and multiples of π.
Simplify surd expressions involving squares, e.g. 12 = 4 × 3 = 4 3 = 2 3 , and
rationalise denominators; for example, candidates could be asked to rationalise
3 5 7 3
expressions such as: , , , .
7 3+2 5 2− 3 5− 2

M2.12 Calculate with upper and lower bounds, and use in contextual problems.

M2.13 Round numbers and measures to an appropriate degree of accuracy, e.g. to a specified
number of decimal places or significant figures.
Use inequality notation to specify simple error intervals due to truncation or rounding.

M2.14 Use approximation to produce estimates of calculations, including expressions involving π

or surds.

M3. Ratio and proportion

M3.1 Understand and use scale factors, scale diagrams and maps.

M3.2 Express a quantity as a fraction of another, where the fraction is less than 1 or greater
than 1.

M3.3 Understand and use ratio notation.

M3.4 Divide a given quantity into two (or more) parts in a given part : part ratio.
Express the division of a quantity into two parts as a ratio.

M3.5 Apply ratio to real contexts and problems, such as those involving conversion,
comparison, scaling, mixing and concentrations.
Express a multiplicative relationship between two quantities as a ratio or a fraction.

M3.6 Understand and use proportion.

Relate ratios to fractions and to linear functions.

M3.7 Identify and work with fractions in ratio problems.

M3.8 Define percentage as ‘number of parts per hundred’.

Interpret percentages and percentage changes as a fraction or a decimal, and interpret
these multiplicatively.
Express one quantity as a percentage of another.
Compare two quantities using percentages.
Work with percentages greater than 100%.
Solve problems involving percentage change, including percentage increase/decrease,
original value problems and simple interest calculations.

8
M3.9 Understand and use direct and inverse proportion, including algebraic representations.
Recognise and interpret graphs that illustrate direct and inverse proportion.
Set up, use and interpret equations to solve problems involving direct and inverse
proportion (including questions involving integer and fractional powers).
1
Understand that x is inversely proportional to y is equivalent to x is proportional to .
y
M3.10 Compare lengths, areas and volumes using ratio notation.
Understand and make links to similarity (including trigonometric ratios) and scale factors.

M3.11 Set up, solve and interpret the answers in growth and decay problems, including
compound interest, and work with general iterative processes.

M4. Algebra
M4.1 Understand, use and interpret algebraic notation; for instance: ab in place of a × b ;
3y in place of y + y + y and 3 × y ; a 2 in place of a × a ; a 3 in place of a × a × a ;
a 2b in place of a × a × b ; a in place of a ÷ b .
b
M4.2 Use index laws in algebra for multiplication and division of integer, fractional, and
negative powers.

M4.3 Substitute numerical values into formulae and expressions, including scientific formulae.
Understand and use the concepts and vocabulary: expressions, equations, formulae,
identities, inequalities, terms and factors.

M4.4 Collect like terms, multiply a single term over a bracket, take out common factors, and
expand products of two or more binomials.

M4.5 Factorise quadratic expressions of the form x 2 + bx + c, including the difference of two
squares.
Factorise quadratic expressions of the form ax 2 + bx + c, including the difference of two
squares.

M4.6 Simplify expressions involving sums, products and powers, including the laws of indices.
Simplify rational expressions by cancelling, or factorising and cancelling.
Use the four rules on algebraic rational expressions.

M4.7 Rearrange formulae to change the subject.

M4.8 Understand the difference between an equation and an identity.

Argue mathematically to show that algebraic expressions are equivalent.

M4.9 Work with coordinates in all four quadrants.

M4.10 Identify and interpret gradients and intercepts of linear functions ( y = mx + c ) graphically
and algebraically.
Identify pairs of parallel lines and identify pairs of perpendicular lines, including the
relationships between gradients.
Find the equation of the line through two given points, or through one point with a given
gradient.

9
M4.11 Identify and interpret roots, intercepts and turning points of quadratic functions
graphically.
Deduce roots algebraically, and turning points by completing the square.

M4.12 Recognise, sketch and interpret graphs of:

a. linear functions
b. quadratic functions
c. simple cubic functions
d. the reciprocal function: y = 1 with x ≠ 0
x
x
e. the exponential function: y = k for positive values of k
f. trigonometric functions (with arguments in degrees): y = sin x, y = cos x, y = tan x
for angles of any size

M4.13 Interpret graphs (including reciprocal graphs and exponential graphs) and graphs of
non-standard functions in real contexts to find approximate solutions to problems, such as
simple kinematic problems involving distance, speed and acceleration.

M4.14 Calculate or estimate gradients of graphs and areas under graphs (including quadratic
and other non-linear graphs), and interpret results in cases such as distance–time graphs,
speed–time graphs and graphs in financial contexts.

M4.15 Set up and solve, both algebraically and graphically, simple equations including
simultaneous equations involving two unknowns; this may include one linear and one
quadratic equation.
Solve two simultaneous equations in two variables (linear/linear or linear/quadratic)
algebraically.
Find approximate solutions using a graph.
Translate simple situations or procedures into algebraic expressions or formulae; for
example, derive an equation (or two simultaneous equations), solve the equation(s) and
interpret the solution.

M4.16 Solve quadratic equations (including those that require rearrangement) algebraically by
factorising, by completing the square, and by using the quadratic formula.
− b ± b 2 − 4 ac
Know the quadratic formula: x =
2a
Find approximate solutions of quadratic equations using a graph.

M4.17 Solve linear inequalities in one or two variables.

Represent the solution set on a number line, or on a graph, or in words.

M4.18 Generate terms of a sequence using term-to-term or position-to-term rules.

M4.19 Deduce expressions to calculate the n th term of linear or quadratic sequences.

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M5. Geometry
M5.1 Use conventional terms and notation: points, lines, line segments, vertices, edges,
planes, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, right angles, subtended angles, polygons,
regular polygons and polygons with reflection and/or rotational symmetries.

M5.2 Recall and use the properties of angles at a point, angles on a straight line, perpendicular
lines and opposite angles at a vertex.
Understand and use the angle properties of parallel lines, intersecting lines, triangles and
quadrilaterals.
Calculate and use the sum of the interior angles, and the sum of the exterior angles, of
polygons.

M5.3 Derive and apply the properties and definitions of special types of quadrilaterals, including
square, rectangle, parallelogram, trapezium, kite and rhombus.
Derive and apply the properties and definitions of various types of triangle and other
plane figures using appropriate language.

M5.4 Understand and use the basic congruence criteria for triangles (SSS, SAS, ASA, RHS).

M5.5 Apply angle facts, triangle congruence, similarity, and properties of quadrilaterals to
results about angles and sides.

M5.6 Identify, describe and construct congruent and similar shapes, including on coordinate
axes, by considering rotation, reflection, translation and enlargement (including fractional
and negative scale factors).
Describe the changes and invariance achieved by combinations of rotations, reflections
and translations.
Describe translations as 2-dimensional vectors.

M5.7 Know and use the formula for Pythagoras’ theorem: a 2 + b 2 = c 2

Use Pythagoras’ theorem in both 2 and 3 dimensions.

M5.8 Identify and use conventional circle terms: centre, radius, chord, diameter, circumference,
tangent, arc, sector and segment (including the use of the terms minor and major for arcs,
sectors and segments).

M5.9 Apply the standard circle theorems concerning angles, radii, tangents and chords, and
use them to prove related results:

a. angle subtended at the centre is twice the angle subtended at the circumference
b. angle in a semicircle is 90°
c. angles in the same segment are equal
d. angle between a tangent and a chord (alternate segment theorem)
e. angle between a radius and a tangent is 90°
f. properties of cyclic quadrilaterals

M5.10 Solve geometrical problems on 2-dimensional coordinate axes.

M5.11 Know the terminology faces, surfaces, edges and vertices when applied to cubes,
cuboids, prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones, spheres and hemispheres.

11
M5.12 Interpret plans and elevations of 3-dimensional shapes.

M5.13 Use and interpret maps and scale drawings.

Understand and use three-figure bearings.

M5.14 Know and apply formulae to calculate:

a. the area of triangles, parallelograms, trapezia

b. the volume of cuboids and other right prisms.

M5.15 Know the formulae:

a. circumference of a circle = 2π r = π d
b. area of a circle = π r 2
c. volume of a right circular cylinder = π r 2h

Formulae relating to spheres, pyramids and cones will be given if needed.

Use formulae to calculate:
a. perimeters of 2-dimensional shapes, including circles
b. areas of circles and composite shapes
c. surface area and volume of spheres, pyramids, cones and composite solids

M5.16 Calculate arc lengths, angles and areas of sectors of circles.

M5.17 Apply the concepts of congruence and similarity in simple figures, including the
relationships between lengths, areas and volumes.

M5.18 Know and use the trigonometric ratios:

sinθ = opposite cosθ = adjacent tanθ = opposite

hypotenuse hypotenuse adjacent
Apply these to find angles and lengths in right-angled triangles and, where possible,
general triangles in 2- and 3-dimensional figures.
Know the exact values of sinθ and cosθ for θ = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°.
Know the exact values of tanθ for θ = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°.
Candidates are not expected to recall or use the sine or cosine rules.

M5.19 Apply addition and subtraction of vectors, multiplication of vectors by a scalar, and
diagrammatic and column representations of vectors.
Use vectors to construct geometric arguments and proofs.

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M6. Statistics
M6.1 Interpret and construct tables, charts and diagrams, including:

a. two-way tables, frequency tables, bar charts, pie charts and pictograms for
categorical data
b. vertical line charts for ungrouped discrete numerical data
c. tables and line graphs for time series data

Know the appropriate use of each of these representations.

M6.2 Interpret and construct diagrams for grouped discrete data and continuous data:

a. histograms with equal and unequal class intervals

b. cumulative frequency graphs

Know the appropriate use of each of these diagrams.

Understand and use the term frequency density.
M6.3 Calculate the mean, mode, median and range for ungrouped data.
Find the modal class; calculate estimates of the range, mean and median for grouped
data, and understand why these are estimates.
Describe a population using statistics.
Make simple comparisons.
Compare data sets using like-for-like summary values.
Understand the advantages and disadvantages of summary values.
Calculate estimates of mean, median, mode, range, quartiles and interquartile range from
graphical representation of grouped data.
Use the median and interquartile range to compare distributions.

M6.4 Use and interpret scatter graphs of bivariate data.

