Specification points
OCR GCSE Gateway Science Suite - Combined Science A J250
570 points in 21 topics, with OCR's codes and titles.
Grade boundaries·OCR command words
Codes and titles are read by a script from OCR's published specification and have not been checked by a person. What each point covers is in the specification itself: OCR’s specification.
B1 Cell level systems
- B1.1 Cell structures
- BM1.1i Number, size, scale and units
- BM1.1ii Estimation
- BM1.1iii Standard form
- B1.1a Light microscopes and staining
- B1.1b Sub-cellular structures and their functions
- B1.1c Electron microscopy and cell structure
- B1.2 What happens in cells (and what do cells need)?
- BM1.2i Rate calculations for reactions
- B1.2a DNA as a polymer
- B1.2b The DNA double helix
- B1.2c Experiments on enzyme reactions
- B1.2d Mechanism of enzyme action
- B1.3 Respiration
- B1.3a Respiration supplying ATP
- B1.3b Respiration as an exothermic reaction
- B1.3c Aerobic and anaerobic respiration compared
- B1.3d Sugars in carbohydrate synthesis and breakdown
- B1.3e Amino acids in protein synthesis and breakdown
- B1.3f Fatty acids and glycerol in lipid metabolism
- B1.4 Photosynthesis
- BM1.4i Compound measures such as rate
- BM1.4ii Graphical and numerical forms
- BM1.4iii Plotting graphs with suitable scales and axes
- BM1.4iv Information from charts, graphs and tables
- BM1.4v Inverse square law and light intensity
- B1.4a Photosynthetic organisms as producers
- B1.4b The process of photosynthesis
- B1.4c Photosynthesis as an endothermic reaction
- B1.4d Experiments on photosynthesis
- B1.4e Factors affecting rate of photosynthesis
- B1.4f Limiting factors in photosynthesis
B2 Scaling up
- B2.1 Supplying the cell
- BM2.1i Percentiles and percentage mass change
- B2.1a Diffusion, osmosis and active transport
- B2.1b Mitosis and the cell cycle
- B2.1c Cell differentiation
- B2.1d Where stem cells are found
- B2.1e Functions of stem cells and meristems
- B2.1f Embryonic and adult stem cells compared
- B2.2 The challenges of size
- BM2.2i Surface area to volume ratio
- BM2.2ii Compound measures such as rate
- BM2.2iii Rate calculations
- BM2.2iv Plotting and interpreting graphs
- B2.2a Exchange surfaces and transport systems
- B2.2b Substances transported into and out of organisms
- B2.2c The human circulatory system
- B2.2d Heart and blood vessels adapted to function
- B2.2e Red blood cells and plasma
- B2.2f Water and mineral uptake by root hair cells
- B2.2g Transpiration and translocation
- B2.2h Xylem and phloem adapted to function
- B2.2i Environmental factors and rate of water uptake
- B2.2j Using a potometer
B3 Organism level systems
- B3.1 Coordination and control – the nervous system
- B3.1a Structure of the nervous system
- B3.1b Coordinated responses by the nervous system
- B3.1c Reflex arc structure and function
- B3.2 Coordination and control – the endocrine system
- BM3.2i Data from graphs, charts and tables
- BM3.2ii Numerical and graphical forms
- B3.2a Hormonal coordination and the endocrine system
- B3.2b Thyroxine and adrenaline
- B3.2c Hormones in reproduction and the menstrual cycle
- B3.2d FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone interactions
- B3.2e Hormonal and non-hormonal contraception
- B3.2f Hormones in infertility treatment
- B3.3 Maintaining internal environments
- BM3.3i Data from graphs, charts and tables
- B3.3a Maintaining a constant internal environment
- B3.3b Insulin and blood sugar
- B3.3c Glucagon and insulin together
- B3.3d Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
B4 Community level systems
- B4.1 Ecosystems
- BM4.1i Percentage of mass
- BM4.1ii Plotting graphs with suitable scales
- B4.1a Cycling of materials in ecosystems
