GCSE Electronics

Electronics (GCSE)
GCSE

Are you interested in how a radio works? Would you like to build an intruder alarm? This course will explain how and show why electronics is so important in modern life. You do not need to have studied Electronics previously, but some mathematical ability is required. You will also have to write a report as part of your coursework assessment.

The course covers all aspects of basic electronics:

• components: resistors, capacitors, different types of switches, diodes, light emitting diodes (LEDs), thermistors, transistors;

• test apparatus: oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators;

• the dangers of electricity, circuit breakers, risk assessments;

• digital subsystems such as logic gates, flip-flops, counters, astables (to make a continuous train of pulses), monostables (to make a single pulse of a particular length of time);

• analogue systems using an operational amplifier to make alarm type circuits, voltage amplifiers;

• audio systems: MP3, CD, DVD players, tuners, amplifiers, loudspeakers.

If you pass this GCSE, then you will be in a good position to carry on onto AS Electronics. If you have also passed GCSE Maths at Grade C or higher, you could take A level Physics alongside Electronics.

Assessment

The course is assessed by examination (60%) and two pieces of coursework: a project (25%) in which you design, build and test an electronics system with no more than ten components. You then write a reprot on your project; a research assigment (15%) in which you research and then write a report of around 1000-2000 words about the use of electronics in society.