AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy is a linear qualification that... Show more
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25 Dec 2025
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Our Biology Teacher's Guide
Olasile
@la_shile1
1 / 10
Course Overview and Contents
Combined Science: Trilogy is designed to give you a solid foundation in all three sciences without having to take separate GCSEs in each subject. You'll study 24 topic areas across biology, chemistry, and physics, all assessed through six exam papers at the end of Year 11.
The course includes 21 required practicals that you'll complete throughout your studies. These hands-on experiments are crucial for understanding scientific concepts and developing practical skills that you'll need for your exams.
Key Point: This is a linear qualification, meaning all your exams happen at the end of the course - no coursework or modular testing along the way.
Biology Topics (7 Areas)
The biology section covers fundamental life processes and how living organisms function. You'll start with cell biology - the building blocks of life - then move through how organisms are organised and how they respond to their environment.
Key areas include infection and response (how your body fights disease), bioenergetics (how organisms get and use energy), and homeostasis (how your body maintains balance). You'll also explore inheritance and evolution - why you look like your parents and how species change over time.
The final topic, ecology, examines how organisms interact with each other and their environment. This connects to current issues like climate change and conservation that you hear about in the news.
Study Tip: Biology topics build on each other, so make sure you understand cells before moving on to organ systems.
Chemistry Topics (10 Areas)
Chemistry has the most topic areas and starts with atomic structure and the periodic table - understanding what atoms are and how they're organised. You'll then learn about bonding and how atoms stick together to form compounds.
Quantitative chemistry involves calculations (don't worry, the maths isn't too complex), while chemical changes covers reactions like oxidation and acids. Energy changes explains why some reactions get hot and others get cold.
You'll study reaction rates (how fast reactions happen), organic chemistry (carbon compounds including plastics), and chemical analysis (identifying unknown substances). The course finishes with atmospheric chemistry and using resources - both highly relevant to environmental issues today.
Remember: Chemistry equations and the periodic table will be provided in your exams, so focus on understanding concepts rather than memorising everything.
Physics Topics (7 Areas)
Physics explores how the universe works, starting with energy - one of the most important concepts in all of science. You'll learn about electricity (essential for understanding modern technology) and the particle model of matter (explaining why solids, liquids, and gases behave differently).
Atomic structure links to chemistry, showing how atoms can be split and the energy this releases. Forces explains motion, from walking to space travel, while waves covers sound, light, and electromagnetic radiation.
The final topic, magnetism and electromagnetism, explains how electric motors work and forms the basis of technologies from MRI scanners to power generation.
Physics Connection: Many physics concepts link to real-world applications - from renewable energy to medical technology.
Assessment Structure
You'll take six exam papers - two each for biology, chemistry, and physics. Each paper lasts 1 hour 15 minutes and is worth 70 marks, contributing 16.7% to your overall GCSE grade.
Biology Paper 1 covers cell biology, organisation, infection and response, and bioenergetics. Biology Paper 2 focuses on homeostasis, inheritance and evolution, and ecology.
The chemistry and physics papers are similarly split, with each paper covering distinct topic areas. All papers include multiple choice questions, structured questions, and open response questions that test your ability to explain scientific concepts.
Exam Strategy: Foundation tier covers the same topics as Higher tier but with less complex questions - choose the tier that matches your target grade.
Practical Work and Mathematical Requirements
The 21 required practicals are spread across all three sciences and must be completed during your course. These aren't separately assessed but the techniques and results will appear in your exam questions.
You'll use various apparatus and techniques, from microscopes in biology to measuring cylinders in chemistry and voltmeters in physics. Understanding how these work and what can go wrong is crucial for exam success.
Mathematical skills are essential, particularly in chemistry and physics. You'll need to handle equations, plot graphs, and calculate percentages. The specification includes a physics equations sheet that you'll get in exams.
Practical Tip: Keep a practical notebook throughout the course - you'll need to recall methods and results for your exams.