- B4.1b Microorganisms in nutrient cycling
- B4.1c Carbon and water cycles
- B4.1d Levels of organisation in an ecosystem
- B4.1e Abiotic and biotic factors affecting communities
- B4.1f Interdependence and competition
B5 Genes, inheritance and selection
- B5.1 Inheritance
- BM5.1i Ratios and proportions in genetic crosses
- BM5.1ii Probability in genetic crosses
- BM5.1iii Information from charts, graphs and tables
- B5.1a Key genetic terms
- B5.1b The genome
- B5.1c Genome, environment and phenotype
- B5.1d Mutations and variants' effects on phenotype
- B5.1e Haploid and diploid
- B5.1f Meiosis and gamete formation
- B5.1g Single gene inheritance
- B5.1h Predicting single gene crosses
- B5.1i Sex determination in humans
- B5.1j Features controlled by multiple genes
- B5.2 Natural selection and evolution
- B5.2a Genetic variation within populations
- B5.2b Developments in biology and classification
- B5.2c Natural selection of variants
- B5.2d Evolution and formation of new species
- B5.2e Evidence for evolution
B6 Global challenges in biology
- B6.1 Monitoring and maintaining the environment
- BM6.1i Arithmetic means
- BM6.1ii Plotting graphs with suitable scales
- BM6.1iii Percentiles
- BM6.1iv Information from charts, graphs and tables
- BM6.1v Sampling principles for scientific data
- B6.1a Field investigations of distribution and abundance
- B6.1b Human impacts on biodiversity
- B6.1c Maintaining local and global biodiversity
- B6.2 Feeding the human race
- B6.2a Selective breeding
- B6.2b Genetic engineering
- B6.2c Steps in genetic engineering
- B6.2d Gene technology in agriculture: benefits and risks
- B6.3 Monitoring and maintaining health
- BM6.3i Graphical and numerical forms
- BM6.3ii Frequency tables, bar charts and histograms
- BM6.3iii Sampling principles for scientific data
- BM6.3iv Scatter diagrams and correlation
- BM6.3v Areas of bacterial cultures and clear zones
- B6.3a Health and disease
- B6.3b Types of disease
- B6.3c Interactions between diseases
- B6.3d Spread of communicable diseases
- B6.3e Reducing the spread of communicable diseases
- B6.3f Examples of human and plant infections
- B6.3g White blood cells and platelets
- B6.3h Non-specific human defences
- B6.3i The immune system
- B6.3j Vaccines and medicines
- B6.3k Discovering and developing new medicines
- B6.3l Multiple causes of non-communicable diseases
- B6.3m Treatments for cardiovascular disease
- B6.3n Lifestyle factors and non-communicable diseases
- B6.3o Cancer as uncontrolled cell division
- B6.3p Stem cells in medicine: benefits and risks
- B6.3q Gene technology in medicine: benefits and risks
- B6.3r The human genome and medicine
C1 Particles
- C1.1 The particle model
- CM1.1i Representing 3-D structures in 2-D
- C1.1a The particle model and states of matter
- C1.1b Physical and chemical changes
- C1.1c Limitations of the particle model
- C1.2 Atomic structure
- CM1.2i Size and scale of atoms
- CM1.2ii Estimating sizes of atoms
- C1.2a Development of the atomic model
- C1.2b Nucleus and electrons in the atom
- C1.2c Typical sizes of atoms and molecules
- C1.2d Charges and masses of subatomic particles
- C1.2e Protons, neutrons and electrons in atoms and ions
C2 Elements, compounds and mixtures
- C2.1 Purity and separating mixtures
- CM2.1i Arithmetic and ratio in quantitative chemistry
- CM2.1ii Significant figures
- CM2.1iii Changing the subject of an equation
- CM2.1iv Ratio in empirical formulae and equations
- C2.1a Purity in science and everyday use
- C2.1b Melting points and purity
- C2.1c Relative formula mass
- C2.1d Empirical formulae
- C2.1e Formulations
- C2.1f Filtration, crystallisation and distillation
- C2.1g Paper and thin layer chromatography
