How to Make Sense of the SEC G3 Science (Physics, Chemistry) Syllabus in Singapore

The SEC G3 Science (Physics, Chemistry) syllabus (K326) is the SEAB document for students in Singapore who take G3 combined Science with Physics and Chemistry. This guide explains which four papers K326 candidates sit, what the Physics and Chemistry sections cover, how the practical test works and how K326 differs from G3 Physics and G3 Chemistry.

Using this exam specification reference: Use this technical guide to see how the official combined-Science K326 papers, marks and practical assessment are arranged. The main Physics–Chemistry guide offers worked links between energy, circuits, particles, reactions and scientific evidence. Confirm the correct code on the school timetable before selecting past papers or interpreting marks.

The K326 syllabus is official.

It is precise, dense and shared: one SEAB document covers all three combined Science syllabuses.

It rewards a close reading.

Once you know which pages belong to K326, it becomes a useful map.

This guide is useful for families who need to:

see which four papers K326 candidates sit;
find the Physics and Chemistry parts of the shared document;
compare K326 with G3 Physics and G3 Chemistry; or
know what is printed with each paper, such as the Periodic Table.

At eduKateSG, we start from the official syllabus document whenever we plan lessons, and this guide applies the same habit to combined Science.

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SEC G3 Science (Physics, Chemistry) Syllabus at a Glance

Syllabus code: K326
Code for reference (2026 and earlier): 5086, as shown on the SEAB listing page
Who it is for: school candidates taking G3 Science with Physics and Chemistry
Examination year of this document: 2027
Shared document: each code has its own PDF on the SEAB page, but all three files are the same combined G3 Science document
Papers: four for K326, namely Papers 1, 2, 3 and 5
Total time: 5 hours across the four papers
Weightings: 20% (Paper 1), 32.5% (Paper 2, Physics), 32.5% (Paper 3, Chemistry) and 15% (Paper 5, Practical Test)
Calculator: an approved calculator may be used in all papers
Geometrical instruments: candidates should have them for Papers 1 and 2
Printed with the papers: the Periodic Table and a data sheet of metal hydroxide colours in Papers 1 and 3, and the Chemistry Practical Notes in the practical paper
Where to download: SEAB 2027 SEC G3 syllabuses page

This guide is based on the SEAB syllabus document examined in 2027. SEAB can update syllabuses, so always check the latest version on the SEAB website.

What the Syllabus Is For

The three aims are to:

give all students a worthwhile education, whether or not they go on to study science;
build understanding and skills linked to the practices of science, including a way of thinking for solving problems; and
develop values and attitudes such as curiosity, integrity, objectivity and healthy scepticism.

The Physics section aims for a coherent understanding of energy, matter and how they relate.

The Chemistry section puts less weight on factual material and more on understanding and applying concepts.

The Physics section notes that disciplinary ideas are introduced at upper secondary, when students begin to specialise in the sciences.

On SEAB’s 2027 G3 list, K326 sits beside two other combined Science syllabuses, K327 and K328, and beside the single sciences, including Physics (K323) and Chemistry (K324).

How the Examination Is Structured

Candidates enter for Paper 1, Paper 5 and two of Papers 2, 3 and 4. For K326, those two are Paper 2 (Physics) and Paper 3 (Chemistry).

Paper 1: Multiple Choice

Duration: 1 hour
Marks: 40
Weighting: 20%
Questions: 40 compulsory multiple-choice questions, with approximately equal coverage of Physics and Chemistry
Printed with the paper: the data sheet Colours of Some Common Metal Hydroxides and the Periodic Table of Elements

Paper 2: Structured and Free Response (Physics)

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Marks: 65
Weighting: 32.5%
Section A: 55 marks of compulsory structured questions, the last worth 10 marks
Section B: 10 marks, answering one of two questions

Paper 3: Structured and Free Response (Chemistry)

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Marks: 65
Weighting: 32.5%
Section A: 55 marks of compulsory structured questions, the last worth 10 marks
Section B: 10 marks, answering one of two questions
Printed with the paper: the same data sheet and Periodic Table as Paper 1

Paper 5: Practical Test

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Marks: 30
Weighting: 15%
Questions: one or two compulsory questions on Physics, and one or two on Chemistry
Modification or extension: in one or both questions, candidates suggest one, which does not need to be carried out
Reference material: none, except the Chemistry Practical Notes included in the question paper

In practice, Physics and Chemistry each have their own 32.5% paper, and they share Paper 1 and Paper 5.

