Specification points

WJEC GCSE Science (Double Award) 3430QD

361 points in 7 topics, with WJEC's codes and titles.

Codes and titles are read by a script from WJEC's published specification and have not been checked by a person. What each point covers is in the specification itself: WJEC’s specification.

1 Unit 1: Biology 1

1.1 Cells and Movement Across Cell Membranes
1.1(a) Structure of animal and plant cells
1.1(b) The use of a light microscope to view animal and plant cells
1.1(c) Specialised cells
1.1(d) Levels of organisation
1.1(e) Diffusion and the cell membrane
1.1(f) Diffusion as a passive process
1.1(g) Osmosis
1.1(h) Active transport
1.1(i) Enzymes
1.1(j) Enzyme structure
1.1(k) The active site and the lock and key model
1.1(l) Temperature, pH and enzyme activity
1.2 Respiration and the Respiratory System in Humans
1.2(a) Aerobic respiration
1.2(b) Anaerobic respiration
1.2(c) The respiratory system
1.2(d) The function of mucus and cilia in the respiratory system
1.2(e) Inspiration and expiration
1.2(f) The bell jar model of breathing
1.2(g) Structure of an alveolus
1.2(h) Inspired and expired air; gas exchange
1.2(i) Effects of smoking
1.3 Digestion and the Digestive System in Humans
1.3(a) The need for digestion
1.3(b) Digestion of large insoluble molecules
1.3(c) Food tests for starch, glucose and protein
1.3(d) Digestive enzymes
1.3(e) Structure of the digestive system
1.3(f) Roles of organs in digestion and absorption
1.3(g) Peristalsis
1.3(h) Bile
1.3(i) Absorption in the small intestine
1.3(j) Fate of digested products
1.3(k) A balanced diet
1.3(l) Energy content of foods
1.3(m) Health effects of sugar, fat and salt
1.4 Circulatory System in Humans
1.4(a) Phagocytes and red blood cells
1.4(b) Functions of blood components
1.4(c) The heart as a muscular pump
1.4(d) Coronary vessels
1.4(e) Arteries and veins
1.4(f) Structure of the heart
1.4(g) Blood flow through the heart
1.4(h) Double circulatory system
1.4(i) Capillaries and exchange with cells
1.4(j) Risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the effects of cardiovascular disease
1.5 Plants and Photosynthesis
1.5(a) Importance of photosynthesis
1.5(b) Conditions and limiting factors for photosynthesis
1.5(c) Investigating photosynthesis
1.5(d) Uses of glucose in plants
1.6 Ecosystems and Human Impact on the Environment
1.6(a) Food chains and food webs
1.6(b) Energy use and loss along food chains
1.6(c) Pyramids of numbers and biomass
1.6(d) Efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels
1.6(e) Balancing food production and wildlife
1.6(f) Intensive farming methods
1.6(g) Indicators of pollution
1.6(h) Heavy metals and pesticides in food chains
1.6(i) Eutrophication

