National 5 Engineering Science

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Engineering is vital to very day life, it shapes the world in which we live and its future. Scottish engineers and inventors have produced some of the most important advances of the last two centuries. This exciting course will develop technological skills that are relevant to several different areas of engineering. Our society needs more engineers, and more young people with an informed view of engineering. The course gives you many transferable skills, so is very useful for many different careers outside engineering, but particularly beneficial to you if you are considering a career in engineering, or one of its many branches.

The Course consists of three units, each providing progression to the course at Higher. Each unit has an element of mathematics, so pupils need to be confident using mathematics.

Engineering Contexts and Challenges (National 5) - This unit develops an understanding of engineering concepts by exploring a range of engineered objects, engineering problems and solutions. This Unit allows the learner to explore some existing and emerging technologies and challenges, and to consider implications relating to the environment, sustainable development, and economic and social issues.

Electronics and Control (National 5) - This Unit explores an appropriate range of key concepts and devices used in electronic control systems, including analogue, digital and programmable systems. Skills in problem solving and evaluating are developed through simulation, practical projects and investigative tasks in a range of contexts.

Mechanisms and Structures (National 5) - This Unit develops an understanding of mechanisms and structures. Skills in problem solving and evaluating are developed through simulation, practical projects and investigative tasks in a range of contexts.

Assessment

Pupils are required to complete coursework for each of the three units which are assessed on a pass/fail basis. The fourth element of the course is the Added Value Unit which is project based using all of the learned skills. This is required to pass the course and is assessed on a Pass/Fail basis.

WHAT WILL MY HOME COMMITMENT BE FOR THIS COURSE?

Regular homework will be set by the class teacher. Students can expect to be doing at least 11/2 hour of study per week which will include a selection of: End of Topic formal homework , Consolidation of notes from previous week /Completion of exercises as home practice, preparation for the assignment and exam.

Is ENGINEERING SCIENCE for me?