Recognise correlation, and know that it does not indicate causation.
Draw estimated lines of best fit.
Interpolate and extrapolate apparent trends whilst knowing the dangers of so doing.

M7. Probability
M7.1 Analyse the frequency of outcomes of probability experiments using tables and frequency
trees.

M7.2 Apply ideas of randomness, fairness and equally likely events to calculate expected
outcomes of multiple future experiments.
Understand that if an experiment is repeated, the outcome may be different.

M7.3 Relate relative expected frequencies to theoretical probability, using appropriate language
and the ‘0 to 1’ probability scale.

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M7.4 Apply the property that the probabilities of an exhaustive set of outcomes sum to one.

Apply the property that the probabilities of an exhaustive set of mutually exclusive events
sum to one.

M7.5 Enumerate sets and combinations of sets systematically, using tables, grids, Venn
diagrams and tree diagrams. Candidates are not expected to know formal set theory
notation.

M7.6 Construct theoretical possibility spaces for single and combined experiments with equally
likely outcomes, and use these to calculate theoretical probabilities.

M7.7 Know when to add or multiply two probabilities, and understand conditional probability.

Calculate and interpret conditional probabilities through representation using expected

frequencies with two-way tables, tree diagrams and Venn diagrams.

Understand the use of tree diagrams to represent outcomes of combined events:

a. when the probabilities are independent of the previous outcome

b. when the probabilities are dependent on the previous outcome.

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PHYSICS

P1. Electricity
P1.1 Electrostatics:

a. Know and understand that insulators can be charged by friction.

b. Know and understand that charging is caused by gain or loss of electrons.
c. Know and understand that like charges repel and unlike charges attract.
d. Understand applications and hazards associated with electrostatics, including the
role of earthing.

P1.2 Electric circuits:

a. Know and recognise the basic circuit symbols and diagrams, including: cell,
battery, light source, resistor, variable resistor, ammeter, voltmeter, switch,
diode.
b. Understand the difference between alternating current (ac) and direct current
(dc).
c. Understand the difference between conductors and insulators, and recall
examples of each type.
charge
d. Know and be able to apply: current = , I= Q
time t
e. Know and understand the use of voltmeters and ammeters.
voltage
f. Know and be able to apply: resistance = , R=V
current I
g. Recall and interpret V–I graphs for a fixed resistor and a filament lamp.
h. Know the properties of NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistors, LDRs
(light-dependent resistors) and ideal diodes.
i. Know and understand the current and voltage rules for series and parallel
circuits.
j. Calculate the total resistance for resistor combinations in series.
k. Understand that the total resistance of a parallel combination is less than that of
any individual resistor.
energy E
l. Know and be able to apply: voltage = ,V=
charge Q
m. Know and be able to apply: power = current × voltage, P = IV = I 2R
n. Know and be able to apply: energy transfer = power × time, E = VIt

15
P2. Magnetism
P2.1 Properties of magnets:

a. Know and be able to use the terms north pole, south pole, attraction and
repulsion.
b. Know the magnetic field pattern around a bar magnet (including direction).
c. Understand the difference between soft and hard magnetic materials (e.g. iron
and steel).
d. Qualitatively understand induced magnetism.

P2.2 Magnetic field due to an electric current:

a. Know and understand the magnetic effect of a current.

b. Know the magnetic field patterns around current-carrying wires (including
direction) for straight wires and coils/solenoids.
c. Know and understand the factors affecting magnetic field strength around a wire.
d. Understand the difference between permanent magnets and electromagnets.

P2.3 The motor effect:

a. Know that a wire carrying a current in a magnetic field can experience a force.
b. Know the factors affecting the direction of a force on a wire in a magnetic field
(including the left-hand rule).
c. Know the factors affecting the magnitude of the force on a wire in a magnetic
field.
d. Know and be able to apply F = BIL for a straight wire at right angles to a uniform
magnetic field.
e. Know and understand the construction and operation of a dc motor, including
factors affecting the magnitude of the force produced.
f. Understand applications of electromagnets.

P2.4 Electromagnetic induction:

a. Know and understand that a voltage is induced when a wire cuts magnetic field
lines, or when a magnetic field changes.
b. Know the factors affecting the magnitude of an induced voltage.
c. Know the factors affecting the direction of an induced voltage.
d. Understand the operation of an ac generator, including factors affecting the
output voltage.
e. Interpret the graphical representation of the output voltage of a simple ac
generator.
f. Understand applications of electromagnetic induction.

16
P2.5 Transformers:

a. Know and understand the terms step-up transformer and step-down transformer.
b. Know and use the relationship between the number of turns on the primary and
V n
secondary coils, and the voltage ratio: p = p
Vs n s
c. Know that a consequence of 100% efficiency is total transfer of electrical power,
and that this gives rise to the following relationship: Vp Ip = VsIs. Know and use
this relationship to solve problems.
d. Understand power transmission, including calculating losses during transmission
and the need for high voltage.

P3. Mechanics
P3.1 Kinematics:

a. Know and understand the difference between scalar and vector quantities.
b. Know and understand the difference between distance and displacement and
between speed and velocity.

c. Know and be able to apply: speed = distance ,

time
change in displaceme nt
velocity =
time
change in velocity
d. Know and be able to apply: acceleration =
time
e. Interpret distance–time, displacement–time, speed–time and velocity–time
graphs.
f. Perform calculations using gradients and areas under graphs.

g. Know and be able to apply: average speed = total distance

total time
h. Know and be able to apply the equation of motion: v 2 – u 2 = 2as

P3.2 Forces:

a. Understand that there are different types of force, including weight, normal
contact, drag (including air resistance), friction, magnetic, electrostatic, thrust,
upthrust, lift and tension.
b. Know and understand the factors that can affect the magnitude and direction of
the forces in 3.2a.
c. Draw and interpret force diagrams.
d. Qualitatively understand resultant force, with calculations in one dimension.

17
P3.3 Force and extension:

a. Interpret force–extension graphs.

b. Understand elastic and inelastic extension, and elastic limits.
c. Know and be able to apply Hooke’s law (F = k x), and understand the meaning of
the limit of proportionality.
d. Understand energy stored in a stretched spring as: E = 1 F x = 1 k x 2
2 2

P3.4 Newton’s laws:

a. Know and understand Newton’s first law as: ‘a body will remain at rest or in a
state of uniform motion in a straight line unless acted on by a resultant external
force’.
b. Understand mass as a property that resists change in motion (inertia).
c. Know and understand Newton’s second law as: force = mass × acceleration
d. Know and understand Newton’s third law as: ‘if body A exerts a force on body B
then body B exerts an equal and opposite force of the same type on body A’.

P3.5 Mass and weight:

a. Know and understand the difference between mass and weight.

b. Know and be able to apply gravitational field strength, g, approximated as
10 N kg–1 on Earth.
c. Know and be able to apply the relationship between mass and weight: w = mg
d. Understand free-fall acceleration.
e. Know the factors affecting air resistance.
f. Understand terminal velocity and the forces involved.

P3.6 Momentum:

a. Know and be able to apply: momentum = mass × velocity, p = mv

b. Know and be able to use the law of conservation of momentum in calculations in
one dimension.
c. Know and be able to apply: force = rate of change of momentum

18
P3.7 Energy:

a. Know and be able to apply: work = force × distance moved (in direction of force)
b. Understand work done as a transfer of energy.
c. Know and be able to apply: gravitational potential energy = mgh, where h is the
difference in height of the object.
d. Know and be able to apply: kinetic energy = 1 mv 2
2
energy transfer
e. Know and be able to apply: power =
time
f. Know and be able to use in calculations the law of conservation of energy.
g. Understand the concepts of useful energy and wasted energy.
useful output
h. Know and be able to apply: percentage efficiency = × 100
total input

P4. Thermal physics

P4.1 Conduction:

a. Know and understand thermal conductors and insulators, with examples.

b. Know and be able to apply factors affecting rate of conduction.

P4.2 Convection:

a. Understand and be able to apply the effect of temperature on density of fluid.

b. Understand and be able to apply fluid flow caused by differences in density.

P4.3 Thermal radiation:

a. Understand thermal radiation as electromagnetic waves in the infrared region.

b. Know and be able to apply absorption and emission of radiation.
c. Know and be able to apply factors affecting rate of absorption and emission of
thermal radiation.

P4.4 Heat capacity:

a. Understand the effect of energy transferred to or from an object on its

temperature.
thermal energy
b. Know and be able to apply: specific heat capacity =
mass × temperatur e change
where temperature is measured in °C and specific heat capacity, c, is measured
in J kg–1 °C–1.

19
P5. Matter
P5.1 States of matter:

a. Know the characteristic properties of solids, liquids and gases.

b. Know and be able to apply particle models of solids, liquids and gases.
c. Know and be able to explain properties of solids, liquids and gases in terms of
particle motion and the forces and distances between the particles.

P5.2 Ideal gases:

a. Be able to explain pressure and temperature in terms of the behaviour of

particles.
b. Understand and be able to apply the effect of pressure (P ) on gas volume (V ) at
constant temperature, i.e. PV = constant.

P5.3 State changes:

a. Understand the terms melting point and boiling point.

b. Know and understand the terms latent heat of fusion and latent heat of
vaporisation.
c. Know and be able to apply specific latent heat calculations.

P5.4 Density:

a. Know and be able to apply: density = mass , ρ =

m
volume V
b. Understand the experimental determination of densities.
c. Be able to compare the densities of solids, liquids and gases.

P5.5 Pressure:

a. Know and be able to apply: pressure = force

area
b. Know and be able to apply: hydrostatic pressure = hρ g, where h is the height, or
depth, of the liquid.

20
P6. Waves
P6.1 Wave properties:

a. Understand the transfer of energy without net movement of matter.

b. Know and understand transverse and longitudinal waves.
c. Know and understand the terms: peak, trough, compression and rarefaction.
d. Recall examples of waves, including electromagnetic waves and sound.
e. Know and be able to use the terms: amplitude, wavelength, frequency and
period.

f. Know and be able to apply: frequency =

1 , f= 1
period T

g. Know and be able to apply: wave speed = distance

time
h. Know and be able to apply: wave speed = frequency × wavelength, v = f λ

P6.2 Wave behaviour:

a. Know and understand reflection at a surface.

b. Know and understand refraction at a boundary.
c. Know and understand the effect of reflection and refraction on the speed,
frequency, wavelength and direction of waves.
d. Know and understand the analogy of reflection and refraction of light with that of
water waves.
e. Know and understand the Doppler effect.

