Board: AQA
Syllabus: AS Level (1431), A Level (2431)
About the subject
Are you interested in controlling things like planes, cars etc. automatically, or how to sense the environment around you and change it? Would you like to be able to build your own guitar amp, create effects or filter out unwanted frequencies from music? What about being able to design a security system with timing devices and infrared beams. If these things excite you then read on.
You will need to be interested in designing and then building your own circuits. This will involve you using prototype boards but there will be no box building or soldering.
In each topic you will learn the electronic theory and develop the ability to apply what you know to your own circuits. Gradually you will develop your skill in producing working and reliable electronic circuits. Fault finding is another high-level skill and one which you will be able to use to greater effect as the course progresses.
30% of the qualification will be based on a project built on prototype boards. Most of this project work will be completed in lesson time under supervision, but some typing up will need to be done in your own time.
Learning styles
Care is taken in the course to show the relevance of circuit theory at each stage. Practical work will take place in most lessons with students being expected to translate a circuit diagram into a working circuit prototype. Homework will mainly be in the form of short on-line exercises and near the end of the course relevant past paper questions.
For the coursework component students are expected to build a circuit of their own design. There is one project a year and each project should be accompanied by a report of around 15 A4 pages. Students have 6 weeks of lesson time to complete this.
Revision will take the form of structured questions selected from past papers. Revision forms part of the lessons in the lead up to exams. Exams will take place only in the summer of each year.
Students should be able to manipulate simple equations (of GCSE Maths standard) and to communicate the development of their coursework project.
Subject Combinations and Progression
Electronics stands by itself as a separate subject but there are overlaps with Physics and indeed the two compliment each other well. It is NOT necessary to study Physics in order to take Electronics, and no prior knowledge of Electronics is required.
Subject Modules and Assessment
AS
Module 1 Introductory Electronics - 1 hr Written Paper 17.5% of marks (35% AS)
Module 2 Further Electronics - 1 hr Written Paper 17.5% of marks (35% AS)
Module 3 Coursework Project - Practical project & report 15% of marks (30% AS)
A2
Module 4 Programmable Control Systems - 1.5 hrs Written Paper 17.5% of marks
Module 5 Communication Systems - 1.5 hrs Written Paper 17.5% of marks
Module 6 Coursework Project - Practical Project & report 15% of marks
Entry requirements
GCSE Science, Additional Science and Mathematics grade C. It is not necessary to have studied Electronics before