Paper 1 and Paper 5 are set at the same time for all three combined syllabuses, and the Physics practical question(s) are identical for K326 and K327.

What the Syllabus Covers

K326 uses the Physics and Chemistry sections of the shared document. The Biology section belongs to K327 and K328.

Physics: 6 Sections, 16 Topics

measurement: physical quantities, units and measurement;
Newtonian mechanics: kinematics, force and pressure, dynamics, turning effect of forces, and energy;
thermal physics: the kinetic particle model of matter and thermal processes;
waves: general wave properties, the electromagnetic spectrum and light;
electricity and magnetism: electric charges and current of electricity, d.c. circuits, practical electricity, and magnetism and electromagnetism; and
radioactivity.

Chemistry: 3 Sections, 12 Topics

matter, structures and properties: experimental chemistry, the particulate nature of matter, and chemical bonding and structure;
chemical reactions: chemical calculations, acid-base chemistry, qualitative analysis, redox chemistry, patterns in the Periodic Table, chemical energetics and rate of reactions; and
chemistry in a sustainable world: organic chemistry and maintaining air quality.

The scope is narrower than the single sciences. G3 Physics (K323) has 20 topics, including Electromagnetic Induction, which does not appear in the K326 Physics section.

G3 Chemistry (K324) uses the same twelve topic titles, but its sub-topics include Transition Elements and Electrochemistry, which the K326 Chemistry section does not list.

What the Examiners Are Looking For

The syllabus groups its assessment objectives into three areas.

A: Knowledge with Understanding

Facts, laws and concepts, scientific vocabulary, apparatus, quantities and applications. This is about 50% of the marks in the theory papers, with about 20% for recall.

B: Handling Information and Solving Problems

Using information and data to find patterns, explain, predict and solve problems. This is about 50% of the theory marks.

C: Experimental Skills and Investigations

Following instructions, using apparatus, recording and interpreting results, planning and evaluating. Paper 5 tests these skills, and the modification or extension element carries 10% to 20% of its marks.

This balance is not the same as in the single sciences. G3 Physics and G3 Chemistry give about 45% of the theory marks to A and about 55% to B.

How to Read the Syllabus Document

The document serves three syllabuses, so read it selectively.

Aims and Practices of Science (page 3): the three aims and the three parts of scientific practice
Assessment Objectives (page 4): what is tested, with approximate weightings
Scheme of Assessment (page 6): all five papers, and the K326 note naming Papers 1, 2, 3 and 5
Physics Section (from page 8): introduction, disciplinary ideas, content structure, subject content and key quantities
Chemistry Section (from page 25): the same parts, then the Chemistry Practical Notes, the metal hydroxide colours and the Periodic Table
Biology Section (from page 41): not needed for K326
Practical Assessment (page 55): the Physics and Chemistry practical parts, with apparatus lists
Glossary of Terms (page 63): what command words such as “Describe”, “Explain” and “Suggest” ask for
Special Note (page 64): nomenclature, units, significant figures, calculators and geometrical instruments

Common Misunderstandings

“K326 is G3 Physics and G3 Chemistry put together.”

It has its own structure and a narrower scope. G3 Physics and G3 Chemistry each have three papers weighted 30%, 50% and 20%. K326 has one paper per science, plus a shared multiple-choice paper and practical.

“The Periodic Table only comes with the Chemistry paper.”

For K326, the Periodic Table and the metal hydroxide data sheet are printed as part of Paper 1 as well as Paper 3.

“There will be a Physics formula sheet.”

The syllabus does not mention one. Many Physics outcomes ask students to recall and apply relationships, such as density = mass / volume.

“The practical is only about following instructions.”

Candidates must also suggest a modification or extension in one or both questions. This element carries 10% to 20% of the practical marks.

How Students Can Use the Syllabus

1. Mark the pages that apply

Highlight the Physics and Chemistry sections, and set the Biology section aside.

2. Build one checklist of 28 topics

List the 16 Physics topics and 12 Chemistry topics, and rate your confidence in each.

3. Collect the Physics relationships

Gather every “recall and apply” relationship from the Physics outcomes in one place.