P6.3 Optics:

a. Draw and interpret ray diagrams to describe reflection in plane mirrors.

b. Know and be able to apply: angle of incidence = angle of reflection
c. Draw and interpret ray diagrams for refraction at a planar boundary.
d. Know and be able to interpret angle of incidence and angle of refraction.
e. Know and understand the effect of refraction on wave direction (away from or
towards the normal) and speed (increasing or decreasing).

P6.4 Sound waves:

a. Understand the production of sound waves by a vibrating source.

b. Understand the need for a medium.
c. Understand qualitatively the relation of loudness to amplitude and pitch to
frequency.
d. Know and understand longitudinal waves.
e. Understand that reflection causes echoes.
f. Recall that the range of human hearing is 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
g. Know and understand ultrasound and its uses (sonar and medical scanning).

21
P6.5 Electromagnetic spectrum:

a. Know and understand the nature and properties of electromagnetic waves (they
are transverse waves and travel at the speed of light in a vacuum).
b. Recall the component parts of the spectrum (radio waves, microwaves, IR,
visible light, UV, X-rays, gamma).
c. Understand the distinction of the component parts by different wavelengths
and/or frequencies.
d. Recall the order of the component parts by wavelength and/or frequency.
e. Understand applications and hazards of the component parts of the
electromagnetic spectrum.

P7. Radioactivity
P7.1 Atomic structure:

a. Understand the atom in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons.

b. Know and be able to apply the nuclear model of atomic structure.
c. Know the relative charges and masses of protons, neutrons and electrons.
d. Understand and be able to use the terms atomic number and mass number.
e. Know and understand the term isotope.
f. Know and understand the term nuclide, and use nuclide notation.
g. Understand that ionisation is caused by the gain/loss of electrons.

P7.2 Radioactive decay:

a. Know and understand that emissions arise from an unstable nucleus.

b. Know and understand the random nature of emissions.
c. Know and understand the differences between alpha, beta and gamma emission.
d. Know and understand the nature of alpha and beta particles, and gamma
radiation.
e. Be able to use and interpret nuclear equations.
f. Know the effect of decay on atomic number and mass number.

P7.3 Ionising radiation:

a. Know the relative penetrating abilities of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
b. Know the relative ionising abilities of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
c. Understand qualitatively the deflection of alpha, beta and gamma radiation in
electric or magnetic fields.
d. Know and appreciate the existence of background radiation.
e. Understand the applications and hazards of ionising radiation.

22
P7.4 Half-life:

a. Be able to interpret graphical representations of radioactive decay (including

consideration of decay products).
b. Understand the meaning of the term half-life.
c. Understand and be able to apply half-life calculations.

23
CHEMISTRY

C1. Atomic structure

C1.1 Describe the structure of the atom as a central nucleus (containing protons and neutrons)
surrounded by electrons moving in shells/energy levels.

C1.2 Know the relative masses and charges of protons, neutrons and electrons, and recognise
that most of the mass of an atom is in the nucleus.

C1.3 Know and be able to use the terms atomic number and mass number, together with
standard notation (e.g. 126C ), and so be able to calculate the number of protons, neutrons
and electrons in any atom or ion.

C1.4 Use the atomic number to write the electron configurations of the first 20 elements in the
Periodic Table (H to Ca) in comma-separated format (e.g. 2,8,8,1 for a potassium atom).

C1.5 Know the definition of isotopes as atoms of an element with the same number of protons
but different numbers of neutrons (so having different mass numbers). Use data, including
that from a mass spectrometer, to identify the number and abundances of different
isotopes of elements.

C1.6 Know and use the concept of relative atomic mass, Ar , including calculating values from
given data.

C2. The Periodic Table (IUPAC conventions, Groups are labelled as 1-18)
C2.1 Know that Periods are horizontal rows and Groups are vertical columns.

C2.2 Know that the elements are arranged in the order of increasing atomic number.

C2.3 Recall the position of metals and non-metals in the Periodic Table: alkali metals
(Group 1), alkaline earth metals (Group 2), common non-metals in Group 16, the
halogens (Group 17), the noble gases (Group 18) and the transition metals.

C2.4 Know and use the relationship between the position of an atom in the Periodic Table
(Group and Period) and the electron configuration of the atom.

C2.5 Understand that elements in the same Group have similar chemical properties and that
down a metal Group, reactivity increases and down a non-metal Group, reactivity
decreases.

C3. Chemical reactions, formulae and equations

C3.1 Understand that in a chemical reaction, new substances are formed by the rearrangement
of atoms and their electrons, but no nuclei are destroyed or created.

C3.2 Know the chemical formulae of simple, common ionic and covalent compounds.

C3.3 Know and use state symbols: solid (s), liquid (l), gas (g), aqueous solution (aq).

C3.4 Be able to construct and balance a chemical equation, including ionic and half-equations.

24
C3.5 Understand that often chemical reactions can be reversible and do not go to completion.
All of the reactants do not turn fully into the products but the reaction reaches a state of
equilibrium in a closed system.

a. Know the factors that can affect the position of an equilibrium (concentration of
reactants/products, temperature, overall pressure).
b. Predict the effect of changing these factors on the position of equilibrium.

C4. Quantitative chemistry

C4.1 Use Ar values to calculate the relative molar mass, Mr.

C4.2 Know that Avogadro’s number gives the number of particles in one mole of a substance.

C4.3 Know that one mole of a substance is the Ar or Mr in grams, and perform conversions of
grams to moles and vice versa (including working in tonnes and kilograms). Know that the
amount of a substance corresponds to the number of moles of a substance.

C4.4 Calculate the percentage composition by mass of a compound using given Ar values.

C4.5 Know that the empirical formula is the simplest integer ratio of atoms in a compound. Find
the empirical formula of a compound from a variety of data, such as the percentage
composition by mass of the elements present or reacting masses. Find the molecular
formula from the empirical formula if given the Mr value.

C4.6 Use balanced chemical equations to calculate the masses of reactants and products,
including if there is a limiting reactant present.

C4.7 Be able to construct balanced chemical equations from reacting masses or gas volumes
data.

C4.8 Understand that (for an ideal gas) one mole of a gas occupies a set volume at a given
temperature and pressure (for example, 24 dm3 at room temperature and pressure (rtp)),
and perform conversions of volumes to number of moles, and vice versa.

C4.9 Solutions:

a. Understand that concentration can be measured in mol dm–3 or g dm–3, and be

able to calculate the concentration given the number of moles (or mass) of solute
and the volume of solution.
b. Know the term saturated solution, be able to calculate solubility and interpret
solubility data.

C4.10 Use the concentrations of solutions (or find the concentrations from given data) and the
reacting ratio of reactants from the balanced equation to perform titration calculations.

C4.11 Calculate the percentage yield of a reaction using the balanced chemical equation and
actual yield (g)
the equation: percentage yield = × 100
predicted yield (g)

25
C5. Oxidation, reduction and redox
C5.1 Know that on a basic level, oxidation is the gain of oxygen and that reduction is the
removal of oxygen.

C5.2 Know and be able to use the concept that oxidation and reduction are the transfer of
electrons, i.e. reduction is the gain of electrons and oxidation is the loss of electrons.

C5.3 Determine and use the oxidation states of atoms in simple inorganic compounds.

C5.4 Identify any chemical equation that involves: oxidation only, reduction only, redox (both
oxidation and reduction taking place), or no oxidation/reduction.

C5.5 Understand the concept of disproportionation and recognise reactions (or species) where
this occurs.

C5.6 Understand the terms oxidising agent and reducing agent, and be able to identify them in
reactions.

C6. Chemical bonding, structure and properties

C6.1 Define and understand the differences between elements, compounds and mixtures.

C6.2 Understand that atoms often react to form compounds which have the electron
configuration of a noble gas (Group 18). Understand that the type of bonding taking place
depends on the atoms involved in the reaction.

C6.3 Ionic bonding:

a. Know that ions are formed by transfer of electrons from atoms of metals to atoms
of non-metals, and that these ions (of opposite charge) attract to form ionic
compounds.
b. Predict the charge of the most stable ions formed from elements in Groups 1, 2,
16 and 17 and aluminium by consideration of their electron configuration.
c. Know the chemical formulae of common compound ions, e.g. CO32– and OH–.
d. Know that when an element can exist in more than one oxidation state, e.g. Cu,
Fe, then Roman numerals are used to denote the one present, e.g. iron(III)
chloride for FeCl3.
e. Determine the formulae of ionic compounds from their constituent ions.
f. Understand the general physical properties of ionic compounds, such as melting
point and conductivity.

C6.4 Covalent bonding:

a. Know that a covalent bond is formed when atoms share one (or more) pair(s) of
electrons, generally between non-metals.
b. Understand that covalently bonded substances can be small molecules (e.g.
water, ammonia, methane) or giant structures (e.g. diamond, graphite, silicon
dioxide).
c. Understand the general physical properties of substances composed of small
molecules or of those that exist as giant covalent structures.

26
C6.5 Metallic bonding:

a. Understand that solid metals exist as a giant structure of positively charged ions
surrounded by delocalised (free) electrons.
b. Understand the general physical properties of metals, such as melting point and
conductivity.

C6.6 Understand that intermolecular forces can exist between molecules, and that these forces
must be overcome in melting and boiling.

C6.7 Be able to relate structure and bonding to physical properties, such as melting point and
conductivity.

C7. Group chemistry

C7.1 Know the physical and chemical properties of the alkali metals (Group 1), the halogens
(Group 17) and the noble gases (Group 18).

C7.2 Describe the trends in chemical reactivity and physical properties of the alkali metals
(Group 1) and make predictions based on those trends. This includes knowledge of the
relative positions of lithium, sodium and potassium in Group 1.

C7.3 The halogens (Group 17):

a. Describe the trends in chemical reactivity and physical properties of the halogens
and make predictions based on those trends. This includes knowledge of the
relative positions of fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine in Group 17.
b. Explain what is meant by a displacement reaction, in terms of reactivity
competition, between halogens and halide ions.

C8. Separation techniques

C8.1 Know that chemical processes are required to displace constituent elements from their
compounds.

C8.2 Know that physical processes are required to separate mixtures, including
miscible/immiscible liquids and dissolved/insoluble solids.

