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Level 3
WJE L3 A Level in Electronics
COURSE OVERVIEW
Electronics drives advances in technology in medicine, space exploration, driver-less cars, telecommunications and renewable energies. Are you keen to learn how electronics underpins our modern world? Are you interested in building and testing basic electronic circuits from fundamental principles? If you answer ‘yes’; to these questions, then Electronics AS/A Level could be for you. Topics studied include: Year 1: Semiconductor components, logic systems, operational amplifiers, Timing circuits, Sequential logic systems, microcontrollers and mains power supply systems. Extended system design and realisation tasks (20%) Coursework: Task 1 – develop a flowchart to run on a PIC microcontroller chip. Task 2 – design, build, test and a digital electronic system. Task 3 -; design, build and test an analogue electronic system. Year 2: Signal conversion, AC circuits and passive filters, Communication systems, Wireless transmission, Instrumentation systems, Digital communications, Optical communication, High power switching systems and Audio systems. Most of the theoretical work in electronics can be tested practically and lessons usually contain a mixture of theory and group practicals. The project work in the first year is mainly ICT based. In the second year the major project is designed and developed on an individual basis with one-to-one advice and guidance given when needed. 1:1 support is available to all students.
FURTHER INFORMATION
You need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4, including grade 5 in Maths, double 5 in Science and grade 4 in English Language. The specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in GCSE Science and Maths. You will need to be able to use Mathematical skills (computation, algebra and graphs) and IT skills during the course and be interested in their application in the modern world.
It is an excellent preparation for most physical science first degrees, particularly those in robotics, computing and engineering. An electronic engineering degree can lead to the international job market with many vacancies throughout Europe. Good electronics engineers are scarce and starting salaries often reflect this. As there is a programming element to Electronics A Level it is a very useful entry qualification for a degree in computing. For those not intending to take the subject to a higher level, an appreciation of the fundamental concepts of electronics is useful in careers such as the armed forces, aviation, computing and many technological industries.
Principles of Electronics (40%) Written examination: 2 hours 45 minutes Application of Electronics (40%) Written examination: 2 hours 45 minutes Extended system design and realisation tasks (20%) Coursework: Task 1 – develop a program to run on a PIC microcontroller chip. Task 2 – design, build, test and evaluate a complete electronic system.
TBC
Develop an interest in electronics and pursue this in further study in your own time, use appropriate methods to answer questions and solve problems analyse, interpret and communicate evidence and ideas.