About the exam
CCEA GCSE Double Award Science Exam structure
An independent Northern Ireland study guide for the current seven-unit CCEA GCSE Double Award Science qualification, covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics and the externally assessed Unit 7 practical-skills structure.
Issuer and path
CCEA GCSE Double Award Science Study Guide is administered through Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA). Check official resources before booking, retesting, or relying on a stale requirement.
Biology Unit B1: Cells, Living Processes and Biodiversity
11 scored + 0 pretest
Cells, photosynthesis, nutrition, enzymes, breathing, respiration, coordination and ecological relationships.
Biology Unit B2: Body Systems, Genetics, Microorganisms and Health
14 scored + 0 pretest
Plant transport, circulation, reproduction, inheritance, variation, microorganisms, defence and cancer.
Chemistry Unit C1: Structures, Trends, Chemical Reactions, Quantitative Chemistry and Analysis
11 scored + 0 pretest
Atomic structure, bonding, formulae, equations, periodic trends, amounts, acids, salts and analysis.
Chemistry Unit C2: Further Chemical Reactions, Rates and Equilibrium, Calculations and Organic Chemistry
14 scored + 0 pretest
Reactivity, redox, rates, equilibrium, organic chemistry, quantitative work, electrochemistry, energy and gases.
Physics Unit P1: Motion, Force, Moments, Energy, Density, Kinetic Theory, Radioactivity, Nuclear Fission and Fusion
11 scored + 0 pretest
Mechanics, pressure, moments, energy, power, heat transfer, density, particle theory and nuclear physics.
Physics Unit P2: Waves, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetism and Space Physics
14 scored + 0 pretest
Waves, optics, circuits, domestic electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism and the Universe.
Unit 7: Practical Skills
25 scored + 0 pretest
Planning, carrying out, analysing and evaluating practical work across all 18 prescribed practicals.
Before using a paper or practical booklet
Confirm subject code 1370, the unit label, entered tier and current examination series. For Unit 7 Booklet A, use only the live pre-release materials, apparatus list, high-control instructions and timetable supplied for the candidate's centre.
Official Outline Coverage Map
Coverage is mapped to official outline item counts so content depth can be checked without hard-coding a single exam.
| Topic | Official outline items | Your questions | Your flashcards | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 Cells | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| B1 Photosynthesis and Plant Leaves | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| B1 Nutrition, Enzymes and Digestion | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| B1 Breathing and Respiration | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| B1 Nervous and Hormonal Coordination | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| B1 Ecological Relationships and Biodiversity | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| B2 Osmosis and Plant Transport | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| B2 Blood and Circulation | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| B2 Reproduction, Fertility and Contraception | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| B2 Genome, Cell Division and Genetics | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| B2 Variation and Selection | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| B2 Microorganisms, Defence and Cancer | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| C1 Atomic Structure | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| C1 Bonding, Structure and Materials | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| C1 Symbols, Formulae and Equations | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| C1 Periodic Table and Trends | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| C1 Quantitative Chemistry | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| C1 Acids, Bases, Salts and Analysis | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| C2 Metals, Reactivity and Extraction | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| C2 Redox Reactions | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| C2 Rates and Equilibrium | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| C2 Organic Chemistry | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| C2 Calculations and Electrochemistry | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| C2 Energy Changes and Gas Chemistry | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| P1 Motion | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| P1 Forces and Pressure | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| P1 Moments and Equilibrium | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| P1 Energy, Power and Heat Transfer | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| P1 Density and Kinetic Theory | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| P1 Radioactivity, Fission and Fusion | 0 | 11 | 6 | Strong |
| P2 Waves | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| P2 Light | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| P2 Current Electricity | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| P2 Domestic Electricity | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| P2 Magnetism and Electromagnetism | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| P2 Space Physics | 0 | 14 | 6 | Strong |
| Unit 7 Planning Investigations | 0 | 24 | 6 | Strong |
| Unit 7 Carrying Out Practical Work | 0 | 22 | 6 | Strong |
| Unit 7 Data Analysis | 0 | 20 | 6 | Strong |
| Unit 7 Conclusions and Evaluation | 0 | 19 | 6 | Strong |
| Unit 7 Biology Prescribed Practicals B1-B6 | 0 | 22 | 6 | Strong |
| Unit 7 Chemistry Prescribed Practicals C1-C6 | 0 | 22 | 6 | Strong |
| Unit 7 Physics Prescribed Practicals P1-P6 | 0 | 22 | 6 | Strong |
How to use this guide
How to study for CCEA GCSE Double Award Science
Build each scientific explanation from a model or relationship, show quantitative working, and connect every practical claim to controlled evidence and evaluation.
