Electronics AS/A Level - Worthing College

Electronics
AS/A Level
Starting September 2015
Opportunity Achievement Success Progression
www.worthing.ac.uk

When do I start studying for
this qualification?
September 2015.
For how long will I study?
One year for AS; a further year to
complete the full A Level.
What is this course about?
Would you enjoy finding out how a
drinks machine is programmed to give
you a perfect cup of coffee? Are you
keen to learn how the modern world
communicates and controls the vast
amount of data that it generates?
Are you interested in building and
testing basic electronic circuits from
fundamental principles? Ever thought
about how an amplifier works? If
you answer is ‘yes’ to most of these
questions then Electonics AS/A Level
could be for you.
What topics will I study?
AS Level Units:
1. Digital Systems: logic gates, system
design, sequential logic systems,
amplifiers.
2. Circuits & Components: circuit
principles, components, timing circuits,
semiconductor diodes, signal sources,
switching circuits.
3. Control System Project:
using software to programme a
microcontroller.
A Level Units
4. Communication Systems: Filters,
modulation techniques, radio, digital
communication systems.
5. System Applications: Counting,
microcontroller systems, power,
instruments, high power switching
systems, audio.
6. Major Design Project: Practical
project planning, development, testing
and reporting.
How will my work be
assessed?
At AS Level: Units 1 and 2 exams in
the summer (70% of marks). Unit 3 is
coursework assessment of your project
to programme a microcontroller (30%
of marks).
At A Level: Units 4 and 5 exams in
the summer. Unit 6 is coursework
assessment of your planning, design,
building testing and reporting in your
major project.
What skills and interests do
I need beforehand to be a
successful applicant for this
course?
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.
What skills and good practice
will I need to develop during
the course to succeed?
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.
Are there any specific entry
requirements?
You need a minimum of five GCSEs
at A*- C grade including a grade B in
GCSE Maths and two grade Bs in
GCSE science. You will also have to
study Physics A Level or Maths AS/A
Level.

What are the lessons like?
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.
What students say about this
course?
“It goes really well with Maths and
Physics.”
“I really enjoy the practical work.”
“It helps with Physics at A Level.”
Is there a similar qualification
to this one? If so how do I
choose between them?
Electronics has a close relationship to
Maths and Physics but most people
take a combination of these subjects.
What do people do with A Level
Electronics?
It is an excellent preparation for
most physical science first degrees,
particularly those in engineering
and research disciplines. Electronic
Engineering at university 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.
The Applied Physics BTEC course
offers an excellent alternative for
students who benefit from ongoing
assessment in preference to exams.
Are there any other
qualifications which combine
particularly well with this one?
See above. Some people combine
Electronics with subjects other than
Maths, Sciences and IT to broaden
the range of skills they can offer in the
future. For example a combination with
Music could support later progression
into Music Technology.

Correct at issue date. Please see www.worthing.ac.uk for updates.
Apply now on-line at www.worthing.ac.uk
T: 01903 275755
E: info@worthing.ac.uk
Issue 09.2014