2 Unit 2: Chemistry 1

2.1 The Nature of Substances and Chemical Reactions
2.1(a) Elements
2.1(b) Elements as substances made up of only one type of atom
2.1(c) Compounds
2.1(d) Chemical symbols and formulae
2.1(e) Representing molecules with diagrams
2.1(f) Formulae of ionic compounds
2.1(g) Relative atomic mass and relative molecular (formula) mass
2.1(h) The percentage composition of compounds
2.1(i) Mixtures and separation
2.1(j) Chromatographic data analysis and Rf values
2.1(k) Chemical reactions as rearrangement of atoms
2.1(l) Evidence of chemical reactions
2.1(m) Word equations
2.1(n) Balanced chemical equations
2.1(o) The percentage yield of a chemical reaction
2.1(p) Formula from reacting masses
2.1(q) Reacting masses from equations
2.1(r) The Avogadro constant and the mole
2.2 Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
2.2(a) Atoms containing a positively charged nucleus with orbiting negatively charged electrons
2.2(b) Atomic nuclei containing protons and neutrons
2.2(c) The relative masses and relative charges of protons, neutrons and electrons
2.2(d) Atoms having no overall electrical charge
2.2(e) The terms atomic number, mass number and isotope
2.2(f) Protons, neutrons and electrons
2.2(g) Arrangement of the Periodic Table
2.2(h) Metals and non-metals in the Periodic Table
2.2(i) The electronic structures of the first 20 elements
2.2(j) Electronic structure and the Periodic Table
2.2(k) Group trends in properties
2.2(l) Loss and gain of electrons in reactions
2.2(m) Reactivity trends in Groups 1 and 7
2.2(n) The reactions of the alkali metals with air/oxygen, the halogens and water
2.2(o) The test used to identify hydrogen gas
2.2(p) The reactions of halogens with alkali metals and with iron
2.2(q) Halogen displacement reactions
2.2(r) Properties and uses of chlorine and iodine
2.2(s) Flame tests and halide tests
2.2(t) Group 0 gases and their uses
2.3 Water
2.3(a) Composition of natural water
2.3(b) Sustainable water supply
2.3(c) The treatment of the public water supply using sedimentation, filtration and chlorination
2.3(d) Fluoridation of water
2.3(e) Desalination of sea water
2.3(f) The separation of water and other miscible liquids by distillation
2.3(g) Simple methods to determine solubility and produce solubility curves
2.3(h) The interpretation of solubility curves
2.3(i) Hard and soft water
2.3(j) The difference between temporary and permanent hardness
2.3(k) Softening water
2.3(l) Benefits and drawbacks of hard water
2.4 The Ever-changing Earth
2.4(a) Structure of the Earth
2.4(b) Plate tectonics and continental drift
2.4(c) Processes at plate boundaries
2.4(d) Formation of the early atmosphere
2.4(e) Present atmosphere and how it has changed
2.4(f) Maintaining atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide
2.4(g) Effects of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions
2.4(h) Tackling global warming and acid rain
2.4(i) The air as a source of nitrogen, oxygen, neon and argon
2.4(j) The tests used to identify oxygen gas and carbon dioxide gas
2.5 Rate of Chemical Change
2.5(a) Measuring rates of reaction
2.5(b) Factors affecting rate of reaction
2.5(c) Particle theory and rates of reaction
2.5(d) Catalysts and activation energy

3 Unit 3: Physics 1

3.1 Electric Circuits
3.1(a) Circuit symbols
3.1(b) Series and parallel circuits
3.1(c) Measuring voltage and current
3.1(d) Investigating current–voltage characteristics
3.1(e) Current, voltage and resistance
3.1(f) Resistance of series and parallel components
3.1(g) Calculating resistance and current in circuits
3.1(h) Power as energy transferred per unit time: E = Pt
3.1(i) Electrical power: P = VI and P = I²R
3.1(j) Investigating resistance of components
3.2 Generating Electricity
3.2(a) Renewable energy technologies
3.2(b) Non-renewable energy technologies
3.2(c) The processes involved in generating electricity in a fuel based power station
3.2(d) Sankey diagrams and efficiency
3.2(e) The National Grid
3.2(f) Voltages in the National Grid
3.2(g) Step-up and step-down transformers
3.2(h) Comparing UK power stations
3.3 Making Use of Energy
3.3(a) Conduction, convection and radiation
3.3(b) The density equation and differences in density
3.3(c) Conduction and mobile electrons
3.3(d) Convection in liquids and gases
3.3(e) Reducing energy loss from houses
3.3(f) Cost effectiveness of home insulation
3.3(g) Cost of energy sources for heating and transport
3.4 Domestic Electricity
3.4(a) Kilowatts and kilowatt hours
3.4(b) Cost of electricity from units used
3.4(c) Data on energy use of appliances
3.4(d) The difference between alternating current (a.c.) and direct current (d.c.)
3.4(e) Fuses and circuit breakers
3.4(f) The ring main
3.4(g) Cost effectiveness of domestic solar and wind energy
3.4(h) Investigating energy transfers
3.5 Features of Waves
3.5(a) The difference between transverse and longitudinal waves
3.5(b) Amplitude, wavelength, frequency and wave speed
3.5(c) Graphs of transverse waves
3.5(d) Reflection and refraction of wave fronts
3.5(e) Refraction and wave speed
3.5(f) Meanings of radiation
3.5(g) Ionising radiation and short-wavelength EM waves
3.5(h) Regions of the electromagnetic spectrum
3.5(i) Energy transfer and communication by EM waves
3.5(j) Waves in terms of their wavelength, frequency, speed and amplitude
3.5(k) Wave speed and speed equations
3.5(l) Communication using satellites in geosynchronous/geostationary orbit