C8.3 Know when to apply the following separation techniques: simple/fractional distillation,
paper chromatography (including use of Rf values), use of a separating funnel,
centrifugation, dissolving, filtration, evaporation and crystallisation.

C8.4 Know how to establish the purity of a substance using chromatography.

27
C9. Acids, bases and salts
C9.1 Acids:

a. Define an acid as a substance that can form H+(aq) ions or that is an H+ donor.
b. Describe reactions with metals, carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides
in which salts are formed.
c. Understand the terms strong, weak, dilute and concentrated.
d. Know that some oxides of non-metals react with water to form acidic solutions.
e. Recall that pH is a measure of H+ ion concentration, and recall that a change of 1
on the pH scale corresponds to a change by a factor of 10 in H+ ion
concentration.
f. Know that one mole of some acidic substances is able to form/donate more than
one mole of H+ ions, including the use of the terms mono-, di-, tri-, and polyprotic.

C9.2 Bases:

a. Define a base as a substance that can form OH–(aq) ions or that is an H+

acceptor.
b. Understand the terms strong, weak, dilute and concentrated.
c. Know that some oxides and hydroxides of metals react with water to form
alkaline solutions.

C9.3 Know that the reaction of an acid with a base can lead to neutralisation and is often
exothermic.

C10. Rates of reaction

C10.1 Describe the qualitative effects on a rate of reaction of concentration, temperature,
particle size, a catalyst and, for gases, pressure.

C10.2 Know that the rate of reaction can be found by measuring the loss of a reactant or the
gain of a product, or by measurement of a physical property over time, and be able to
identify which of these measurements can be used in a given situation.

C10.3 Interpret data in graphical form concerning the rate of a reaction.

C10.4 Use collision theory to explain changes in the rate of a reaction.

C10.5 Understand that particles must have sufficient energy when they collide to react, and that
this energy is called the activation energy (Ea). Identify the activation energy on an energy
level diagram.

C10.6 Know that catalysts:

a. are not used up in a reaction.

b. are chemically unchanged at the end of a reaction.
c. provide an alternative route (reaction mechanism) with a lower activation energy,
and interpret this effect on an energy level diagram.
d. do not affect the position of an equilibrium.

28
C11. Energetics

C11.1 Understand the concepts of an exothermic reaction, for which ∆H is negative (negative
enthalpy change), and an endothermic reaction, for which ∆H is positive (positive
enthalpy change).

C11.2 Know that if a reversible reaction is exothermic in one direction, it is endothermic in the
other direction.

C11.3 Be able to interpret energy level diagrams.

C11.4 Be able to calculate energy changes from specific heat capacities and changes in
temperature in calorimetry experiments.

C11.5 Know that bond breaking is endothermic and bond formation is exothermic, and be able
to use bond energy data to calculate energy changes.

C12. Electrolysis
C12.1 Understand the terms electrode, cathode (negative electrode), anode (positive electrode)
and electrolyte.

C12.2 Understand why direct current (dc), and not alternating current (ac), is used in
electrolysis.

C12.3 Understand that in electrolysis at the cathode, the cations (positively charged ions)
receive electrons (reduction) to change into atoms or molecules, and at the anode, the
anions (negatively charged ions) lose electrons to form atoms or molecules (oxidation).

C12.4 Understand and be able to predict the products of the electrolysis of the following:

a. aqueous solutions (including those of salts), including situations where more than
one ion/molecule is attracted to a single electrode
b. molten binary compounds

C12.5 Be able to write half-equations for the processes taking place at each electrode.

C12.6 Explain how electrolysis is used to electroplate objects.

29
C13. Carbon/Organic chemistry
C13.1 General concepts:
a. Know that crude oil is the main source of hydrocarbons and that it is separated
into fractions by fractional distillation (names and uses of specific fractions not
expected).
b. Understand the link between carbon chain length and the following trends in
physical properties of hydrocarbons: boiling points, viscosity, flammability.
c. Know the use of longer chain alkanes in cracking to form shorter chain alkanes
and alkenes, and be able to write balanced chemical equations for these
reactions.
d. Understand structural isomerism and be able to recognise examples.
e. Understand and be able to use the following terms: molecular formula,
full structural formula (displayed structure) and condensed structural formula.
f. Understand and be able to use the terms complete combustion and incomplete
combustion, and be able to write balanced chemical equations for such
reactions.
g. Know the IUPAC guidelines for the systematic naming of carbon compounds,
and apply the guidelines in order to be able to name all the compounds in this
section of the specification.
h. Know and understand the terms homologous series and functional group.

C13.2 Alkanes (saturated hydrocarbons):

a. Describe alkanes as a homologous series with the general formula of Cn H2n + 2.
b. Be able to name, or recognise from the name, the C1 to C6 straight-chain
alkanes.

C13.3 Alkenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons):

a. Describe alkenes as a homologous series with a double bond and the general
formula Cn H2n.
b. Be able to name, or recognise from the name, C2 to C6 straight-chain alkenes,
including the position of the double bond.
c. Recognise and be able to use the test for unsaturation with bromine water.
d. Know that addition reactions take place with the following substances: hydrogen,
halogens, hydrogen halides and steam. Be able to write the balanced chemical
equations for these reactions and recognise the formulae of the products formed.
(Mechanisms and consideration of carbocation stability are not required.)

C13.4 Polymers:
a. Addition polymerisation, polyalkenes:
i. Know that alkenes or other molecules with a C=C bond may react with
each other to form long-chain saturated molecules called polymers by
addition reactions called polymerisation, and that the unsaturated
molecules are called monomers.
ii. If given an unsaturated monomer molecule, be able to recognise the
structure of the polymer and vice versa.
iii. Be able to recognise the repeating unit of these polymers.

30
 b. Condensation polymerisation, polyesters and polyamides (to include amino acids
forming proteins):
i. If given the monomer molecules, be able to recognise the structure of the
polymer and vice versa.
ii. Be able to recognise the repeating unit of these polymers.
c. Understand the terms biodegradable and non-biodegradable when applied to
polymers.

C13.5 Alcohols:

a. Describe alcohols as a homologous series with the general formula Cn H2n + 1OH.
b. Be able to name, or recognise from the name, C1 to C6 straight-chain alcohols,
including the position of the -OH group.
c. Describe the reaction of alcohols with sodium metal.

C13.6 Carboxylic acids:

a. Describe carboxylic acids as a homologous series with the general formula

Cn H2n + 1COOH.
b. Be able to name, or recognise from the name, C1 to C6 straight-chain carboxylic
acids.
c. Describe the chemical properties of carboxylic acids as those of weak acids, and
so be able to predict their reactions and determine the formulae of their salts.
d. Know that carboxylic acids react with alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst
to produce esters.

C14. Metals
C14.1 Understand that the reactivity of a metal is linked to its tendency to form positive ions and
the ease of extraction of the metal.

C14.2 Be able to use displacement reactions to establish the order of reactivity of metals and
vice versa.

C14.3 Describe how the uses of metals are related to their physical and chemical properties,
e.g. Al, Fe, Cu, Ag, Au, Ti, and understand that alloys can be formed to produce materials
with specific properties.

C14.4 Know that most metal ores are the oxides of the metal, and that the extraction of metals
always involves reduction processes.

C14.5 Know that common properties of transition metals include:

a. they are able to form stable ions in different oxidation states

b. they often form coloured compounds
c. they are often used as catalysts (as ions or atoms)

31
C15. Kinetic/Particle theory
C15.1 Be able to describe the packing and movement of particles in the three states of matter:
solid, liquid and gas.

C15.2 Understand the changes to the packing and movement of particles in the following
changes of state: freezing, melting, boiling/evaporating, and condensing. Understand that
the energy required for these processes is related to the bonding and structure of the
substance, including a consideration of intermolecular forces.

C16. Chemical tests

C16.1 Know and recognise the following tests for gases:

a. hydrogen – explodes with a ‘squeaky pop’ when a burning splint is held at the
open end of a test tube
b. oxygen – relights a glowing splint
c. carbon dioxide – limewater turns cloudy when shaken with the gas
d. chlorine – damp blue litmus paper turns red and then is bleached (paper turns
white)

C16.2 Know, recognise and describe the following tests for the anions:

a. carbonates – using a dilute acid

b. halides – using an aqueous solution of silver nitrate in the presence of dilute
nitric acid (chlorides form a white precipitate; bromides form a cream precipitate;
iodides form a yellow precipitate)
c. sulfates – using an aqueous solution of barium chloride in the presence of dilute
hydrochloric acid

C16.3 Know and recognise the test for the following metal cations using aqueous sodium
hydroxide:

a. Al3+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ each form a white precipitate.

b. Cu2+ forms a blue precipitate.
c. Fe2+ forms a green precipitate.
d. Fe3+ forms a brown precipitate.

C16.4 Recall and recognise the flame test for the cations of the following metals:

Li (crimson red), Na (yellow-orange), K (lilac), Ca (red-orange), Cu (green)

C16.5 Know and recognise the test for the presence of water using anhydrous copper(II) sulfate
(colour change from white to blue).

32
C17. Air and water
C17.1 Know and be able to use the composition of dry air, and understand that fractional
distillation can be used to separate the components of air.

C17.2 Know the origins and describe the effects of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and CH4.

C17.3 Know the origins and effects of gaseous pollutants such as CO, CO2, SO2 and NOx.

C17.4 Know the purpose of chlorine and fluoride ions in the treatment of drinking water.

33
BIOLOGY

B1. Cells

B1.1 Know and understand the structure and function of the main sub-cellular components of
eukaryotic cells (both animal and plant) including:

a. cell membrane
b. cytoplasm
c. nucleus
d. mitochondrion
e. cell wall (plant only)
f. chloroplast (plant only)
g. vacuole (plant only)

B1.2 Know and understand the structure and function of the main sub-cellular components of
prokaryotic cells (bacteria) including:

a. cell membrane
b. cytoplasm
c. cell wall
d. chromosomal DNA/no ‘true’ nucleus
e. plasmid DNA

B1.3 Know and understand the levels of organisation within organisms as: cells to tissues to
organs to organ systems.

B2. Movement across membranes

B2.1 Know and understand the processes of diffusion, osmosis (in terms of water potential),
and active transport, including examples in living and non-living systems.