4. Practise with the printed resources

Use the Periodic Table, the metal hydroxide colours and the Chemistry Practical Notes in practice, so they feel familiar.

5. Practise improving experiments

After each practical, ask what you would modify or extend, and why.

How Parents Can Help

download the syllabus and help your child find the Physics and Chemistry sections;
ask to see the topic checklist now and then;
ask how practical work is going, not only about test scores;
check that your child has an approved calculator and geometrical instruments;
encourage short, regular revision in both sciences; and
keep conversations about results calm and specific.

How eduKateSG Uses the Science (Physics, Chemistry) Syllabus

we read the official SEAB document first, rather than relying on second-hand summaries;
we help families find the pages of the shared document that apply to K326;
we use the syllabus’s own objectives to ask whether a difficulty is about recall, handling information or practical skills;
we note where Physics and Chemistry rely on mathematical skills, such as relationships and chemical calculations; and
we are honest about whether our classes are the right fit for a student’s Science needs.

Getting Support

Every student starts from a different place.

Speak with us about your child’s level, subject and recent results. If our 3-pax classes are the right fit, we will explain how they work. If they are not, we will say so honestly.

Format: Premium 3-pax small-group tutorials, 1.5 hours weekly

The usual first step is a parent–student consultation.

What Parents Can Bring to the Consultation

Useful materials include:

a copy of the syllabus, or its code;
recent test papers and weighted assessments;
the latest report book;
the school’s assessment schedule; and
examples of questions the student finds difficult.

We are not only looking at the score.

We are looking for patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many papers do K326 candidates sit?

Four: Paper 1 Multiple Choice (1 hour, 20%), Paper 2 Physics (1 hour 15 minutes, 32.5%), Paper 3 Chemistry (1 hour 15 minutes, 32.5%) and Paper 5 Practical Test (1 hour 30 minutes, 15%). Paper 4 is Biology, so it is not part of K326.

Is there a practical examination in K326?

Yes. Paper 5 is a formal practical test worth 15%, with one or two compulsory questions on each of Physics and Chemistry. The Chemistry Practical Notes are included in the question paper, and no other reference material is allowed.

Is the Periodic Table provided?

Yes. For K326, the Periodic Table and the data sheet Colours of Some Common Metal Hydroxides are printed as part of Paper 1 and Paper 3.

Is a calculator allowed in K326?

Yes. An approved calculator may be used in all papers. The Special Note also says K326 candidates should have geometrical instruments with them for Papers 1 and 2.

Is K326 the same as the earlier syllabus 5086?

The SEAB listing page shows 5086 as the code for reference for 2026 and earlier. The K326 document does not describe any changes, so use the 2027 PDF as your reference.

Where do I download the K326 syllabus?

It is on the SEAB page for 2027 SEC G3 syllabuses. Each code has its own link there, but all three files are the same document covering K326, K327 and K328.

Helpful Reading

The eduKateSG Syllabus Series

Plain-language guides to SEAB syllabuses, from PSLE to A-Level. More guides are being added.

Science guides

PSLE Foundation Science (0039)
PSLE Science (0009)
SEC G1 Science (K123)
SEC G2 Science (Chemistry, Biology) (K225)
SEC G2 Science (Physics, Biology) (K224)
SEC G2 Science (Physics, Chemistry) (K223)
SEC G3 Biology (K325)
SEC G3 Chemistry (K324)
SEC G3 Physics (K323)
SEC G3 Science (Chemistry, Biology) (K328)
SEC G3 Science (Physics, Biology) (K327)
SEC G3 Science (Physics, Chemistry) (K326) (this guide)
A-Level H2 Biology (9477)
A-Level H2 Chemistry (9476)
A-Level H2 Physics (9478)

More Secondary (SEC) guides

SEC G3 Science (Physics, Chemistry) Syllabus: Energy, Matter and Method

The syllabus is not a textbook.

It is a map.

Four papers. Two sciences. Twenty-eight topics.

Physics and Chemistry each have a paper of their own.

They meet in Paper 1 and in the practical.

Read the right sections once properly, and every topic has a place.

Then practise steadily, with care over units, relationships and working.

Arrange a Parent–Student Consultation

Speak with us about your child’s level, recent results, learning gaps and the dates ahead.

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How to Make Sense of the SEC G3 Science (Physics, Chemistry) Syllabus in Singapore | K326 Papers, Topics and Marks