Design Technology
6th Form Prospectus Electronics
By
Mar 8, 2007 - 12:14:44 AM

ELECTRONICS
(Exam Board: AQA)

Introduction
Electronics A-Level is essentially a practical subject.  The electronic circuit theory is primarily taught by practical experimentation using real components, protoboards and PCBs and a practical project is undertaken in both the AS and A2 course.

It is important to note that the practical coursework marks are awarded solely for the electronic circuit and, therefore, no work with construction materials such as wood, metal or plastic is required.  However, as Electronics A-Level is taught through the Design Technology department, candidates would be permitted to enhance their circuits in such a way if time allows.


Outline
The Electronics A-Level specification is designed to offer candidates opportunities to study, propose and realise prototype solutions to designing and making opportunities closely linked to the real world of electronic product manufacture.

Candidates are offered opportunities to demonstrate their own technological capabilities through the design and making of quality practical electronic outcomes.


What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

Students embarking on Electronics A-Level are expected to have achieved at least a C grade in Electronics or Design Technology (Electronic Products or Systems & Control) GCSE as well as a minimum of a C grade in Mathematics GCSE.  It is also important that students are genuinely interested in learning and discovering how circuits and systems are designed and implemented.

Other subjects that go well with Electronics A-Level are Physics and Maths; however students may wish to choose Electronics as a contrasting subject to a wide range of other choices.


Subject Content
Electronics A-Level will test the candidate?s ability to understand and use a range of electronic components, circuits and systems.  The theory taught and practised includes: digital and analogue inputs; audio and visual outputs; logic gates; semi-conductors; amplifiers; timers; counters; filters; microprocessor programming; neural networks; PC interfacing; radio receivers; mobile communication; digital communication, optoelectronics and stepper motor control

Candidates will also be shown how to develop and apply their skills, knowledge and understanding of relevant components, circuits and systems to manufacture their own ideas to as high a standard as possible.

This course is assessed by a practical coursework project and theory examinations in each year.
 

AS Units:	Assessment Method:	% of AS Course:
Unit 1 Foundation Electronics	1- hour Theory Exam	30%
Unit 2 Further Electronics	1- hour Theory Exam	40%
Unit 3 Coursework Project	Practical and A4 Project Report	30%

A2 Units:	Assessment Method:	% of AS Course:
Unit 4 Electronic Control Systems	1- hour Theory Exam	30%
Unit 5 Communications Systems	1- hour Theory Exam	40%
Unit 6 Coursework Project	Practical and A4 Project Report	30%

What constitutes a Coursework Project?
Electronics A-Level candidates are given a free choice of task that they would like to explore.  The task must be set within certain parameters, namely candidates should examine the design and development of a circuit that solves a tangible problem and which utilises components and systems within the subject content of the syllabus.

Candidates are expected to show that they have analysed and researched the problem area and that they can use this data to create a varied and innovative selection of initial circuit ideas.  Their circuit is then developed using CAD software and circuit prototyping.

The candidate's completed circuit is then tested under the conditions for which it was designed, and modifications are made if necessary after an evaluation process.

The aim is for all students to produce a well made electronic circuit that takes into consideration modern manufacturing methods, quality control and health and safety issues.  Candidates must be flexible enough to adapt, change and develop their work as invariably changes will have to be made.  Students will be expected to show good communication skills and be able to present an A4 project report which displays the design and manufacturing stages.


What could I go on to do at the end of my course?
An A-Level in Electronics will help candidates gain access to institutes of Higher or Further Education.  Alternatively you may wish to use this qualification to help gain access to study a wide range of engineering or design based courses.

Typically, Electronics A-Level could lead to a potential career in areas such as electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering, computer hardware engineering or product design.


Further Information
Further information about this course can be obtained at www.aqa.org.uk or from Mr S W Hay at Warminster School.