- C2.1h Stationary and mobile phases
- C2.1i Chromatograms and Rf values
- C2.1j Choosing purification techniques
- C2.1k Chromatography to test purity
- C2.2 Bonding
- CM2.2i Estimating sizes of atoms
- CM2.2ii Representing 3-D structures in 2-D
- CM2.2iii Diagrammatic and numerical forms
- C2.2a Metals and non-metals compared
- C2.2b Atomic structure and position in the Periodic Table
- C2.2c Electron arrangement and Periodic Table position
- C2.2d Types of bonding and structure
- C2.2e Bonding as electrostatic forces
- C2.2f Dot and cross diagrams
- C2.2g Limitations of bonding models
- C2.2h Reactions and electron arrangement
- C2.2i Mendeleev and the modern Periodic Table
- C2.3 Properties of materials
- CM2.3i Representing 3-D structures in 2-D
- C2.3a Carbon's four covalent bonds
- C2.3b Carbon compounds: chains, rings and families
- C2.3c Diamond, graphite, fullerenes and graphene
- C2.3d Bonds, forces and changes of state
- C2.3e Predicting states from data
- C2.3f Bulk properties and bonding
C3 Chemical reactions
- C3.1 Introducing chemical reactions
- CM3.1i Ratio in empirical formulae and equations
- CM3.1ii Standard form with the Avogadro constant
- CM3.1iii Significant figures
- CM3.1iv Converting mass to moles
- C3.1a Formulae of elements and compounds
- C3.1b Balanced equations and half equations
- C3.1c Equations using the Periodic Table
- C3.1d Formulae from common ions
- C3.1e Balanced ionic equations
- C3.1f State symbols
- C3.1g Tests for gases
- C3.1h The Avogadro constant and the mole
- C3.1i Mass and amount in moles
- C3.1j Mass, volume and concentration
- C3.1k Conservation of mass
- C3.1l Mass changes in open systems
- C3.1m Stoichiometry and limiting reactants
- C3.1n Reacting mass calculations
- C3.2 Energetics
- CM3.2i Reaction profile charts
- CM3.2ii Calculating energy changes
- C3.2a Endothermic and exothermic reactions
- C3.2b Reaction profiles
- C3.2c Activation energy
- C3.2d Energy changes from bond energies
- C3.3 Types of chemical reactions
- CM3.3i Arithmetic and ratio in quantitative chemistry
- C3.3a Oxidation and reduction by oxygen
- C3.3b Oxidation and reduction by electrons
- C3.3c Hydrogen and hydroxide ions in acids and alkalis
- C3.3d Neutralisation
- C3.3e Neutralisation as H⁺ and OH⁻ reacting
- C3.3f Acids with carbonates and metals
- C3.3g Dilute, concentrated, weak and strong acids
- C3.3h pH as a measure of acidity
- C3.3i Hydrogen ion concentration and pH
- C3.3j Tenfold change in hydrogen ions and pH
- C3.3k Measuring pH
- C3.4 Electrolysis
- CM3.4i Ratio in empirical formulae and equations
- C3.4a Products at electrodes with inert electrodes
- C3.4b Electrolysis of molten binary compounds
- C3.4c Electrolysis of aqueous solutions
- C3.4d Ions and electrode reactions in electrolysis
- C3.4e Electrolysis with inert and non-inert electrodes
C4 Predicting and identifying chemical products
C5 Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions
- C5.1 Controlling reactions
- CM5.1i Arithmetic and ratio in rates
- CM5.1ii Graphs of reaction rate
- CM5.1iii Gradients as rates
- CM5.1iv Proportionality in rate factors
- C5.1a Methods for measuring rates
- C5.1b Interpreting rate graphs
- C5.1c Factors affecting rate of reaction
- C5.1d Collision theory and rate
- C5.1e Surface area to volume ratio and rate
- C5.1f Catalysts and rate
- C5.1g Identifying catalysts
- C5.1h Catalysts and activation energy
- C5.1i Enzymes as biological catalysts
- C5.2 Equilibria
- CM5.2i Arithmetic and ratio in rates
- CM5.2ii Graphs of reaction rate
- CM5.2iii Gradients as rates
- CM5.2iv Proportionality in rate factors
- C5.2a Reversible reactions
- C5.2b Dynamic equilibrium
- C5.2c Changing conditions and equilibrium position
