WJEC Eduqas GCE AS in Electronics Overview

Course Aims:

• The course provides learners with a broad, coherent, and engaging study of electronics, emphasizing both theoretical and practical components.

• Students will develop essential scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of electrical/electronic circuits.

• The course encourages students to apply engineering skills in real-life contexts, solving practical problems and developing their interest in electronics as a career or higher education pathway.

Course Components:

1. Component 1: Principles of Electronics (Written Examination, 80% of qualification)

   • Topics Covered:

     • System synthesis

     • DC electrical circuits

     • Energy and power

     • Semiconductor components (e.g., diodes, transistors)

     • Logic systems and operational amplifiers

     • Microcontrollers and mains power supply systems

   • Skills Developed:

     • Problem-solving in theoretical and practical settings.

     • Mathematical analysis of circuits.

     • Designing, building, and testing systems.

2. Component 2: System Design and Realisation Tasks (Non-exam assessment, 20% of qualification)

   • Tasks Include:

     • Task 1: Design and realisation of a digital system.

     • Task 2: Investigation of an analogue system.

     • Task 3: Development of a microcontroller system programmed via flowcharts.

   • Skills Developed:

     • Design and development of functional systems.

     • Testing and evaluation of electronic systems.

Assessment Objectives:

• AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of electronics concepts and techniques.

• AO2: Apply knowledge and techniques to practical tasks.

• AO3: Analyse problems and design solutions through practical work and evaluation.

Mathematical Skills:

• Required for all topics: Numerical computation, algebra, handling data, using graphs, and applying equations.

• Specific Skills: Recognising and applying circuit equations, calculating power, capacitance, and resistance, and simplifying logic systems using Boolean algebra.

Key Topics in Component 1:

• System Synthesis: Breaking down complex systems into sub-systems (Page 9).

• DC Electrical Circuits: Analyzing and calculating the properties of resistors and capacitors in series and parallel (Page 10).

• Semiconductor Components: Exploring diodes, MOSFETs, and transistors (Page 13).

• Logic Systems: Understanding logic gates and simplifying logic circuits (Page 16).

• Microcontrollers: Programming microcontrollers using flowcharts (Page 23).

• Mains Power Supply Systems: Working with rectification and voltage regulation (Page 23).

Practical Work:

• Extensive hands-on projects for learning real-world applications of electronics principles, such as designing circuits and programming microcontrollers.

• Development of systems that meet specific requirements, including system planning, development, and evaluation (Pages 22–24).

Mathematical Requirements (Appendix B):

• Proficiency in using algebraic equations, graphs, and handling data is essential.

• Mathematical skills are integrated into almost every part of the specification, from calculating circuit characteristics to simplifying logic systems.

For more detailed breakdowns of each topic and the respective assessments, the specification covers various systems and components that require both theoretical understanding and practical application. This course will guide learners through essential concepts and lead to practical skills in electronic system design and problem-solving.