ELECTRONICS A-LEVEL
Equivalent to 1 qualification
Awarding Body: WJEC
Course Code: A490QS
QAN: 603/0777/8
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OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE
The WJEC Electronics A level specification provides a sound foundation for the study of electronics or a related area and is a natural progression from GCSE electronics. Successful study will require strong applied maths skills. Studying electronics at A level and beyond provides great job opportunities for Electrical/Electronic Engineers in the UK, including transport networks, renewable energy sources, manufacturing and construction, systems design, programming, robotics and medical engineering. Universities and employers widely recognise the status and value of this A level. Electronics expertise sits alongside CAD and programming skills as one of the most desirable strengths in many companies attracting preferential and higher salaries than other engineering disciplines.
CONTENT AND ASSESSMENT
The subject is taught in modules and examined at the end of Year 13. The exam is based around students demonstrating core concepts across three component assessments.
C1 Principles of electronics- 40% written examination (Knowledge & understanding)- 2hr45m
1. Semiconductor components
2. Logic Systems
3. Operational Amplifiers
4. Signal Conversion
5. AC circuits and passive filters
6. Wireless transmission
7. Instrumentation systems
C2 Application of electronics- 40% written examination (Applying knowledge & skills)- 2hr45m
1. Timing Circuits
2. Sequential Logic systems
3. Microcontrollers
4. Digital Communications
5. Optical communication
6. Mains power systems
7. High power switching systems
8. Audio systems
C3 Extended System Design – 20% NEA coursework (Design, analysis and evaluation)
The NEA is an integral part of the A level and is 20% of the total examination. It requires each learner to complete two tasks independently. These build on the concepts studied throughout the specification. The tasks are both academic and practical in nature and reflect learning from components 1 and 2.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Grade 6 in GCSE Electronics or GCSE Mathematics.