N4/5

Practical Electronics

This course is optional

What will you study in this course?

Overview

Electronics is vital to everyday life in our society. This Course provides skills and an understanding of electronics and its impact. It provides a solid foundation for those considering further study, or a career, in electrical engineering and related disciplines. The Course also provides a valuable complementary practical experience for those studying Engineering Science, Physics or other pure science Courses. The electronics industry continues to be a major contributor to the economy. It contributes not only to manufacturing, but to other sectors such as finance, telecommunications, material processing, oil extraction, weather forecasting and renewable energy. Within all of these fields there exists a wide range of job opportunities for people with skills in electronics.

The aims of the Course are to enable learners to develop: knowledge and understanding of key concepts in electronics and apply these in a range of contexts a range of practical skills in electronics, including skills in analysis and problem solving, design skills, skills in the safe use of tools and equipment, and skills in evaluating products and systems awareness of the importance of safe working practices in electronics an understanding of the role and impact of electronics in changing and influencing society and the environment The Course is mainly practical in nature. The aims of the Course will be developed through practical projects and investigative tasks in a range of contexts.

Practical Electronics: Circuit Design (National 4)

This Unit provides an understanding of key electrical concepts and electronic components. Learners will analyse electronic problems, design solutions to these problems and explore issues relating electronics to society and the environment.

Practical Electronics: Circuit Simulation (National 4)

In this Unit, the learner will use simulation software to assist in the design, construction and testing of circuits and systems and to investigate their behaviour. For the circuit design and simulation Units, typical circuits should involve a power supply, up to two input devices, processing, and an output device.

Practical Electronics: Circuit Construction (National 4)

This Unit provides experience in assembling a range of electronic circuits, using permanent and non-permanent methods. Skills in practical wiring and assembly techniques will be developed, and testing and fault-finding carried out. For this Unit, typical circuits should involve a power supply, marking out of stripboard, placement and soldering of components, cutting track and wiring techniques between boards, where required.

Added Value Unit: Developing an Electronic Solution (National 4)

This Unit requires the learner to apply skills and knowledge from the other Units to solve an electronics problem.

Where does this course lead to?

Progression from the course is to an alternative Science or Technical Subject. You may also wish to do STEM Leader as an alternative on your pathway.

The qualification can also lead to Jobs, further education at College or Apprenticeships.

Course methodology

The Course provides a broad practical introduction to electronics. It will be of value in providing an informed view of the impact of electronics to many learners, and particularly beneficial to those considering a career or further study in electronics, electrical engineering, physics, and related disciplines.
The Course provides sufficient breadth, flexibility and choice to meet the needs of all learners. Learners will develop a broad understanding of the pervasive role of electronics in our society, as well as a range of transferable skills for learning, life and work, opening up a wide range of career and study opportunities, and enabling them to develop as global citizens who can contribute effectively to their communities, society and the world.
On completing the Course, learners will have developed skills in analysis and problem solving, circuit design, safe use of tools and equipment, and evaluation of electronic solutions.
Course activities also provide opportunities to enhance generic skills in planning and organising, working independently and in teams, critical thinking and decision making, research, communication and self- and peer-evaluation, in a technological context.

Assessment in this course

To achieve the award of the National 4 Practical Electronics Course, learners must achieve all the required units. National 4 courses are not graded. They will be assessed on a pass/fail basis within centres

The assessment of the Units in this Course will be as follows:

Practical Electronics: Circuit Design (National 4)

For this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of: skills in designing digital electronic circuits skills in designing analogue electronic circuits awareness of some aspects of the impact of electronics

Practical Electronics: Circuit Simulation (National 4)

For this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of: skills in using simulation software in the design of electronic circuits skills in using simulation software in the construction and testing of electronic circuits

Practical Electronics: Circuit Construction (National 4)

For this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of: skills in constructing electronic circuits, applying safe working practices skills in testing electronic circuits

Added Value Unit: Developing an Electronic Solution (National 4)

In the Practical Electronics (National 4) Course, the Added Value Unit will focus on challenge and application. The learner will draw on, extend and apply the skills they have learned during the Course. This will be assessed through a practical activity which involves applying skills and knowledge from the other Units to solve an appropriately challenging electronics problem.

There is no exam.

Additional Information

Further information can be found on the SQA/Qualifications Scotland Website

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