4 Unit 4: Biology 2

4.1 Classification and Biodiversity
4.1(a) Range of living organisms and their groups
4.1(b) Classification and scientific naming
4.1(c) Adaptations for survival
4.1(d) Resources and population size
4.1(e) Biodiversity
4.1(f) Using quadrats
4.1(g) Principles of sampling
4.1(h) The principles of capture/recapture techniques including simple calculations on estimated population size
4.1(i) Biological control and alien species
4.2 Cell Division and Stem Cells
4.2(a) Chromosomes as linear arrangements of genes, found in pairs in body cells
4.2(b) The functions of cell division by mitosis and meiosis
4.2(c) Outcomes of mitosis and meiosis
4.2(d) Uncontrolled mitosis and cancer
4.2(e) Stem cells
4.2(f) Adult and embryonic stem cells
4.3 DNA and Inheritance
4.3(a) Structure of DNA
4.3(b) Complementary base pairing and the triplet code
4.3(c) Genetic profiling
4.3(d) Comparing DNA samples by genetic profiling
4.3(e) Benefits and issues of DNA profiling
4.3(f) Genes and alleles
4.3(g) Genetic terms
4.3(h) Single gene inheritance and Punnett squares
4.3(i) Multiple-gene inheritance
4.3(j) Sex determination in humans
4.3(k) Genetic engineering
4.4 Variation and Evolution
4.4(a) Variation: genetic and environmental
4.4(b) Sexual and asexual reproduction
4.4(c) Mutations
4.4(d) Inherited conditions: cystic fibrosis
4.4(e) Heritable variation as the basis of evolution
4.4(f) Adaptation and survival
4.4(g) Natural selection
4.4(h) Ongoing evolution: resistance
4.4(i) The human genome and medicine
4.5 Response and Regulation
4.5(a) Sense organs and receptors
4.5(b) The nervous system
4.5(c) Reflex actions
4.5(d) The reflex arc
4.5(e) Need to regulate internal conditions
4.5(f) Hormones
4.5(g) Control of blood glucose
4.5(h) Diabetes
4.5(i) Structure of the skin
4.5(j) Temperature regulation by the skin
4.5(k) Negative feedback
4.5(l) Lifestyle, alcohol and drug abuse
4.6 Disease, Defence and Treatment
4.6(a) Harmless microorganisms and pathogens
4.6(b) Types of pathogen; structure of bacteria and viruses
4.6(c) Communicable diseases and their spread
4.6(d) Body defences against disease
4.6(e) Antigens and antibodies
4.6(f) Vaccination and parental decisions
4.6(g) How vaccines work
4.6(h) Memory cells
4.6(i) Antibiotics
4.6(j) Antibiotic resistance and MRSA
4.6(k) Preventing conditions with drugs and therapies
4.6(l) Side effects and testing of new drugs