B3. Cell division and sex determination

B3.1 Mitosis and the cell cycle:

a. Know and understand that the mitotic cell cycle includes interphase (involving
cell growth and DNA replication) and mitosis (involving one cell division leading
to two daughter cells which are genetically identical to each other and to the
parental cell).

34
 b. Know and understand the importance of mitosis in the growth of an organism:
specifically, its roles in increasing the number of cells, repairing tissues, replacing
cells and asexual reproduction.
c. Know and understand that cancer is the result of changes in cells, including
mutations, that lead to uncontrolled cell division.

B3.2 Meiosis and the cell cycle:

a. Know and understand that the meiotic cell cycle includes interphase (involving
cell growth and DNA replication) and meiosis (involving two cell divisions leading
to four daughter cells, each with a single copy of each chromosome).
b. Know and understand the role of meiosis in producing genetically different
haploid gametes so that the zygote (fertilised egg cell) produced at fertilisation is
diploid.

B3.3 Asexual and sexual reproduction:

a. Know and understand that asexual reproduction involves one parent and that
offspring are genetically identical when no mutations occur.

b. Know and understand that sexual reproduction involves two parents and that
offspring are genetically different in relation to each other and the parents,
leading to (increased) variation.

B3.4 Sex determination:

a. Know that, in most mammals including humans, females are XX and males
are XY.
b. Analyse genetic data and diagrams to establish the sex and ratio of offspring.

35
B4. Inheritance

B4.1 Know and understand the nucleus as a site of genetic material in eukaryotic cells.

B4.2 Know and understand the following genetic terms:

a. gene
b. allele
c. dominant
d. recessive
e. heterozygous
f. homozygous
g. phenotype
h. genotype
i. chromosome
j. autosome

B4.3 Monohybrid crosses:

a. Use and interpret genetic data and diagrams involving monohybrid (single gene)
crosses.
b. Use and interpret family trees/pedigrees and express outcomes as ratios,
numbers, probabilities or percentages.
c. Understand the concept of inherited conditions.
d. Know that most phenotypes are the result of multiple genes and only some result
from single gene inheritance.

B5. DNA
B5.1 Know and understand that

a. the genome is the full set of genetic material (DNA) of an organism.

b. this DNA is contained within chromosomes.

B5.2 Know and understand the structure of DNA:

a. Know and understand that single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) is a polymer made up

of nucleotides joined together to form one strand of DNA.
b. Know and understand that double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is a polymer made up
of two strands of DNA forming a double helix.
c. Know and understand that the structure of each nucleotide consists of a common
sugar and phosphate group as well as one of four different nitrogenous bases.

36
 d. Know the complementary pairs of DNA nitrogenous bases – adenine (A) pairs
with thymine (T) and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C) – and that the sequence
of these bases is the genetic code.
B5.3 Protein synthesis:

a. Know and understand that protein synthesis involves producing chains of amino
acids called polypeptides.
b. Know and understand that one or more polypeptide(s) can form a functional
protein.
c. Know and understand that the three-dimensional shape of a protein is
determined by the sequence of its amino acids.
d. Know and understand that the sequence of nucleotide bases in a gene
determines the sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide the gene codes for.
e. Know and understand that the sequence of nucleotides in a gene is ‘read’ as
triplets, and that each triplet codes for an amino acid.
B5.4 Gene mutations:

a. Understand that a mutation changes the sequence of nucleotides in the DNA.

b. Know that most mutations have no effect on the phenotype, some will have a
small effect, whilst occasionally others will determine the phenotype.

B6. Gene technologies

B6.1 Genetic engineering:

a. Understand the process of genetic engineering to include:

i. taking a copy of a gene from the DNA of one organism
ii. insertion of that gene into the DNA of another organism
iii. the roles of restriction enzymes and ligases in recombining DNA.
b. Recall and interpret examples of genetic engineering in different cell types.
c. Explain the benefits and risks of using genetic engineering in medical
applications.

B6.2 Stem cells:

a. Know and understand that some early embryonic cells are totipotent and have
the potential to develop into a complete multicellular organism.

b. Know and understand that most embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can
differentiate into any cell type.

c. Know and understand that adult stem cells are multipotent and can differentiate
into a limited number of different cell types.

d. Know and understand the likely benefits and risks of using stem cells in medical
applications.

37
B6.3 Selective breeding:

a. Know and understand the differences and similarities between natural selection
and selective breeding.
b. Understand the impact of selective breeding on populations.

B7. Variation

B7.1 Natural selection and evolution:

a. Know that there is usually extensive genetic variation within a population of a

species.
b. Describe evolution as a change in the inherited characteristics of a population
over time through a process of natural selection which may result in the
formation of a new species.
c. Know and understand how evolution can occur through natural selection of
variants that give rise to phenotypes best suited to their environment.
d. Know and understand that antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an example of
evolution through natural selection.

B7.2 Sources of variation:

a. Understand that variation can be genetic/inherited, resulting in a range of

phenotypes.
b. Understand that variation can also be environmental, which affects a range of
phenotypes.

B8. Enzymes

B8.1 Know and understand that enzymes are primarily proteins that function as biological
catalysts.

B8.2 Know and understand the general mechanism of enzyme action, including the role of the
active site and enzyme specificity.

B8.3 Know and understand how the factors of temperature and pH can affect the rate of
enzyme action.

B8.4 Know the role of amylases, proteases and lipases in the digestion of carbohydrates,
proteins and fats.

38
B9. Animal physiology

B9.1 Respiration:

a. Know and understand the process of cellular respiration in living cells.

b. Know and understand the process of aerobic respiration in living cells, including
the word equation.
c. Know and understand the process of anaerobic respiration in animal cells,
including the word equation.
B9.2 Organ systems:

a. Nervous system:
i. Know and understand that the central nervous system comprises the brain
and spinal cord.
ii. Know and understand the structure and function of sensory neurones,
relay neurones, motor neurones, synapses and the reflex arc.
b. Respiratory system:
i. Know and understand the structure and function of the respiratory
(breathing) system, including the structure of the thorax.
ii. Understand the processes of ventilation and gas exchange.
iii. Know and understand the importance of a high surface area : volume ratio
for the gas exchange process.
c. Circulatory system:
i. Know and understand the structure and function of the circulatory system,
including the structure of the heart, characteristics of heart rate, ECGs, and
the main types of blood vessel (arteries, veins and capillaries).
ii. Know and understand the composition and function of the blood (red blood
cells carry oxygen; white blood cells are involved in antibody production
and phagocytosis; platelets are involved in blood clotting; and plasma is
involved both in the transport of blood components and other dissolved
substances including hormones, antibodies, urea and carbon dioxide, and
in the distribution of heat).
iii. Know and understand the relationship with the gaseous exchange system.
iv. Know and understand the need for exchange surfaces and a transport
system in multicellular organisms in terms of surface area : volume ratio.
d. Digestive system:
i. Know and understand the structure and function of the digestive system.
ii. Know and understand the processes of peristalsis, digestion, absorption
and egestion.

39
 e. Excretory system:
i. Know and understand the structure and function of the excretory system,
including the kidney and the main components of the nephron.
ii. Understand the role of the kidneys in homeostasis.

B9.3 Homeostasis:

a. Know that homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment,

and appreciate its importance in multicellular animals.
b. Understand the concept of negative feedback in the context of homeostasis.
c. Know and understand the regulation of blood glucose levels, including the role of
insulin and glucagon.
d. Understand the main features of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and how type 1
diabetes can be treated.
e. Know and understand the regulation of water content (including the role of ADH)
and the regulation of body temperature.

B9.4 Hormones:

a. Know and understand that hormones are released from specific endocrine
glands and travel via the blood to their target structures.
b. Know and understand the main roles of adrenaline in the body.
c. Know and understand the roles of hormones in human reproduction including:
i. those involved in the menstrual cycle (FSH, LH, oestrogen and
progesterone).
ii. those used for contraception, and the differences between hormonal and
non-hormonal forms of contraception.

B9.5 Disease and body defence:

a. Communicable diseases:
i. Know that communicable diseases are caused by pathogenic bacteria,
viruses, protists and fungi.
ii. Understand the transmission routes of sexually transmitted infections,
including the effect on the immune system of HIV which results in AIDS.
iii. Understand the treatment of disease, including the use of antibiotics,
vaccines (role of dead and inactive pathogens, antibody production and
formation of memory cells) and techniques to prevent the spread of
pathogens including HIV.
iv. Understand the process of discovery and development of new medicines
and vaccines, including pre-clinical and clinical testing.

40
 b. Non-communicable diseases:
i. Know that the following diseases are caused by the interaction of many
factors: cardiovascular disease, many forms of cancer, some lung and liver
diseases and diseases influenced by nutrition, including type 2 diabetes.
ii. Know that cardiovascular disease can be treated/managed using lifelong
medication (including statins, anti-coagulants and anti-hypertensive drugs),
surgical procedures (including stents and bypass for coronary heart
disease), and lifestyle changes (including reducing smoking, more exercise
and a balanced diet).

B10. Ecosystems

B10.1 Levels of organisation in an ecosystem:

a. Know and understand the organisation of levels within an ecosystem from

individuals through to populations, and from communities through to ecosystems.
b. Know and understand how communities can be affected by abiotic and biotic
factors.
c. Know and understand the factors that can cause a population to change in size.
d. Understand the importance of interdependence in ecosystems (relating to
predation, mutualism and parasitism) and of competition in a community.
e. Know and understand that photosynthetic organisms are the primary producers
of food in an ecosystem, and therefore biomass.

B10.2 Material cycling:

a. Know and understand the carbon cycle, including the importance of the following
processes:
i. photosynthesis
ii. respiration
iii. combustion
iv. decomposition
b. Understand the importance of the water cycle to living organisms.

B10.3 Biodiversity:

a. Know and understand how quadrats and belt transects are used to investigate
the distribution and abundance of organisms in a habitat, and interpret data from
their use.
b. Know and understand how to determine the number of organisms in a given
area.
c. Know and understand the positive and negative human interactions in an
ecosystem, including fish farming, acid rain and eutrophication, and explain their
impact on biodiversity.

41
B11. Plant physiology

B11.1 Importance of photosynthesis:

a. Know and understand the process of photosynthesis as an endothermic reaction

that uses light energy to react carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and
oxygen.
b. Understand the effect of temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide
concentration as limiting factors on the rate of photosynthesis.