1. Locate discipline, unit and tier
Identify Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Unit 7, then check whether the statement is Foundation content or Higher-only bold content in the current specification.
2. State the model or relationship
Name the relevant particles, cells, system, force, energy transfer, chemical equation or scientific-enquiry principle before applying it.
3. Apply it to the evidence
Use the scenario's variables, observations, graph or numerical data and explain the causal link rather than repeating a generic fact.
4. Show calculations and units
Write the relationship, convert units, substitute values, preserve meaningful precision and interpret the result scientifically.
5. Limit and evaluate the claim
Answer the command word, cite evidence, distinguish anomaly from trend and propose an improvement targeted to the identified limitation.
CCEA seven-unit map
Three sciences, one practical framework, two grades
Move from the six tiered science-content units into planning, measurement, analysis and evaluation across all 18 prescribed practicals.
B1 Cells and Living Processes
Cells, photosynthesis, nutrition, enzymes, digestion, gas exchange and respiration.
Choose a topic to open below
B1 Coordination and Ecology
Nervous and hormonal coordination, homeostasis, plant responses and ecological relationships.
Choose a topic to open below
B2 Transport and Circulation
Osmosis, plant transport, blood, vessels, the heart and circulation.
Choose a topic to open below
B2 Reproduction, Inheritance and Selection
Human reproduction, fertility, contraception, DNA, cell division, genetics, variation and selection.
Choose a topic to open below
B2 Microorganisms, Defence and Health
Microorganisms, communicable disease, immune defence, medicines, antibiotics and cancer.
Choose a topic to open below
C1 Structures and Chemical Language
Atomic structure, bonding, materials, formulae and balanced equations.
Choose a topic to open below
C1 Trends, Amounts and Analysis
Periodic trends, quantitative chemistry, acids, bases, salts and qualitative analysis.
Choose a topic to open below
C2 Reactivity, Rates and Equilibrium
Metals, extraction, redox, reaction rates and reversible reactions.
Choose a topic to open below
C2 Organic Chemistry, Calculations and Energy
Hydrocarbons, quantitative chemistry, electrochemistry, energy changes and gas chemistry.
Choose a topic to open below
P1 Mechanics
Motion, forces, pressure, moments and equilibrium.
Choose a topic to open below
P1 Energy, Matter and Nuclear Physics
Energy, power, heat transfer, density, kinetic theory, radioactivity, fission and fusion.
Choose a topic to open below
P2 Waves and Light
Wave properties, electromagnetic radiation, reflection, refraction and lenses.
Choose a topic to open below
P2 Electricity and Magnetism
Circuits, electrical quantities, domestic electricity, magnets and electromagnets.
Choose a topic to open below
P2 Space Physics
The Solar System, stellar evolution, galaxies and evidence for the Big Bang.
Choose a topic to open below
Unit 7 Scientific Enquiry
Planning, risk, measurement, data presentation, analysis, conclusions and evaluation.
Choose a topic to open below
Unit 7 Eighteen Prescribed Practicals
Methods, variables, observations, calculations, risks and limitations for six practicals in each discipline.
Choose a topic to open below
B1 Cells
Microscopy, cell structures, specialisation, stem cells, bacterial cells, diffusion and levels of organisation.
Key rules
Rule 1
Cell structures are explained through their functions and the adaptations of specialised cells.
Exam cue: Identify the scientific model, relationship or practical evidence required by the command word.
Rule 2
Magnification links image size and actual size, with all measurements converted to a common unit.
Exam cue: For microscopy calculations, convert units before substitution and distinguish magnification from resolution.
Rule 3
Diffusion is net particle movement down a concentration gradient and is affected by surface area, distance and gradient.
Exam cue: Use the current CCEA specification formatting and entered tier to decide whether Higher-only detail applies.
Common traps
Describing a specialised cell feature without explaining how it supports the cell's role.
Prevention: Do not import another board or science route, omit units from a calculation, or make a scientific claim beyond the stated evidence.