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Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Our Biology Teacher's Guide
Olasile
@la_shile1
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy is a linear qualification that covers all three sciences - biology, chemistry, and physics - in one course. This specification document outlines everything you need to know about the course structure, content, and assessment methods... Show more
Course Overview and Contents
Combined Science: Trilogy is designed to give you a solid foundation in all three sciences without having to take separate GCSEs in each subject. You'll study 24 topic areas across biology, chemistry, and physics, all assessed through six exam papers at the end of Year 11.
The course includes 21 required practicals that you'll complete throughout your studies. These hands-on experiments are crucial for understanding scientific concepts and developing practical skills that you'll need for your exams.
Key Point: This is a linear qualification, meaning all your exams happen at the end of the course - no coursework or modular testing along the way.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Biology Topics (7 Areas)
The biology section covers fundamental life processes and how living organisms function. You'll start with cell biology - the building blocks of life - then move through how organisms are organised and how they respond to their environment.
Key areas include infection and response (how your body fights disease), bioenergetics (how organisms get and use energy), and homeostasis (how your body maintains balance). You'll also explore inheritance and evolution - why you look like your parents and how species change over time.
The final topic, ecology, examines how organisms interact with each other and their environment. This connects to current issues like climate change and conservation that you hear about in the news.
Study Tip: Biology topics build on each other, so make sure you understand cells before moving on to organ systems.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Chemistry Topics (10 Areas)
Chemistry has the most topic areas and starts with atomic structure and the periodic table - understanding what atoms are and how they're organised. You'll then learn about bonding and how atoms stick together to form compounds.
Quantitative chemistry involves calculations (don't worry, the maths isn't too complex), while chemical changes covers reactions like oxidation and acids. Energy changes explains why some reactions get hot and others get cold.
You'll study reaction rates (how fast reactions happen), organic chemistry (carbon compounds including plastics), and chemical analysis (identifying unknown substances). The course finishes with atmospheric chemistry and using resources - both highly relevant to environmental issues today.
Remember: Chemistry equations and the periodic table will be provided in your exams, so focus on understanding concepts rather than memorising everything.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Physics Topics (7 Areas)
Physics explores how the universe works, starting with energy - one of the most important concepts in all of science. You'll learn about electricity (essential for understanding modern technology) and the particle model of matter (explaining why solids, liquids, and gases behave differently).
Atomic structure links to chemistry, showing how atoms can be split and the energy this releases. Forces explains motion, from walking to space travel, while waves covers sound, light, and electromagnetic radiation.
The final topic, magnetism and electromagnetism, explains how electric motors work and forms the basis of technologies from MRI scanners to power generation.
Physics Connection: Many physics concepts link to real-world applications - from renewable energy to medical technology.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Assessment Structure
You'll take six exam papers - two each for biology, chemistry, and physics. Each paper lasts 1 hour 15 minutes and is worth 70 marks, contributing 16.7% to your overall GCSE grade.
Biology Paper 1 covers cell biology, organisation, infection and response, and bioenergetics. Biology Paper 2 focuses on homeostasis, inheritance and evolution, and ecology.
The chemistry and physics papers are similarly split, with each paper covering distinct topic areas. All papers include multiple choice questions, structured questions, and open response questions that test your ability to explain scientific concepts.
Exam Strategy: Foundation tier covers the same topics as Higher tier but with less complex questions - choose the tier that matches your target grade.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Practical Work and Mathematical Requirements
The 21 required practicals are spread across all three sciences and must be completed during your course. These aren't separately assessed but the techniques and results will appear in your exam questions.
You'll use various apparatus and techniques, from microscopes in biology to measuring cylinders in chemistry and voltmeters in physics. Understanding how these work and what can go wrong is crucial for exam success.
Mathematical skills are essential, particularly in chemistry and physics. You'll need to handle equations, plot graphs, and calculate percentages. The specification includes a physics equations sheet that you'll get in exams.
Practical Tip: Keep a practical notebook throughout the course - you'll need to recall methods and results for your exams.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user