B11.2 Transport systems in plants:

a. Know and understand how the structures of xylem and phloem are adapted to
their functions in plants, including the role of:
i. lignified dead cells in xylem tissue in the transport of water and mineral
ions from the roots to the stems and leaves.
ii. living cells in phloem tissue in the transport of dissolved sugars from the
leaves to the rest of the plant for immediate use or storage.
b. Know and understand how water and mineral ions are taken up by plants, and
relate the structure of root hair cells to their function in this.
c. Know and understand the processes of transpiration and translocation, including
the structure and function of the stomata.
d. Know and understand the effect of environmental factors on the rate of water
uptake by a plant, including light intensity, air movement, humidity and
temperature.
e. Calculate the rate of transpiration as:
volume of water
rate of transpiration =
time taken

42
APPENDIX 2: ADDITIONAL ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE IN SECTION 2
The material that follows outlines the additional scientific and mathematical knowledge assessed in
Section 2 of the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment.

Section 2 consists of three parts. Candidates will be required to answer one part only. The three
parts are:

Part X Physics
Part Y Chemistry
Part Z Biology

There are 20 multiple-choice questions in each part.

The time allowed to complete Section 2 is 60 minutes.

Calculators may NOT be used in Section 2.

Questions in Section 2 will draw upon the relevant subject-specific topics as in the following table:

Advanced Physics (topics labelled ‘AP’, Appendix 2)

Part X Advanced Mathematics (topics labelled ‘AM’, Appendix 2)
(Physics) Physics (topics labelled ‘P’, Appendix 1)
Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)
Advanced Chemistry (topics labelled ‘AC’, Appendix 2)
Part Y
Chemistry (topics labelled ‘C’, Appendix 1)
(Chemistry)
Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)
Advanced Biology (topics labelled ‘AB’, Appendix 2)
Part Z
Biology (topics labelled ‘B’, Appendix 1)
(Biology)
Mathematics (topics labelled ‘M’, Appendix 1)

All parts assume knowledge of the mathematical content of Section 1 Part A (Mathematics).

Parts X (Physics), Part Y (Chemistry) and Part Z (Biology) assume knowledge of the specified
additional ‘Advanced’ content listed in Appendix 2.

Candidates are expected to apply conceptual knowledge to deconstruct and solve problems. Some
questions involve the straightforward application of this knowledge, but others require more creative
thinking, problem solving, and the application of principles in less familiar contexts.

43
ADVANCED PHYSICS

AP1. Forces and equilibrium

AP1.1 Understand the nature of scalars and vectors:

a. Examples include velocity, speed, mass, momentum, force, weight, acceleration,

displacement and distance.
b. Know and be able to interpret vector notation.

AP1.2 Components and resultants of vectors:

a. Be able to resolve a vector into two components at right angles to each other by
drawing and by calculation.
b. Find the resultant of two coplanar vectors at any angle to each other by drawing.
c. Find the resultant of two coplanar vectors at right angles to each other by
calculation.

AP1.3 Moments:

a. Understand moment defined as force × perpendicular distance from the point to

the line of action of the force.
b. Be able to calculate the moment of a force about a point (2 dimensions only).
c. Know and be able to apply the principle of moments.

AP1.4 Understand the use of normal and frictional components of contact forces between two
surfaces. The distinction between static and dynamic friction is not included.

AP1.5 Understand and use the condition for a particle to be in equilibrium in simple situations.
Equilibrium may involve a stationary particle or one moving at constant velocity.

AP1.6 Understand and use the terms smooth and rough.

AP1.7 Understand and be able to apply the concept of centre of gravity (centre of mass):

a. Understand that the weight of a body acts through its centre of gravity.
b. Identify the position of the centre of gravity of simple planar bodies using
symmetry.

AP1.8 Solve problems involving equilibrium of rigid bodies under coplanar forces (zero resultant
force and zero resultant moment):

a. These problems could involve an object on an inclined plane, with or without

friction.
b. Understand and apply the representation of forces using a triangle of forces.

44
AP2. Kinematics
AP2.1 Understand graphical methods involving distance, displacement, speed, velocity,
acceleration and time.

AP2.2 Use graphical representation of 1-dimensional motion to make various deductions (for
example, find the displacement from a velocity–time graph).

AP2.3 Solve questions involving the equations of motion:

a. v = u + at
b. s = ut + 1 at 2
2
( u + v )t
c. s =
2
d. v 2 = u 2 + 2as
AP2.4 Know and be able to apply the equation: power = force × velocity

AP3. Newton’s laws

AP3.1 Apply Newton’s laws to linear motion of point masses moving under the action of forces,
including friction and drag (the resistive force experienced by an object travelling through
a fluid).

a. Understand that drag force increases with speed.

b. Understand and apply the explanation of terminal velocity in terms of forces
acting.

AP3.2 Model a body moving vertically, or on an inclined plane, with constant acceleration.

AP3.3 Solve problems involving projectile motion as the independent effect of motion in
horizontal and vertical directions in a uniform gravitational field.

a. Problems will be solvable using the equations of motion.

b. Be able to consider qualitatively the effect of air resistance on projectile motion.

AP3.4 Solve simple problems involving two bodies connected by a light inextensible string
or rod.

a. For example, two bodies connected by a string over a light smooth pulley or a
car towing a caravan.
b. Interpret and use free body diagrams.

45
AP4. Momentum
AP4.1 Understand and use the definition of linear momentum.

AP4.2 Understand and use the principle of conservation of momentum in 1-dimensional

situations, including coalescence involving elastic collisions (where there is no loss of
kinetic energy) and inelastic collisions (where there is a loss of kinetic energy).

AP4.3 Understand how to relate conservation of momentum to Newton’s laws of motion.

Know and be able to apply the equation: force = rate of change of momentum

AP4.4 Understand and be able to apply the impulse of a force: impulse = F∆t

AP5. Energy
AP5.1 Understand and use the concepts of:

gravitational potential energy, ∆Ep = mg∆h

kinetic energy, Ek = 1 mv 2
2

a. Be able to apply the quantitative and qualitative use of energy conservation to

examples involving gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and work done
against resistive forces.
b. Understand and apply the principle of conservation of energy.

AP5.2 Know and be able to apply the equation:

∆W
power = rate of doing work = rate of energy transfer, P =
∆t
AP5.3 Know and be able to apply the equation:
useful energy transfer
efficiency = × 100%
total energy input

AP6. Materials
mass
AP6.1 Know and be able to apply the equation: density =
volume
normal force
AP6.2 Know and be able to apply the equation: pressure =
area
AP6.3 Understand and be able to use the concepts of tensile and compressive deformation.

AP6.4 Know and be able to describe the behaviour of springs in terms of load, extension and
elastic limit.

AP6.5 Know and be able to apply Hooke's law (force is proportional to extension):

a. Know and be able to apply the equation:

spring constant = force per unit extension
b. Understand graphical methods involving force and extension.

46
AP6.6 Understand and be able to use the terms stress, strain and ultimate tensile strength.
stress
AP6.7 Recall and be able to use the equation: Young modulus =
strain
force extension
where stress = and strain =
cross - sectional area unstretched length
AP6.8 Recall and be able to use the concept of strain energy:

a. as the area under the force–extension graph

1 1
b. recall and be able to use the equation: strain energy = Fx = kx2
2 2

AP6.9 Understand and be able to use the concepts of elastic and plastic deformation.

AP7. Waves
AP7.1 Know and be able to describe wave motion as illustrated by vibration in ropes, springs
and ripple tanks.

AP7.2 Know and understand the terms displacement, amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period,
speed, path difference and phase difference.

AP7.3 Recall and be able to use the equation: frequency = 1

period
AP7.4 Recall and be able to use the equation: speed = frequency × wavelength

AP7.5 Understand and be able to compare transverse and longitudinal waves.

a. Understand and be able to interpret graphical representations of transverse and

longitudinal waves.

AP7.6 Understand and be able to use the principle of superposition.

AP7.7 Understand and be able to describe the formation of stationary waves using a graphical
method.

AP7.8 Be able to identify nodes and antinodes.

a. Know and understand that the distance between adjacent nodes, or between
adjacent antinodes, is equal to half a wavelength.

b. Know and understand whether a node or an antinode is formed at the end of a

stationary wave in closed and open pipes and in stretched strings.

AP7.9 Understand and be able to use the concepts of reflection and refraction of waves.
v1 sin θ 1
AP7.10 Recall and be able to use the equations: refractive index, n = =
v2 sin θ 2
AP7.11 Understand and be able to use the concepts of total internal reflection and critical
angle (C).
1
a. Recall and be able to use the equation: n =
sin C

47
AP8. Electricity
AP8.1 Recall and be able to use the equation: charge = current × time

AP8.2 Recall and be able to use the equation: potential difference, pd = work done
charge
AP8.3 Know and be able to apply Ohm’s law.

AP8.4 Recall and be able to use the equation: V = IR

AP8.5 Recall and be able to use the equations:

a. P = VI
b. P = I 2R
V2
c. P =
R
AP8.6 Understand and be able to interpret the V–I characteristics of an ohmic resistor, a
filament lamp and a semi-conductor diode.

AP8.7 Know the behaviour of LDRs and NTC thermistors.

cross -sectional area
AP8.8 Recall and be able to use the equation: resistivity = resistance ×
length
AP8.9 Recall and be able to use standard circuit symbols.

AP8.10 Draw and be able to interpret circuit diagrams.

AP8.11 Understand electromotive force (emf) as the work done in driving unit charge around a
complete circuit.

a. Distinguish between emf and pd in terms of energy considerations.

b. Understand internal resistance and its effect on the terminal pd of a supply.

AP8.12 Recall and be able to apply Kirchhoff ’s laws:

a. Understand Kirchhoff ’s first law in terms of conservation of charge.

b. Understand Kirchhoff ’s second law in terms of conservation of energy.
c. Be able to apply Kirchhoff ’s laws to circuit problems.

AP8.13 Understand and be able to apply formulae for combined resistance of two (or more)
resistors:

a. in series
b. in parallel

AP8.14 Understand the principle of a potential divider circuit, including the equations:

V out R1
a. =
V in R1 + R 2
V1 R
b. = 1
V2 R 2

48
ADVANCED MATHEMATICS

AM1. Algebra and functions

AM1.1 Laws of indices for all rational exponents.

AM1.2 Use and manipulation of surds.

