The Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 syllabus is designed for students aged 14–16 and is recognized globally for its academic rigor and practical relevance.

The course aims to develop scientific knowledge, experimental skills, and an understanding of the impact of chemistry on society and the environment.

Key aims include: acquiring scientific knowledge, developing practical and problem-solving skills, using scientific data, communicating effectively, and appreciating the relevance of chemistry in everyday life.

The syllabus content is divided into 12 main topics:

• States of matter

• Atoms, elements, and compounds

• Stoichiometry

• Electrochemistry

• Chemical energetics

• Chemical reactions

• Acids, bases, and salts

• The Periodic Table

• Metals

• Chemistry of the environment

• Organic chemistry

• Experimental techniques and chemical analysis

Assessment is divided into Core and Extended levels, with separate papers for multiple choice, theory, and practical skills.

• Core assessment: Papers 1 (Multiple Choice) and 3 (Theory)

• Extended assessment: Papers 2 (Multiple Choice) and 4 (Theory)

• Practical assessment: Paper 5 (Practical Test) or Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical)

Assessment objectives and their weightings:

• Knowledge with understanding: 50%

• Handling information and problem-solving: 30%

• Experimental skills and investigations: 20%

Students are expected to:

• Demonstrate understanding of scientific phenomena, laws, and theories

• Apply knowledge to new situations and solve problems

• Plan and carry out experiments, interpret data, and evaluate methods

Key concepts introduced in the first topics include:

• States of matter: properties and changes of solids, liquids, and gases; effects of temperature and pressure

• Atomic structure: nucleus, protons, neutrons, electrons, electron shells, and the Periodic Table

• Isotopes: atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons; calculation of relative atomic mass A_r=∑miai∑ai

• Ionic and covalent bonding: formation, properties, and examples of compounds

• Giant covalent structures: diamond and graphite, their properties and uses

The syllabus encourages the development of skills such as critical thinking, scientific communication, and ethical understanding of science in society.

Support resources are available for planning, teaching, assessment, and revision, including past papers, mark schemes, and online forums.