Higher Technological Studies
Higher Technological Studies provides students with the opportunity to experience the challenge of modern technology at first hand and, in so doing, seeks to develop positive attitudes to, and a continuing interest in, careers within technology.
The course consists of two 40-hour units and two 20-hour units:-
Applied Electronics (40 hours)
- Designing and building electronic circuits using individual electronic components.
Systems and Control (40 hours)
- Completing tasks such as: controlling a mechatronic system, by means of a microcontroller or developing a monitoring system, based on a microcontroller, and evaluating its performance.
Structure and Materials (20 hours)
- Investigating the properties of materials and performing calculations to determine, for example, the suitability of materials for use in various frame type structures.
Case Study Report (20 hours)
- Researching a solution to an existing technological problem, e.g. the computer mouse – how it operates and what the social, economic and environmental effects of this product are.
The course builds on and develops the knowledge gained from Standard Grade, with greater depth of treatment being applied to individual topics. The level of mathematics required in the analysis of problems, and the degree of integration of concepts, which students will require, will further expand each student’s abilities in a manner commensurate with modern technology.
Traditional direct teaching, individual & group practical work, problem solving activities, subject notes and worksheets will all be used to help develop each student’s knowledge and understanding of the course.
To gain the award of the course, students must pass all the unit assessments as well as the external assessment. The external assessment will provide the basis for grading attainment in the course award.