Simplifying expressions that contain surds, including rationalising the denominator.
5 3
For example: simplifying and
3+2 5 7 −2 3

AM1.3 Quadratic functions and their graphs; the discriminant of a quadratic function; completing
the square; solution of quadratic equations.

AM1.4 Simultaneous equations: analytical solution by substitution, e.g. of one linear and one
quadratic equation.

AM1.5 Solution of linear and quadratic inequalities.

AM1.6 Algebraic manipulation of polynomials, including:

a. expanding brackets and collecting like terms

b. factorisation and simple algebraic division (by a linear polynomial, including
those of the form ax + b, and by quadratics, including those of the form
ax2 + bx + c)
c. use of the Factor Theorem and the Remainder Theorem

AM1.7 Qualitative understanding that a function is a many-to-one (or sometimes just a one-to-
one) mapping.
Familiarity with the properties of common functions, including f (x) = x (which always
means the ‘positive square root’) and f (x) = x .

AM2. Sequences and series

AM2.1 Sequences, including those given by a formula for the nth term and those generated by a
simple recurrence relation of the form xn+1 = f (xn)

AM2.2 Arithmetic series, including the formula for the sum of the first n natural numbers.

AM2.3 The sum of a finite geometric series.

The sum to infinity of a convergent geometric series, including the use of r < 1
n
AM2.4 Binomial expansion of (1 + x) for positive integer n, and for expressions of the form
n
( a + f (x) ) for positive integer n and simple f (x).
n
The notations n! and   .
r

49
AM3. Coordinate geometry in the (x, y)-plane
AM3.1 Equation of a straight line, including:
a. y – y1 = m(x – x1)
b. ax + by + c = 0

Conditions for two straight lines to be parallel or perpendicular to each other.

Finding equations of straight lines given information in various forms.

AM3.2 Coordinate geometry of the circle, using the equation of a circle in the forms:

a. (x – a)2 + (y – b)2 = r2
b. x2 + y2 + cx + dy + e = 0

AM3.3 Use of the following circle properties:

a. The perpendicular from the centre to a chord bisects the chord.

b. The tangent at any point on a circle is perpendicular to the radius at that point.
c. The angle subtended by an arc at the centre of a circle is twice the angle
subtended by the arc at any point on the circumference.
d. The angle in a semicircle is a right angle.
e. Angles in the same segment are equal.
f. The opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral add to 180°.
g. The angle between the tangent and chord at the point of contact is equal to the
angle in the alternate segment.

AM4. Trigonometry

AM4.1 The sine and cosine rules, and the area of a triangle in the form 1 ab sin C .
2
The sine rule includes an understanding of the ‘ambiguous’ case (angle–side–side).
Problems might be set in 2 or 3 dimensions.

AM4.2 Radian measure, including use for arc length and area of sector and segment.

AM4.3 The values of sine, cosine and tangent for the angles: 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°.

AM4.4 The sine, cosine and tangent functions; their graphs, symmetries, and periodicity.

AM4.5 Knowledge and use of the equations:

a. tan θ = sin θ
cos θ
b. sin θ + cos2 θ = 1
2

AM4.6 Solution of simple trigonometric equations in a given interval (this may involve the use of
the identities in 4.5).

For example: tan θ = − 1 for –π < x < π sin2 (2x + π

) = 1 for –2π < x < 2π
3 3 2

12cos2 x + 6sin x – 10 = 2 for 0° < x < 360°

50
AM5. Exponentials and logarithms

AM5.1 y = a x and its graph, for simple positive values of a.

AM5.2 Laws of logarithms:
b
a. a = c ⇔ b = loga c
b. loga x + loga y = loga (xy)
 
c. loga x – loga y = loga  x 
 y
k
d. k loga x = loga (x )

including the special cases:

e. loga  1  = – loga x
x
f. loga a = 1

Questions requiring knowledge of the change of base formula will not be set.
x
AM5.3 The solution of equations of the form a = b, and equations which can be reduced to this
form, including those that need prior algebraic manipulation.
x x x
For example: 32 = 4 and 25 – 3 × 5 + 2 = 0

AM6. Differentiation
AM6.1 The derivative of f (x) as the gradient of the tangent to the graph y = f (x) at a point.

a. Interpretation of a derivative as a rate of change.

b. Second-order derivatives.
dy d 2 y
c. Knowledge of notation: , , f ′(x), and f ″(x)
dx dx 2
Differentiation from first principles is excluded.
n
AM6.2 Differentiation of x for rational n, and related sums and differences. This might require
some simplification before differentiating.
( 3x + 2 ) 2
For example, the ability to differentiate an expression such as 1
x2
AM6.3 Applications of differentiation to gradients, tangents, normals, stationary points (maxima
and minima only), increasing functions [ f ′(x) ≥ 0] and decreasing functions [ f ′(x) ≤ 0 ].
Points of inflexion will not be examined, although a qualitative understanding of points of
inflexion in the curves of simple polynomial functions is expected.

51
AM7. Integration
AM7.1 Definite integration as related to the ‘area between a curve and an axis’. The difference
between finding a definite integral and finding the area between a curve and an axis is
expected to be understood.
n
AM7.2 Finding definite and indefinite integrals of x for n rational, n ≠ 1, and related sums and
differences, including expressions which require simplification prior to integrating.
( 3x − 5 ) 2
For example: ∫ ( x + 2 ) 2 dx and ∫ x2
1
dx

AM7.3 An understanding of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and its significance to

integration. Simple examples of its use may be required in the forms:
b
a. ∫
a
f ( x ) dx = F(b) – F(a), where F ′(x) = f (x)

b. d
x

dx ∫
f ( x ) dx = f ( x )
a

AM7.4 Combining integrals with either equal or contiguous ranges.

5 5 5
For example: ∫ 2
f ( x ) dx + ∫
2
g ( x ) dx = ∫
2
[ f ( x ) + g ( x ) ] dx

4 3 3
∫ 2
f ( x ) dx + ∫
4
f ( x ) dx = ∫ 2
f ( x ) dx

AM7.5 Approximation of the area under a curve using the trapezium rule; determination of
whether this constitutes an overestimate or an underestimate.
dy
AM7.6 Solving differential equations of the form = f (x)
dx

AM8. Graphs of functions

AM8.1 Recognise and be able to sketch the graphs of common functions that appear in this
specification: these include lines, quadratics, cubics, trigonometric functions, logarithmic
functions, exponential functions, square roots, and the modulus function.

AM8.2 Knowledge of the effect of simple transformations on the graph of y = f (x) with positive or
negative value of a as represented by:
a. y = a f (x)
b. y = f (x) + a
c. y = f (x + a)
d. y = f (a x)

Compositions of these transformations.

AM8.3 Understand how altering the values of m and c affects the graph of y = m x + c

AM8.4 Understand how altering the values of a, b and c in y = a (x + b)2 + c affects the
corresponding graph.

52
AM8.5 Use differentiation to help determine the shape of the graph of a given function, including:

a. finding stationary points (excluding inflexions)

b. when the graph is increasing or decreasing

AM8.6 Use algebraic techniques to determine where the graph of a function intersects the
coordinate axes; appreciate the possible numbers of real roots that a general polynomial
can possess.

AM8.7 Geometric interpretation of algebraic solutions of equations; relationship between the

intersections of two graphs and the solutions of the corresponding simultaneous
equations.

53
ADVANCED CHEMISTRY

AC1. Atomic structure

AC1.1 Deduce the electron configuration of atoms (up to Z = 36) and corresponding ions (given
ionic charge) in terms of main energy levels and s, p and d orbitals.

AC1.2 Define first ionisation energy, and write equations for first and successive ionisation
energies.

AC1.3 Understand how first and successive ionisation energies in Period 3 and Group 2 relate to
electron shells and sub-shells.

AC1.4 Understand how a simple time-of-flight (ToF) mass spectrometer works, including
expressions for kinetic energy ( 21 mv 2 ) and speed ( d ).
t

AC2. Bonding and structure

AC2.1 Describe permanent and induced dipole–dipole interactions between molecules, including
hydrogen bonding.

AC2.2 Describe the term electronegativity, and use it to explain the existence of polar bonds.

AC2.3 Know why some molecules with polar bonds do not have a permanent dipole.

AC2.4 Understand and be able to predict the shapes of simple molecules and ions with up to six
outer shell pairs of electrons (any combination of bonding pairs and lone pairs, excluding
those involving a total of 5 pairs with at least one lone pair) in terms of electron pair
repulsion theory (valence shell electron pair repulsion model, ‘VSEPR’).

AC3. Energetics
AC3.1 Define and be able to use quantitatively the terms: standard enthalpy changes of reaction,
formation and combustion.

AC3.2 Be able to calculate enthalpy changes using Hess’s law.

AC4. Kinetics
AC4.1 Be able to draw and interpret Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution curves for two different
temperatures in order to explain the effects of temperature change and a change of
activation energy on rate of reaction.

54
AC5. Equilibria
AC5.1 Know that equilibria are dynamic in nature; know Le Chatelier’s principle and use it to
deduce the qualitative effects of temperature, pressure and concentration changes on the
position of equilibrium (homogeneous reactions only).

AC5.2 Be able to construct an expression for the equilibrium constant, Kc, of a homogeneous
reaction in terms of concentrations, determine its units, and perform calculations using
such an expression.

AC6. Redox
AC6.1 Be able to apply the rules for assigning oxidation state to atoms in elements, compounds
and ions; recognise and write the oxidation state of an element in a formula.

AC6.2 Understand oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer and changes in oxidation
state, applied to reactions of s, p and d block elements.

AC6.3 Be able to deduce and combine half-equations for redox reactions, for example using e–,
H+ and/or H2O.

AC7. Inorganic chemistry and the Periodic Table

AC7.1 Be able to describe the organisation of elements in the Periodic Table according to their
atomic (proton) number and electron configurations; describe the classification of
elements into s, p and d blocks.

AC7.2 Know and be able to apply the chemical properties of Group 2 (Mg to Ba) elements and
their compounds, specifically:

a. the reactions of Group 2 metals with oxygen and water

b. the reactions of Group 2 metal oxides with water (including the pH of resulting
solutions)
c. the relative solubilities of the hydroxides and sulfates of Group 2 metals
d. the thermal decomposition of Group 2 metal carbonates (including the trend in
ease of decomposition)

AC7.3 Know and describe the reactions of chlorine with water and cold aqueous NaOH.

