AS/A2 Electronics

AS/A2 Electronics

Why study Electronics?
Electronics is a rapidly expanding area and is becoming increasingly important in both industry and the home we all rely on electronics for some part of our work and leisure. The course aims to enable you to gain an understanding of the principles of modern electronics and to become competent in the design and analysis of electronic circuits. Theory and calculations are central to the course but a large amount of the work is practically based and experimental project work forms part of the assessment at both AS and A2 Level. Electronics is taught in a well-equipped laboratory. This allows you to work individually on a wide range of practical tasks.

What will I study and how will it be assessed?
The main themes of the AS course include:

• Circuit and logic principles


• Sequential logic


• Amplifying circuits


• Counters


• Timing circuits


• Transducers

The main themes of the A2 course include:

• Digital/analogue converters


• Memory systems


• Information transfer and radio circuits


• Digital and mobile communications


• Optoelectronics


• Microprocessor systems


• Filters


• Interfacing


• Robotic Systems

In both the AS and A2 courses, your achievement is assessed through Written Examinations and through Coursework. The two written exam papers in both the AS and A2 courses are taken in June.

At AS each paper is worth 35% of the AS total (17% of A Level).

At A2 each paper counts for 17% of the A Level mark.

The Coursework consists of separate projects for AS and A2 in which you design, build and test your own electronic system.

The AS coursework is worth 30% of the AS total (15% of A Level), the A2 Coursework counts for 15% of the A Level.

Does Electronics link particularly well with other subjects?
The course combines well with all A2 and AS Levels in Science, Design and Technology and Computing. There are some common areas of study and approach with A Level Physics and Computing.

Where might it lead me?
Electronics is a scientific and technologically important subject and the A Level forms a well-recognised science-based qualification. Success in Electronics A Level demonstrates your capability in an analytical and technical discipline. Electronics complements Physics and other scientific disciplines. The course provides a useful introduction to the study of Electronics and related Engineering subjects in Higher Education. It should be noted that A Level Maths and often A Level Physics are required for Electronics degree courses though some institutions offer foundation courses in these subjects

Entry Requirement
No previous knowledge of electronics is required. Calculations, basic algebra and problem solving are involved throughout the course so it is essential that you have achieved at least GCSE Grade C, and preferably Grade B or higher, in Mathematics and in Core and Additional Science or Physics. Some aptitude for the analysis of complex systems is also needed you may enjoy logical thinking for example, have a methodical approach or good problem solving skills in Maths or Science. The course is all about electrical circuits so you should have a confident grasp of the electrical content of GCSE Science/Physics.