C6 Global challenges in chemistry
- C6.1 Improving processes and products
- CM6.1i Arithmetic and ratio in rates
- CM6.1ii Graphs of reaction rate
- C6.1a Extracting metals using carbon
- C6.1b Extracting metals by electrolysis
- C6.1c Biological methods of metal extraction
- C6.1d Life-cycle assessment
- C6.1e Interpreting life-cycle assessments
- C6.1f Recycling for a different use
- C6.1g Decisions on recycling
- C6.1h Describing fractional distillation of crude oil
- C6.1i Explaining fractional distillation of crude oil
- C6.1j Crude oil fractions as alkanes
- C6.1k Crude oil as a petrochemical feedstock
- C6.1l Dependence on hydrocarbons as a finite resource
- C6.1m Cracking
- C6.2 Interpreting and interacting with earth systems
- CM6.2i Information from charts, graphs and tables
- CM6.2ii Orders of magnitude in evaluating data
- C6.2a Formation of the early atmosphere
- C6.2b Development of an oxygen-rich atmosphere
- C6.2c The greenhouse effect
- C6.2d Evidence for human causes of climate change
- C6.2e Effects and mitigation of carbon dioxide and methane
- C6.2f Atmospheric pollutants and their problems
- C6.2g Increasing potable water supply
P1 Matter
- P1.1 The particle model
- PM1.1i Density equation
- P1.1a Development of the atomic model
- P1.1b Nucleus and electrons in the atom
- P1.1c Typical sizes of atoms and molecules
- P1.1d Density
- P1.1e Density and states of matter
- P1.1f Density, mass and volume calculations
- P1.2 Changes of state
- PM1.2i Specific heat capacity equation
- PM1.2ii Specific latent heat equation
- P1.2a Conservation of mass in changes of state
- P1.2b Physical and chemical changes compared
- P1.2c Heating, internal energy and changes of state
- P1.2d Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat
- P1.2e Calculating energy change with specific heat capacity
- P1.2f Calculating energy change with specific latent heat
- P1.2g Gas molecules, temperature and pressure
- P1.2h Gas temperature and pressure at constant volume
P2 Forces
- P2.1 Motion
- PM2.1i Distance, speed and time equation
- PM2.1ii Acceleration equation
- PM2.1iii Equation linking velocity, acceleration and distance
- PM2.1iv Kinetic energy equation
- P2.1a Measuring distance and time
- P2.1b Measuring speed
- P2.1c Ratios and rates in unit conversion
- P2.1d Vectors and scalars in motion
- P2.1e Distance–time and velocity–time graphs
- P2.1f Area under velocity–time graphs
- P2.1g Average speed
- P2.1h Formulae for uniform and accelerated motion
- P2.2 Newton’s laws
- PM2.2i Newton's second law equation
- PM2.2ii Momentum equation
- PM2.2iii Work done equation
- PM2.2iv Power equation
- P2.2a Ways objects interact
- P2.2b Interaction pairs and forces
- P2.2c Forces as vectors
- P2.2d Newton's first law
- P2.2e Vector diagrams, resultant forces and equilibrium
- P2.2f Forces on an isolated object
- P2.2g Free body diagrams and resultant forces
- P2.2h Free body diagrams and balanced forces
- P2.2i Newton's second law calculations
- P2.2j Inertia and inertial mass
- P2.2k Momentum in collisions
- P2.2l Work done and energy transfer
- P2.2m Stored energy and energy transfers
- P2.2n Power as rate of energy transfer
- P2.2o Newton's third law
- P2.2p Circular motion and changing velocity
- P2.3 Forces in action
- PM2.3i Spring force equation
- PM2.3ii Elastic energy of a stretched spring
- PM2.3iii Weight equation
- PM2.3iv Gravitational potential energy equation
- P2.3a More than one force to deform an object
- P2.3b Elastic and plastic deformation
- P2.3c Force and extension of a spring
- P2.3d Linear and non-linear force–extension
- P2.3e Calculating a spring constant
- P2.3f Work done in stretching
- P2.3g Gravitational fields and mass
