IGCSEChemistry Topics by Exam Board: Full List

In this article, you’ll find a roadmap of all the IGCSE chemistry topics you'll encounter in your revision for the major exam boards: Edexcel, CIE and Oxford AQA.  

CIE IGCSE Chemistry Topics

1. States of Matter

Matter exists in different physical states, each characterised by distinct properties and behaviours. Understanding these states and the transitions between them is fundamental in chemistry.

Topics include:

• Solids, liquids, and gases

• Diffusion

2. Atoms, Elements, and Compounds

The study of atoms forms the basis of chemistry, leading to the exploration of elements and the compounds they form. This topic delves into the fundamental building blocks of matter and how they combine.

Topics include:

• Elements, compounds, and mixtures

• Atomic structure and the Periodic Table

• Isotopes

• Ions and ionic bonds

• Simple molecules and covalent bonds

• Giant covalent structures

• Metallic bonding

3. Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry involves the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions, providing a quantitative understanding of chemical processes.

Topics include:

• Formulae

• Relative masses of atoms and molecules

• The mole and the Avogadro constant

4. Electrochemistry

Electrochemistry explores the relationship between electricity and chemical reactions, particularly the processes of electrolysis and the applications of electrochemical cells.

Topics include:

• Electrolysis

• Hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells

5. Chemical Energetics

This topic examines the energy changes that occur during chemical reactions, distinguishing between exothermic and endothermic processes.

Topics include:

• Exothermic and endothermic reactions

6. Chemical Reactions

Understanding how and why chemical reactions occur is key to chemistry. This topic explores reaction rates, equilibrium, and oxidation-reduction processes.

Topics include:

• Physical and chemical changes

• Rate of reaction

• Reversible reactions and equilibrium

• Redox

7. Acids, Bases, and Salts

Acids and bases are common substances with many applications, from household cleaning to industrial processes. Their reactions are key to forming salts and understanding pH.

Topics include:

• The characteristic properties of acids and bases

• Oxides

• Preparation of salts

8. The Periodic Table

The periodic table organizes elements based on their properties and reactivity. Patterns in groups and periods help predict chemical behaviour.

Topics include:

• Arrangement of elements

• Group I properties

• Group VII properties

• Transition elements

• Noble gases

9. Metals

Metals have unique physical and chemical properties that make them essential in industries, from construction to electronics.

Topics include:

• Properties of metals

• Uses of metals

• Alloys and their properties

• Reactivity series

• Corrosion of metals

• Extraction of metals

10. Chemistry of the Environment

Chemistry plays a vital role in understanding environmental issues, such as pollution, climate change, and resource management.

Topics include:

• Water

• Fertilisers

• Air quality and climate

11. Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-based compounds, including fuels, plastics, and biomolecules that are fundamental to life.

Topics include:

• Formulae, functional groups, and terminology

• Naming organic compounds

• Fuels

• Alkanes

• Alkenes

• Alcohols

• Carboxylic acids

• Polymers

12. Experimental Techniques and Chemical Analysis

Practical chemistry is an essential part of the IGCSE syllabus, developing students’ ability to conduct and analyse experiments.

Topics include:

• Experimental design

• Acid–base titrations

• Chromatography

• Separation and purification

• Identification of ions and gases

In the CIE IGCSE Chemistry syllabus, students have the option to study either the Core or Extended curriculum, depending on their level of understanding and the grades they aim to achieve. The Core syllabus covers the essential concepts and provides a solid foundation in chemistry, with students being eligible for grades C to G.

The Extended syllabus includes everything in the Core curriculum plus additional material, referred to as the Supplement, which explores topics in greater depth and complexity. Students taking the Extended syllabus can achieve grades ranging from A to G*.

What is Covered in CIE IGCSE Chemistry papers?

Explanation of the Table

• Paper 1 & 2 (Multiple Choice, 30%): Covers all theoretical topics at the Core (Paper 1) and Extended (Paper 2) levels.

• Paper 3 & 4 (Theory, 50%): Covers in-depth theoretical understanding, with Paper 4 including additional content from the Supplement.

• Paper 5 & 6 (Practical, 20%): Focuses on experimental skills, testing knowledge of lab techniques and practical-based questions.

Revision Resources for CIE IGCSE Chemistry

The resources below will help you revise for CIE IGCSE chemistry. They’re specifically written for the CIE IGCSE chemistry syllabus. Student friendly mark schemes and commentaries will help you avoid any common mistakes, and our engaging flashcards will help improve your active recall. 