5 Unit 5: Chemistry 2

5.1 Bonding, Structure and Properties
5.1(a) Properties of metals and ionic and covalent substances
5.1(b) Metallic bonding and properties of metals
5.1(c) Ionic bonding and dot and cross diagrams
5.1(d) Giant ionic structures
5.1(e) Covalent bonding and dot and cross diagrams
5.1(f) Simple molecular structures and intermolecular forces
5.1(g) Diamond, graphite, fullerenes, nanotubes and graphene
5.1(h) Bulk materials and individual atoms
5.1(i) Nano-scale silver and titanium dioxide
5.1(j) Risks of nano-scale particles
5.1(k) Smart materials
5.2 Acids, Bases and Salts
5.2(a) The pH scale and acid strength
5.2(b) Solutions of acids containing hydrogen ions and alkalis containing hydroxide ions
5.2(c) Acids with metals and the reactivity series
5.2(d) The neutralisation of dilute acids with bases (including alkalis) and carbonates
5.2(e) Neutralisation
5.2(f) Acid–carbonate reaction as a test
5.2(g) Preparing crystals of soluble salts
5.2(h) Salts of hydrochloric, nitric and sulfuric acids
5.2(i) The test for sulfate ions
5.2(j) Titration
5.3 Metals and their Extraction
5.3(a) Ores and metal extraction
5.3(b) Native metals and difficulty of extraction
5.3(c) Displacement and relative reactivity of metals
5.3(d) Reduction and oxidation in terms of removal or gain of oxygen
5.3(e) The blast furnace
5.3(f) Electrolysis of molten ionic compounds
5.3(g) Reduction and oxidation in terms of gain or loss of electrons
5.3(h) Extraction of aluminium by electrolysis
5.3(i) Properties and uses of iron, aluminium, copper and titanium
5.3(j) Properties of transition metals
5.3(k) Alloys
5.3(l) Economic viability and sustainability of extraction
5.4 Chemical Reactions and Energy
5.4(a) Exothermic and endothermic reactions
5.4(b) Energy profiles for exothermic and endothermic reactions
5.4(c) Activation energy
5.4(d) Bond energies and energy change
5.5 Crude Oil, Fuels and Carbon Compounds
5.5(a) Crude oil
5.5(b) The fractional distillation of crude oil
5.5(c) Fractions as containing mixtures of hydrocarbons (alkanes) with similar boiling points
5.5(d) Trends in properties of crude oil fractions
5.5(e) Importance and impact of the oil industry
5.5(f) The combustion reactions of hydrocarbons and other fuels
5.5(g) Energy released by burning fuels
5.5(h) Hydrogen as a fuel
5.5(i) The fire triangle in fire-fighting and fire prevention
5.5(j) Cracking
5.5(k) General formulae of alkanes and alkenes
5.5(l) The names and molecular and structural formulae for simple alkanes and alkenes
5.5(m) Isomerism in more complex alkanes and alkenes
5.5(n) Addition reactions of alkenes; bromine water test
5.5(o) Addition polymerisation
5.5(p) Properties and uses of plastics
5.5(q) Disposal of plastics

6 Unit 6: Physics 2

6.1 Distance, Speed and Acceleration
6.1(a) Motion using speed, velocity and acceleration
6.1(b) Speed-time and distance-time graphs
6.1(c) Speed and acceleration equations
6.1(d) Velocity-time graphs to determine acceleration and distance travelled
6.1(e) Stopping distances
6.1(f) Physics of traffic control
6.2 Newton's Laws
6.2(a) Inertia and mass
6.2(b) Newton's first law of motion and be able to state it
6.2(c) Unbalanced forces and acceleration
6.2(d) Newton's second law
6.2(e) Weight and mass
6.2(f) Objects moving through air; terminal speed
6.2(g) Newton's third law of motion and be able to state it
6.3 Work and Energy
6.3(a) Energy transfer by forces
6.3(b) Work done
6.3(c) Work and energy transfer
6.3(d) Kinetic and gravitational potential energy
6.3(e) Equations for kinetic and potential energy
6.3(f) Force and extension of a spring
6.3(g) Work done in stretching
6.3(h) Improving vehicle energy efficiency
6.3(i) Car safety features
6.4 Stars and Planets
6.4(a) The solar system
6.4(b) The observable universe and units of distance
6.4(c) Life cycle of stars
6.4(d) Stability of stars
6.4(e) Return of material from giant stars
6.4(f) Origin of the solar system
6.4(g) The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram
6.5 Types of Radiation
6.5(a) Nucleon number, proton number and isotopes
6.5(b) Unstable nuclei and radioactive emissions
6.5(c) Radioactive waste
6.5(d) Background radiation
6.5(e) Random nature of radioactive decay
6.5(f) Penetrating power of alpha, beta and gamma
6.5(g) Nature of alpha, beta and gamma radiation
6.5(h) Nuclear equations for radioactive decay
6.5(i) Sources of background radiation and dose
6.6 Half-life
6.6(a) Modelling random radioactive decay
6.6(b) Decay curves and half-life
6.6(c) Calculations with activity and half-life
6.6(d) Uses of radioactive materials