- P2.3h Weight and gravitational field strength
- P2.3i Acceleration in free fall
P3 Electricity and magnetism
- P3.1 Static and charge
- PM3.1i Charge flow equation
- P3.1a Positive and negative charge
- P3.1b Static electricity and electrostatic forces
- P3.1c Electron transfer and static electricity
- P3.1d Current as flow of charge
- P3.1e Current in a single loop
- P3.1f Charge, current and time
- P3.2 Simple circuits
- PM3.2i Potential difference, current and resistance equation
- PM3.2ii Energy, charge and potential difference equation
- PM3.2iii Electrical power equations
- PM3.2iv Energy, power and time equation
- P3.2a Series and parallel circuits
- P3.2b Circuit diagrams and symbols
- P3.2c Current, resistance and potential difference
- P3.2d Ohm's law and changing resistance
- P3.2e Resistors with constant and changing resistance
- P3.2f Circuits for investigating resistance
- P3.2g Linear and non-linear components
- P3.2h I–V graphs and component properties
- P3.2i Resistors in series and parallel
- P3.2j Calculating currents, p.d.s and resistances
- P3.2k D.C. circuits for measurement and testing
- P3.2l Power transfer in circuit devices
- P3.2m Circuit calculations with power and energy
- P3.3 Magnets and magnetic fields
- PM3.3i Force on a conductor equation
- P3.3a Magnetic poles
- P3.3b Permanent and induced magnets
- P3.3c Magnetic field of a magnet
- P3.3d Compasses and Earth's magnetic core
- P3.3e Magnetic field around a current-carrying wire
- P3.3f Field strength, current and distance
- P3.3g Solenoids
- P3.3h Force between a magnet and a current
- P3.3i Fleming's left-hand rule
- P3.3j Calculating force on a conductor
- P3.3k Electric motors
P4 Waves and radioactivity
- P4.1 Wave behaviour
- PM4.1i Wave speed equation
- P4.1a Amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period
- P4.1b Wavelength and frequency
- P4.1c Wavelength, frequency and wave velocity
- P4.1d Wave speed calculations
- P4.1e Transverse and longitudinal waves
- P4.1f Modelling waves with ripples and sound
- P4.1g Evidence that waves, not the medium, travel
- P4.2 The electromagnetic spectrum
- P4.2a Electromagnetic waves as transverse waves
- P4.2b Electromagnetic waves transfer energy
- P4.2c Frequency and wavelength across the spectrum
- P4.2d Groupings of the electromagnetic spectrum
- P4.2e The visible range
- P4.2f Light as an electromagnetic wave
- P4.2g Uses of electromagnetic waves
- P4.2h Hazards of UV, X-rays and gamma rays
- P4.2i Radio waves and electrical oscillations
- P4.2j Absorption, transmission, refraction and reflection by substances
- P4.2k Wave velocity in different substances
- P4.3 Radioactivity
- P4.3a Protons, neutrons and nuclear charge
- P4.3b Isotopes and neutron numbers
- P4.3c Nuclear notation for isotopes
- P4.3d Unstable nuclei and radioactive emissions
- P4.3e Emissions and changes to the nucleus
- P4.3f Writing radioactive decay equations
- P4.3g Balancing decay equations
- P4.3h Electron energy levels and radiation
- P4.3i Radiation from changes in atoms and nuclei
- P4.3j Half-life and random decay
- P4.3k Decline after a number of half-lives
- P4.3l Penetration of alpha, beta and gamma
- P4.3m Contamination and irradiation
P5 Energy
- P5.1 Work done
- P5.1a Conservation of energy in closed systems
- P5.1b Changes in energy stores
- P5.1c Energy changes by heating, work and currents
- P5.1d Calculating energy changes in systems
- P5.1e Kinetic, elastic and gravitational energy calculations
- P5.2 Power and efficiency
- PM5.2i Efficiency equation
- P5.2a Energy dissipation
- P5.2b Energy transfer in domestic devices
- P5.2c Power ratings of appliances
- P5.2d Calculating efficiency
- P5.2e Increasing efficiency
- P5.2f Reducing unwanted energy transfer