• CIE IGCSE Revision Notes

• CIE IGCSE Exam Question

• CIE IGCSE Flashcards

Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Topics

1. Principles of Chemistry

This section introduces the fundamental principles that underpin all areas of chemistry, including atomic structure, bonding, and chemical equations.

Topics include:

• States of matter

• Elements, compounds, and mixtures

• Atomic structure

• The Periodic Table

• Chemical formulae, equations, and calculations

• Ionic bonding

• Covalent bonding

• Metallic bonding

• Electrolysis

2. Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic chemistry focuses on the properties and reactions of elements, compounds, and metals.

Topics include:

• Group 1 (alkali metals) – lithium, sodium, and potassium

• Group 7 (halogens) – chlorine, bromine, and iodine

• Gases in the atmosphere

• Reactivity series

• Extraction and uses of metals

• Acids, alkalis, and titrations

• Acids, bases, and salt preparations

• Chemical tests

3. Physical Chemistry

This section covers the energy changes in chemical reactions, rates of reaction, and equilibrium.

Topics include:

• Energetics

• Rates of reaction

• Reversible reactions and equilibria

4. Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry deals with the study of carbon-containing compounds, including fuels and polymers.

Topics include:

• Introduction to organic chemistry

• Crude oil and fuels

• Alkanes

• Alkenes

• Alcohols

• Carboxylic acids

• Esters

• Synthetic polymers

What is Covered in Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry papers?

Revision Resources for Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry

• Edexcel IGCSE Revision Notes

• Edexcel IGCSE Exam Questions

• Edexcel IGCSE Flashcards

AQA Oxford IGCSE Chemistry Topics

1. Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

Atoms are the building blocks of all materials, and knowledge of atomic structure and the periodic table is fundamental to understanding chemistry.

Topics include:

• Solids, liquids and gases

• A simple model of the atom

• The Periodic Table

2. Structure, Bonding, and the Properties of Matter

This section examines how atoms interact to form chemical bonds and how these bonds determine the properties and uses of materials.

Topics include:

• Chemical bonds: ionic, covalent, and metallic

• How bonding and structure are related to the properties of substances

• Structure and bonding of carbon

• Nanoparticles

3. Chemical Changes

The group of materials known as metals are explored in more detail, including how atoms are rearranged to form new substances in chemical reactions.

Topics include:

• Metals

• The reactivity series

• Metal carbonates

• Electrolysis

4. Chemical Analysis

This section focuses on developing practical skills in chemistry, which identify substances and reinforce the idea of a pure substance as consisting of one substance only.

Topics include:

• Purity and chromatography

• Identification of common gases

• Identification of ions

5. Acids, Bases, and Salts

This section looks in greater detail at the properties and applications of acids and bases.

Topics include:

• The properties of acids and bases

• Preparation of salts

6. Quantitative Chemistry

Conservation of mass is a key concept in chemistry and is developed further in this section.

Topics include:

• Conservation of mass including the quantitative interpretation of chemical equations

• Use of amount of substance in relation to masses of pure substances

• The mole concept

• Using molar concentrations of solutions and amount of substance in relation to volumes of gases

7. Trends within the Periodic Table

This section describes and explains trends within the periodic table along with more detailed knowledge of specific groups.

Topics include:

• Group properties

• Transition metals

8. The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change

This section explores how different factors affect the rate of chemical reactions and how reversible reactions reach equilibrium.

Topics include:

• Rate of reaction

• Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium

• Redox reactions

9. Energy Changes

Chemical reactions involve energy changes, which play a significant role in industrial processes and everyday life.

Topics include:

• Exothermic and endothermic reactions

• Calculating and explaining energy change

• Chemical cells and fuel cells

10. Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry deals with carbon-containing compounds, including fuels, polymers, and biological molecules.

Topics include:

• Carbon compounds as fuels

• Crude oil

• Hydrocarbons

• Obtaining useful substances from crude oil

• Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers

• Organic compounds – their structure and reactions

• Alcohols

• Carboxylic acids

• Esters

What is Covered in Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry papers?

Revision Resources for Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry

• Oxford AQA IGCSE Revision Notes

Whether you want to improve your understanding of key topics, test your knowledge, or sharpen your exam techniques, Save My Exams makes it easier and more effective for you to revise.

Explore Our IGCSE Chemistry Resources

References

• Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry Specification

• Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Specification

• CIE IGCSE Chemistry Specification

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