AC7.4 Know and describe the reactions of NaX with concentrated sulfuric acid in order to
compare the reducing ability of halide ions.

AC7.5 Know and be able to explain the following trends in properties of Group 1, 2 and 17
elements:

a. reactivity
b. atomic radii
c. first ionisation energy
d. boiling points (Group 17 only)

55
AC7.6 Know and be able to explain the trends in properties of elements across Periods 2 and 3,
specifically:

a. melting and boiling points

b. first ionisation energy
c. atomic radii
d. electronegativity

AC8. Organic chemistry

AC8.1 Be able to represent and recognise the formulae of organic compounds in molecular,
structural, displayed and skeletal form.

AC8.2 Understand the terms structural isomers (also known as constitutional isomers) and
stereoisomers (limited to geometric (E/Z)-isomerism as a result of restricted rotation about
a carbon–carbon double bond).

AC8.3 Be able to recognise and determine structural and displayed formulae of isomers.

AC8.4 Be able recognise from the name, or diagram/structure/formula, cycloalkanes, and know
that they have the general formula CnH2n.

AC8.5 Be able to recognise and understand what is meant by reactions classified as addition,
elimination, substitution, oxidation, addition polymerisation.

AC8.6 Be able to outline reaction mechanisms classified as (free) radical substitution,

electrophilic addition and nucleophilic substitution, using ‘curly arrow’ diagrams for
electrophilic addition and nucleophilic substitution. Deduce mechanisms from equations.

AC8.7 Be able to explain how the relative stability of intermediate carbocations affects the
products of addition to unsymmetrical alkenes.

AC8.8 Understand how factors such as single and double covalent bonds, bond polarity and
bond enthalpy influence reactivity; illustrate and recognise these factors by reference to
appropriate reactions.

AC8.9 Know and describe the following reactions used in organic synthesis:

a. substitution reactions of alkanes by halogens in the presence of UV light

b. substitution reactions of halogenoalkanes by NH3, OH– and CN–
c. elimination reactions of halogenoalkanes
d. elimination of water from alcohols to form alkenes
e. oxidation of alcohols to form aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids

AC8.10 Be able to describe chemical tests for alcohols, for carboxylic acids, and for distinguishing
between aldehydes and ketones using Tollens’ reagent.

AC8.11 Be able to identify organic compound structures using molecular ion peaks and
fragmentation peaks from mass spectra; know that mass spectra can be used as
‘fingerprints’ to identify molecules by comparison of spectra.

56
ADVANCED BIOLOGY

AB1. Cell structure

AB1.1 Know and understand the principles and limitations of light microscopes, transmission
electron microscopes and scanning electron microscopes, including reference to
magnification and resolution.

AB1.2 Recall and apply the equation:

image size
magnification =
actual object size

AB1.3 Know and understand the structure and function of the main organelles and cellular
components found in eukaryotic cells including:

a. nucleolus
b. nucleus (including nuclear envelope)
c. rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)
d. smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)
e. ribosome
f. Golgi apparatus
g. lysosome
h. tonoplast
i. cilia/flagella
j. centrioles
k. vesicles

AB1.4 Know and understand the structure and function of the main organelles and cellular
components found in prokaryotic cells including:

a. ribosome
b. flagella

AB1.5 Interpret drawings, diagrams, photomicrographs and electron micrographs of prokaryotic

(bacterial) and eukaryotic cells, and recognise the organelles and cellular components
named in AB1.3.

57
AB2. Biological membranes
AB2.1 Know and understand the roles of membranes within cells and at the surface of cells.

AB2.2 Know and understand the fluid mosaic model of membrane structure and the roles of its
main components, including:

a. phospholipids
b. cholesterol
c. glycolipids
d. proteins
e. glycoproteins

AB2.3 Understand and predict the effect of temperature on membrane structure and
permeability, and how this effect could be investigated.

AB2.4 Know and understand the process of facilitated diffusion, including the roles of carrier
proteins and channel proteins.

AB2.5 Understand the process of osmosis in terms of water potential, including how different
water potentials can affect plant and animal cells, and how this can be investigated in
both living and non-living plant and animal cells.

AB2.6 Know and understand the processes of active transport, including the roles of carrier
proteins and ATP.

AB3. Cell division and organisation

AB3.1 Know, understand and recognise the main processes in plant and animal cells that take
place during interphase (G1, S and G2), mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase and
telophase) and cytokinesis, including changes to the:

a. nuclear envelope
b. chromosomes
c. chromatids
d. centromere
e. centrioles
f. spindle fibres
g. cell surface membrane

AB3.2 Know and understand that meiosis is preceded by interphase.

AB3.3 Know, understand and recognise the main stages of meiosis:

a. prophase I
b. metaphase I

58
 c. anaphase I
d. telophase I
e. prophase II
f. metaphase II
g. anaphase II
h. telophase II

AB3.4 Know and understand the importance of independent assortment and crossing over in
generating genetic diversity through meiosis.

AB4. Biological molecules

AB4.1 Know and understand the concept of monomers and polymers, and apply these to the
biological molecules:

a. nucleic acids
b. proteins
c. carbohydrates
d. lipids

AB4.2 Know and understand the following about carbohydrates:

a. the chemical/structural formulae of the hexose monosaccharides α-glucose and

β-glucose, and the pentose monosaccharide ribose, and their roles in biological
systems.
b. the composition of the disaccharides sucrose, lactose and maltose, and their
roles in biological systems.
c. the composition of the polysaccharides glycogen, starch and cellulose, and their
roles in biological systems.
d. the role of condensation and hydrolysis reactions in the formation and breakage
of glycosidic bonds in disaccharides and polysaccharides

AB4.3 Know and understand the following about proteins:

a. the general chemical/structural formula of amino acids and their main features
b. the role of condensation and hydrolysis reactions in the formation and breakage
of peptide bonds in dipeptides and polypeptides
c. the composition of dipeptides and polypeptides
d. the levels of protein structure (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary) and
how hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, disulfide bonds
and ionic bonds contribute to protein structure

59
AB4.4 Know and understand the following about lipids:

a. the general chemical/structural formulae of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids,

triglycerides and phospholipids
b. the role of condensation and hydrolysis reactions in the formation and breakage
of ester bonds in lipids
c. the properties and functions of triglycerides and phospholipids

AB4.5 Know how to carry out and interpret the results obtained when using:

a. iodine solution to test for starch (negative: yellow-brown; positive: blue-black)

b. Benedict’s solution to test for reducing and non-reducing sugars (negative: blue;
positive: red)
c. biuret reagent to test for proteins (negative: blue; positive: purple)
d. ethanol and water to test for lipids (negative: colourless; positive: white cloudy
emulsion)

AB4.6 Know and understand the following about water:

a. the structure of water molecules, including their polar nature

b. hydrogen bonds form between water molecules
c. the structure of water molecules gives water the following properties:
i. cohesivity
ii. adhesivity
iii. high specific heat capacity
iv. high latent heat of evaporation
v. a good solvent for other polar molecules
d. the properties of water enable it to be useful for living organisms:
i. as a solvent
ii. as a transportation medium
iii. as a habitat

AB5. Nucleotides and nucleic acids

AB5.1 Know and understand the general structure of nucleotides including:
a. the pentose sugar (deoxyribose or ribose)
b. the phosphate group
c. the purine or pyrimidine base (where adenine and guanine are purines and
cytosine, thymine and uracil are pyrimidines)
AB5.2 Understand and compare the structure of DNA and RNA as polynucleotides.

60
AB5.3 Understand the process of semi-conservative DNA replication, including the roles of DNA
helicase and DNA polymerase, and how errors in this process can give rise to random
mutations.
AB5.4 Know and understand the processes of transcription and translation, including the roles of
RNA polymerase, messenger (m)RNA, transfer (t)RNA and ribosomal (r)RNA, in using
the genetic code to synthesise polypeptides.
AB5.5 Know the structure of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as an example of a phosphorylated
nucleotide, and understand the role of ATP as an energy carrier within cells.

AB6. Enzymes
AB6.1 Understand the specificity and action of enzymes in terms of the lock-and-key hypothesis
and/or induced-fit hypothesis.
AB6.2 Know and understand the roles of both intracellular and extracellular enzymes, including
the examples of catalase and amylase.
AB6.3 Understand the effects of the following factors on the rate of an enzyme-catalysed
reaction, and how each factor can be investigated:
a. enzyme concentration
b. substrate concentration
c. competitive and non-competitive inhibitors

AB7. Animal physiology

AB7.1 Know and understand the structure and functions of the cells, tissues and organs of the
mammalian gaseous exchange system, including:
a. goblet cells
b. ciliated epithelium
c. smooth muscle
d. elastic fibres
e. cartilage
f. alveoli
g. bronchioles
h. bronchi
i. trachea
AB7.2 Understand the anatomy and functional significance of a closed, double circulatory
system in mammals.
AB7.3 Understand and interpret diagrams and drawings of the internal and external structure of
the mammalian heart and surrounding vessels.

61
AB7.4 Know and understand the changes within and to the heart that occur during systole and
diastole (the cardiac cycle), and relate the timing of these events to an electrocardiogram
(ECG) trace.
AB7.5 Recall and use the equation:
cardiac output = heart rate × stroke volume
AB7.6 Know and understand the roles of the sinoatrial node (SAN), atrioventricular node (AVN)
and Purkinje tissue in the cardiac cycle, and the ability of cardiac muscle to initiate
electrical activity myogenically.
AB7.7 Understand and interpret:
a. oxygen dissociation curves for adult and fetal haemoglobin
b. how changes in carbon dioxide concentration affect the oxygen dissociation
curve of haemoglobin, and understand the significance of these changes to the
transportation of respiratory gases.

AB8. Plant physiology

AB8.1 Know and understand the structures and functions of the vascular system in roots, stems
and leaves of herbaceous dicotyledonous plants, including:

a. xylem vessels
b. sieve tube elements
c. companion cells

AB8.2 Interpret drawings, diagrams, photomicrographs and electron micrographs of the

structures named in AB8.1.

AB8.3 Know and understand the process of transpiration, how the following factors can affect
the rate of transpiration, and how they can be investigated:

a. light intensity
b. temperature
c. humidity
d. movement of air

AB8.4 Know and understand the ways in which water is transported throughout a plant, including
the importance of cohesion and adhesion in the formation of a transpiration stream.

62
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