- P5.2g Walls and rate of cooling
P6 Global challenges in physics
- P6.1 Physics on the move
- P6.1a Typical everyday speeds
- P6.1b Everyday accelerations
- P6.1c Ratios and rates in unit conversion
- P6.1d Measuring reaction times
- P6.1e Stopping distances and safety
- P6.1f Dangers of large decelerations
- P6.2 Powering Earth
- PM6.2i Transformer power equation
- P6.2a Energy resources: renewable and non-renewable
- P6.2b Trends in energy resource use
- P6.2c High-voltage transmission in the national grid
- P6.2d Step-up and step-down transformers
- P6.2e Efficiency of the national grid
- P6.2f UK mains supply
- P6.2g Direct and alternating voltage
- P6.2h Live, neutral and earth wires
- P6.2i Dangers of the live wire
CS7 Practical skills
- PAGB1 Microscopy
- PAGB2 Sampling techniques
- PAGB3 Rates of enzyme-controlled reactions
- PAGB4 Photosynthesis
- PAGB5 Microbiological techniques
- PAGC1 Electrolysis
- PAGC2 Distillation
- PAGC3 Separation techniques
- PAGC4 Production of salts
- PAGC5 Measuring rates of reaction
- PAGP1 Materials
- PAGP2 Forces
- PAGP3 Motion
- PAGP4 Waves
- PAGP5 Energy
- PAGP6 Circuits
5e Working scientifically
- WS1 Working scientifically assessed in a written examination
- WS1.1 Development of scientific thinking
- WS1.1a How scientific methods and theories develop
- WS1.1b Using models in science
- WS1.1c Power and limitations of science
- WS1.1d Ethical issues in science
- WS1.1e Applications of science
- WS1.1f Implications of science for society
- WS1.1g Evidence-based decision making
- WS1.1h Evaluating risks
- WS1.1i Peer review and communicating results
- WS1.2 Experimental skills and strategies
- WS1.2a Developing hypotheses
- WS1.2b Planning experiments
- WS1.2c Choosing techniques and apparatus
- WS1.2d Representative sampling
- WS1.2e Evaluating and improving methods
- WS1.3 Analysis and evaluation
- WS1.3a Presenting observations and data
- WS1.3b Translating data between forms
- WS1.3c Mathematical and statistical analysis
- WS1.3d Distributions of results and uncertainty
- WS1.3e Interpreting observations and data
- WS1.3f Reasoned explanations
- WS1.3g Accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility
- WS1.3h Random and systematic errors
- WS1.3i Communicating investigations and conclusions
- WS1.4 Scientific vocabulary, quantities, units, symbols and nomenclature
- WS1.4a Scientific vocabulary and definitions
- WS1.4b Scientific quantities
- WS1.4c SI units and IUPAC names
- WS1.4d Prefixes and powers of ten
- WS1.4e Converting units
- WS1.4f Significant figures
- WS2 Working scientifically skills demonstrated
- WS2a Carrying out experiments
- WS2b Recording observations and measurements
- WS2c Presenting observations
- WS2d Communicating investigations and conclusions
5f Mathematical skills requirement
- M1 Arithmetic and numerical computation
- M1a Decimal form
- M1b Standard form
- M1c Ratios, fractions and percentages
- M1d Estimating results of calculations
- M2 Handling data
- M2a Significant figures
- M2b Arithmetic means
- M2c Frequency tables, bar charts and histograms
- M2f Mean, mode and median
- M2g Scatter diagrams and correlation
- M2h Order of magnitude calculations
- M3 Algebra
- M3a Mathematical symbols
- M3b Changing the subject of an equation
- M3c Substituting values into equations
- M3d Solving simple equations
- M4 Graphs
- M4a Graphical and numeric forms
- M4b Linear relationships: y = mx + c
- M4c Plotting two variables from data
- M4d Slope and intercept of a linear graph
- M4e Tangents to curves as rates of change
- M4f Area under a curve
- M5 Geometry and trigonometry
- M5a Angles in degrees
- M5b Representing 2-D and 3-D forms
- M5c Areas, surface areas and volumes