Certificate Program
This program is designed for the student to learn the theory of automotive systems and to gain skills in the servicing of the components.
| REQUIRED COURSES | HOURS |
| First Semester | |
|---|---|
| AUTO 106 Engine Electrical Systems | 5 |
| AUTO 111 Intro to Engine Technology | 3 |
| ENGL 121 Communication Skills | 3 |
| Second Semester | |
| MATT 132 Elementary Technical Math | 4 |
| AUTO 128 Fuel Systems & Emission Controls | 5 |
| AUTO 228 Diagnostic Engine Testing (pre: AUTO 106) | 5 |
| Third Semester | |
| AUTO 236 Automotive Computer Controls (pre: AUTO 106 and AUTO 228) | 4 |
| * Technical Elective | 4 |
NOTE: This program must be started in a Fall Semester
Enrollment in developmental classes may increase the time it takes to complete a certificate
Technical Electives
AUTO 113 Drivetrain Systems -- 4
AUTO 121 Engine Overhaul -- 3
AUTO 134 Steering & Suspension Systems -- 3
AUTO 135 Braking Systems -- 4
AUTO 147 Principles of AC -- 4
AUTO 159 Dealership Operations -- 2
AUTO 169 Supervised Occupational Experience (pre: consent of
instructor) -- 3
AUTO 242 Automatic Transmissions (pre: AUTO
113) -- 3
AUTO 244 Alignment & Balance (pre: AUTO
134) -- 2
AUTO 253 Manual Transmissions (pre: AUTO 113)
-- 4
AUTO 259 Special Problems (pre: consent of instructor) -- 2
AUTO 269 Supervised Occupational Experience (pre: consent of
instructor) -- 3
NOTE: This program must be started in a Fall Semester.
Enrollment in developmental classes may increase the length of time it takes to complete an associate degree/
**All classes require safety glasses and a basic tool set.**
AUTO 106 Engine Electrical Systems (Fall) -- 5 hours
Electrical theory, testing, and servicing of automotive starting, charging, and accessory
components and wiring circuits; introduction to semiconductors and electronics.**
AUTO 111 Intro. to Engine Technology (Fall) -- 3 hours
The application, theory, and design of automotive engine operation. Emphasis given to
development of the skills needed for testing, disassembly, precision measuring, machining,
and re-assembly of spark ignition cylinder heads.**
AUTO 113 Drivetrain Systems (Fall) -- 4 hours
Theory, maintenance, and servicing of various drivetrain systems including belts and
chains. The focus will be on driveshafts, axle shafts, U-joint, CV joints, transfer cases,
differentials, and clutches.**
AUTO 121 Engine Overhaul (Spring) -- 3 hours
Application of maintenance and service procedures to diagnose and repair a short
block with emphasis given to skills needed to overhaul and rebuild stock automotive
engines. Discussion about blueprinting and performance enhancements will be minimal.
Disassembly techniques, measuring, machining, and proper re-assembly practices will be
stressed.**
AUTO 128 Fuel Systems & Emission Controls (Spring) --
5 hours
Emphasis on electronic fuel injection and emission components with discussion on
carburetion, mechanical fuel injection, alternative fuels, and the environment. Injection
system maintenance, testing, servicing, and repair will be stressed.**
AUTO 134 Steering & Suspension Systems (Fall) -- 3
hours
Principles of operation, maintenance, and repair of automotive systems including
electronic steering and suspension, steering columns, steering gears, and air bag safety.
Emphasis given to front-wheel-drive and four-wheel drive systems.**
AUTO 135 Braking Systems (Fall) -- 4 hours
To inspect and service hydraulic disc/drum braking systems including two and four wheel
ABS and traction control systems. Use of lathes and other special tools will be
utilized.**
AUTO 147 Principles of Air Conditioning (Spring) -- 4
hours
Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, both manual and electronic will be
discussed. Students must pass a refrigerant handling certification exam.**
AUTO 159 Dealership Operations (Spring) -- 2 hours
Emphasis on service center and parts department operations and management. Discussion on
liability, insurance, payroll, and governmental regulations.**
AUTO 169 Supervised Occupational Experience (As needed)
-- 3 hours
On the job training for Freshman students at local dealerships. Prerequisite: consent of
Instructor.
AUTO 228 Diagnostic Engine Testing (Spring) -- 5 hours
Advanced chassis electrical/electronic systems with emphasis towards diagnosis and service
of distributor and electronic ignition systems with an introduction to fuel systems,
computer control systems, and driveability problems. Prerequisite: AUTO
106.**
AUTO 236 Automotive Computer Controls (Fall) -- 4
hours
Advanced theory and diagnostic procedures related to body, chassis, and powertrain control
systems utilizing scan tools and labscopes to repair driveability concerns. Prerequisite: AUTO 228.**
AUTO 242 Automatic Transmissions (Spring) -- 3 hours
Function, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and servicing of automatic
transmissions/transaxles. Electrical and hydraulic diagnostics, repair, replacement, and
adjustments will be stressed. Prerequisite: AUTO 113**
AUTO 244 Alignment and Balance (Spring) -- 2 hours
Two and four wheel alignment principles, wheel balancing, and tire service. Prerequisite: AUTO 134.**
AUTO 253 Manual Transmissions (Fall) -- 4 hours
The operation, maintenance, and service of manual transmissions/transaxles including
bearing, seal, gear, and synchronizer analysis. Prerequisite: AUTO 113**
AUTO 259 Special Problems (As needed) -- 2 hours
Individual study for sophomore students in Mechanics. Prerequisite: consent of
Instructor.**
AUTO 269 Supervised Occupational Experience (As needed)
-- 3 hours
On the job training for Sophomore level students at local dealerships. Prerequisite:
consent of Instructor.
ENGL 121 Communication Skills (Fall and Spring) -- 3
hours
Improvement of writing skills, emphasizing both composition and review of grammar.
Placement is preliminary until a writing sample has been examined by the instructor during
the first week of class. Vocational credit cannot be used to fulfill the Communications
requirement for the transfer Associate degree. Keyboarding required for placement in
sections using computer aided instruction. [C]
MATT 132 Pre-Technical Mathematics (Fall & Spring) --4
hours
Review of arithmetical processes with special topics in measurement, formula usage,
solution of simple equations, applied geometry, and ratio and proportion. NOT FOR DEGREE
CREDIT. [C]
The following tool list is intended to aid the student during lab classes and is NOT intended as a tool list for the apprentice technician at a dealership. The student may find that a pair of coveralls or shop apron/coat will be necessary in addition to the tools. Safety glasses/goggles are a must. The student has locker space available but must provide his/her padlock for storage of tools, clothes, books, gloves, etc.
TOOL BOX: A tool box of any size can be utilized but if the tools are to be stored in the students' locker it cannot be larger than the following:
8 H X 8 D X 17 L
COMBINATION WRENCHES AND SOCKET/RATCHET SET consisting of the following sizes: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16 & 3/4 fractional
7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18mm
The socket set should also include the following:
Release type ratchet
1&1/2 inch extension
3 inch extension
5/8 spark plug socket
SCREWDRIVERS: Standard tip: 1/4 X 4 inches
1/8 X 2 inches w/pocket clip)
Phillips tip: #2 X 4 inches
Torx: T-15 X 4 inches
T-20 X 4 inches
PLIERS: Slip joint: 6-7&1/8 inches
Long nose: 6-7&1/8 inches
HAMMER: 12 to 16 ounce plastic or rubber
POCKET RULE: 6 inches X 1/2 wide with decimal equivalents on back and pocket clip (should have 1/32 or 1/64 and metric divisions)