SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY – SEPTEMBER 2012 CURRICULUM EVENTS – COURSE AIMS AND STRUCTURE
SUBJECT:
PRACTICAL ELECTRONICS
PURPOSE:
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.
National 3
National 4
National 5
Higher
COURSE AIMS
There is no Course at this
level.
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
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
There is no Course at this level.
National 3

National 4
working practices in
electronics
an understanding of
the role and impact of
electronics in changing
and influencing society
and the environment

National 5
working practices in
electronics
an understanding of
the role and impact of
electronics in changing
and influencing society
and the environment
STRUCTURE, ASSESSMENT AND HIERARCHIES
Course Structure:
Units
 Practical
Electronics; Circuit
Design
1) Design simple digital
electronic circuits
2) Design simple
analogue electronic
circuits
3) Describe, in simple
terms, some aspects
of the impact of
electronics
 Practical
Electronics: Circuit
Simulation
1) Use software in the
design of simple
electronic systems
2) Use software in the
Course Structure:
Units
 Practical
Electronics: Circuit
Design
1) Design a range of
digital electronic
circuits
2) Design a range of
analogue electronic
circuits
3) Describe aspects of
the impact of
electronics
 Practical
Electronics: Circuit
Simulation
1) Use software in the
design of electronic
systems
2) Use software in the
Higher
National 3
National 4
construction and
testing of simple
electronic systems
 Practical
Electronics: Circuit
Construction
1) Plan the
construction of
simple electronic
circuits
2) Construct simple
working electronic
circuits
3) Test simple
electronic circuits
 Practical
Electronics:
Developing an
Electronic Solution
(Added Value Unit)
1) Develop, with
guidance, an
electronic solution
which will draw on
and apply skills and
knowledge of
designing,
simulating and
constructing
electronic circuits
National 5
construction and
testing of electronic
systems
 Practical
Electronics: Circuit
Construction
1) Plan the
construction of
electronic circuits
2) Construct working
electronic circuits
3) Test electronic
circuits
Hierarchies:
Each Unit is hierarchical
with corresponding Unit at
National 4.
Higher
National 3
National 4
National 5
Hierarchies:
Each Unit is hierarchical
with corresponding Unit at
National 5.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
 awareness of some
aspects of the
impact of electronic
systems on society
and the environment
 awareness of safe
working practices in
electronics
 analysing, with
guidance,
straightforward
electronic problems,
and designing
solutions to these
problems
 simulating, testing
and evaluating
solutions to
electronic problems,
with guidance
 skills in using basic
test equipment
 constructing simple
 awareness of the
impact of electronic
systems on society
and the environment
 awareness of safe
working practices in
electronics
 analysing electronic
problems and
designing solutions
to these problems
 simulating, testing
and evaluating
solutions to
electronic problems
 skills in using a
range of test
equipment
 constructing
electronic circuits
using permanent
(soldering) and nonpermanent methods
Higher
National 3





National 4
electronic circuits
using permanent
(soldering) and nonpermanent methods,
using given layouts
basic knowledge
and understanding
of the systems
approach to
electronics
basic knowledge
and understanding
of a range of
electronic
components
introductory
knowledge and
understanding of
combinational logic
understanding of
key electrical
concepts — current,
voltage, resistance,
analogue/digital
applying basic
electronic
knowledge and skills
in a range of
straightforward
contexts
National 5
 knowledge and
understanding of the
systems approach to
electronics,
including subsystems
 knowledge and
understanding of the
use of a range of
electronic and
electromagnetic
components and
concepts
 knowledge and
understanding of
combinational logic
 understanding of
key electrical
concepts — current,
voltage, resistance,
power,
analogue/digital,
capacitance,
magnetic effect of
current
 applying electronic
knowledge and skills
in a range of
contexts
Higher