Here is a summary of the units studied in Year 10.

Considering the similarities between the cells that make up the human body and the differences between them which enable them to do different jobs.

Exploring some human organ systems in relation to the life processes they serve:

• The digestive system which enables nutrients from food to enter the bloodstream
• The breathing system which takes into the body the oxygen needed for respiration and removes from the body the carbon dioxide released by this process
• The circulation system which transports materials around the body.

Examining the ways in which the body defends itself against infection. - Top

Investigating how plants:

• Obtain the water, nutrients and carbon dioxide they need
• Make food via the process of photosynthesis
• Transport materials to where they are needed
• Respond to their surroundings.

Examining how common metals are, and where they are, in a periodic table of the elements. (N.B. For the purposes of this module, the periodic table is regarded as comprising the elements in order of their relative atomic masses. They periodic table in order of their proton (atomic) numbers is considered in Module 08 in the context of atomic structures.)

Comparing the properties of alkali metals with the properties of transition metals and relating this to the greater usefulness of the latter for structural materials.

Explaining how metals are extracted from their ores and relating this to their reactivities.

Considering how structural metals can be prevented from reverting to their oxides (i.e. corroding).

Investigation how metal compounds (salts) can be prepared.

Investigation the uses of limestone both as a building material and as a raw material for producing a range of other useful materials.

Studying the fractionation and cracking of crude oil to produce a range of useful materials, including plastics via the process of polymerisation.

Considering the origins of the Earth's atmosphere.

Extending the concept of global changes via a consideration of tectonics.

Investigations of thermal energy transfer by means of radiation – and of how all types of thermal energy transfer can be reduced when necessary.

For the higher tier only, explaining how thermal energy transfers by means of conduction and convection occur.

Calculating:

• the energy transferred by appliances from their power and the length of time they are used;
• the cost of using electrical appliances;

and at the higher tier only;

• the energy transferred to bodies by lifting them i.e. gravitational potential energy.

An examination of the idea of efficiency in relation to energy transfer.

A detailed study of the advantages and disadvantages, from various points of view, of a range of renewable and non-renewable energy resources.

Exploring the relationship between the three key variables, potential difference, resistance and current and applying it to a range of devices.

Examining uses of the magnetic effects of electrical currents including the transfer of electrical energy as movement in electric motors and circuit breakers.

Using the concept of electrical charge:

• In the context of static electricity, its uses and the problems it causes
• To explain electric currents and electrolysis.

Considering the nature of mains electricity and its safe use.

Calculating:

• Power, in terms of p.d. and current (and hence of appropriate fuses for appliances of given power)

and, at the higher tier:

• Energy transfer in terms of p.d. and charge
• Charge in terms of current and time.