Giving a remembered fact without connecting it to the stated data, observation or scenario.
Prevention: Do not import another board or science route, omit units from a calculation, or make a scientific claim beyond the stated evidence.
Importing content or paper structure from a separate-science or non-CCEA specification.
Prevention: Do not import another board or science route, omit units from a calculation, or make a scientific claim beyond the stated evidence.
Memory anchors
Nucleus
Contains chromosomes and controls cell activities.
Mitochondrion
Site of aerobic respiration in a cell.
Diffusion
Net movement of particles down a concentration gradient.
Magnification
Image size divided by actual specimen size.
Specialisation
Development of cell structures suited to a particular function.
Stem cell
An unspecialised cell able to divide and form specialised cells.
Next best moves
Quick check-up
Use a short quiz to confirm the rule pattern is actually sticking.
Check-up Questions
Which cell structure contains chromosomes?
Why are mitochondria numerous in a muscle cell?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Open another topic next
Official resources
Verify the details with the official sources
Use these links for eligibility, scheduling, handbook rules, and issuer updates. Our guide helps you study; official sources tell you what the testing partner currently requires.
CCEA GCSE Double Award Science qualification page
CCEA's current Northern Ireland qualification hub for GCSE Double Award Science from September 2017.
CCEA GCSE Double Award Science specification
The official source for subject code 1370, QAN 603/1374/2, seven units, tiers, assessment, 18 prescribed practicals and two-grade reporting.
CCEA Double Award Science specimen assessment materials
Official Foundation and Higher specimen papers and mark schemes for B1, B2, C1, C2, P1, P2 and both parts of Unit 7.
CCEA Double Award Science past papers and mark schemes
Current cleared unit papers and mark schemes; select the correct unit, tier and examination series.
CCEA Double Award Science support
Current practical support, planning frameworks, specimen materials, grade boundaries and subject guidance.
CCEA past papers A-Z
CCEA's current additional server listing Science Double Award materials for the September 2017 specification.
CCEA GCSE grade boundaries
Official series-specific raw-to-uniform-mark grade boundary documents, including current Double Award Science units.
CCEA Double Award Science administration
Current entries, basedata, key dates, timetables, access arrangements and other centre administration links.
FAQ
Common CCEA GCSE Double Award Science questions
Is this an official CCEA resource?
No. This is an independent study guide aligned to CCEA's current public specification and support materials. The current specification, timetable, annual practical materials and centre instructions remain authoritative.
Is this an England 9-1 Combined Science qualification?
No. CCEA GCSE Double Award Science is a Northern Ireland qualification using two grades from A*A* to GG. Do not substitute AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas or WJEC content, tiering or paper structure.
Is Double Award the same as three separate science GCSEs?
No. Double Award Science is one unitised qualification reporting two GCSE grades. It has subject code 1370, QAN 603/1374/2 and its own B1, B2, C1, C2, P1, P2 and Unit 7 structure.
How are the six science-content units weighted?
Biology B1, Chemistry C1 and Physics P1 are each worth 11% and last one hour. Biology B2, Chemistry C2 and Physics P2 are each worth 14% and last 1 hour 15 minutes. All are external written examinations.
How does Unit 7 work?
Unit 7 is worth 25%. Booklet A comprises three externally marked, high-control practical assessments, one hour each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, worth 7.5% in total. Booklet B is a 90-minute external written exam, with 30 minutes per discipline, worth 17.5%.
Is Unit 7 controlled assessment?
No. The current specification says Unit 7 practical skills replaced the previous controlled-assessment tasks. Booklet A is a high-control practical skills assessment that CCEA marks externally; Booklet B is an external written examination.
Can I take different units at different tiers?
Yes. CCEA permits candidates to enter individual units at different tiers. Foundation units target notional grades C*-G, while Higher units target A*-D with an allowed E. Use the correct tier paper and Higher-only specification content for each unit.
Do I need to know all 18 prescribed practicals?
Yes. CCEA says all 18 should be taught: six Biology, six Chemistry and six Physics. Booklet A changes annually and uses tasks based on but not identical to the list; Booklet B can ask about any prescribed practical or another practical situation from the six content units.
Can a static practice session reproduce the full qualification?
No. Written practice can support all content units and Booklet B skills, but it cannot reproduce three supervised, externally marked Booklet A practical assessments. This module therefore keeps full mock mode disabled.