Automotive Systems Technology

New technology has transformed the automotive industry over the past decade. Every automotive repairvehicle released to market features advanced electronic systems, from high-tech transmissions to smart dashboards. In fact, three out of five transmission problems are repaired using a computer scanner or by replacing electronic sensors. As a result of these changes, more jobs have been created to meet the needs and challenges associated with this fast and ever-changing field.

The Automotive Systems Technology curriculum at Alamance Community College prepares men and women for careers as Automotive Service Technicians. With both classroom and hands-on lab experience, students develop technical skills in the following areas:

  • Automotive theory
  • Servicing and operation of brakes
  • Electrical/electronic systems
  • Engine performance
  • Steering/suspension
  • Automatic transmission/transaxles
  • Engine repair
  • Climate control
  • Manual transmissions/transaxles
  • Drive-lines
  • And more

When students complete this program, they will be prepared to take the ASE exam and ready for full-time employment in a variety of settings: dealerships, repair shops, and automotive manufacturing facilities to name a few.

Three-degree options are available. Students can pursue:

Train in a World-Class Facility
Automotive Systems Technology students learn by doing in the new Advanced Applied Technology Center at Alamance Community College. This is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide hands-on experience for technical careers.

Earning Potential*

  • Entry-level range: $17,000-$35,000 per year
  • With five years’ experience: $50,000-$100,000 per year

(*Contingent on economy and geographic location)

Learn More about the Automotive Systems Technology Program at ACC
If you are interested in joining an exciting, high-tech industry, contact our career counselor Karen Hughes 336-506-4354 today. We look forward to learning more about your future goals and helping you enroll in the right program.

Click here to download your free program preview

print Automotive Systems Technology • Semester by Semester

Course
Number
Course
Title
contact
hours
Credit
hours
AUT-141 Suspension & Steering Systems 5 3
AUT-141   Suspension & Steering Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers principles of operation, types, and diagnosis/repair of suspension and steering systems to include steering geometry. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.

Register for this class
AUT-141A Suspension & Steering Lab 3 1
AUT-141A   Suspension & Steering Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.

Register for this class
AUT-212 Auto Shop Management 3 3
AUT-212   Auto Shop Management PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers the principles of management essential to decision-making, communication, authority, and leadership. Topics include shop supervision, shop organization, customer relations, cost effectiveness and work place ethics. Upon completion, students should be able to describe basic automotive shop operation from a management standpoint.

Register for this class
TRN-110 Introduction to Transport Technology 3 2
TRN-110   Introduction to Transport Technology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers workplace safety, hazardous materials, environmental regulations, hand tools, service information, basic concepts, vehicle systems, and common transportation industry terminology. Topics include familiarization with major vehicle systems, proper use of various hand and power tools, material safety data sheets, and personal protective equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate appropriate safety procedures, identify and use basic shop tools, and describe government regulations regarding transportation repair facilities.

Register for this class
TRN-120 Basic Transportation Electricity 7 5
TRN-120   Basic Transportation Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns.

Register for this class
Semester Total 21 14
Course
Number
Course
Title
contact
hours
Credit
hours
AUT-151 Brake Systems 5 3
AUT-151   Brake Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers principles of operation and types, diagnosis, service, and repair of brake systems. Topics include drum and disc brakes involving hydraulic, vacuum boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered boost, and anti-lock and parking brake systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems.

Register for this class
AUT-151A Brakes Systems Lab 3 1
AUT-151A   Brakes Systems Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include drum and disc brakes involving hydraulic, vacuum-boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered boost, and anti-lock, parking brake systems and emerging brake systems technologies. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems.

Register for this class
AUT-163 Advanced Automotive Electricity 5 3
AUT-163   Advanced Automotive Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take TRN-120

This course covers electronic theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of electronics, lighting, gauges, horn, wiper, accessories, and body modules. Topics include networking and module communication, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair wiring, lighting, gauges, accessories, modules, and electronic concerns.

Register for this class
AUT-181 Engine Performance 1 5 3
AUT-181   Engine Performance 1 PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • TRN-120

This course covers the introduction, theory of operation, and basic diagnostic procedures required to restore engine performance to vehicles equipped with complex engine control systems. Topics include an overview of engine operation, ignition components and systems, fuel delivery, injection components and systems and emission control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to describe operation and diagnose/repair basic ignition, fuel and emission related driveability problems using appropriate test equipment/service information.

Register for this class
AUT-181A Engine Performance 1 Lab 3 1
AUT-181A   Engine Performance 1 Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include overviews of engine operation, ignition components and systems, fuel delivery, injection components and systems and emission control devices and emerging engine performance technologies. Upon completion, students should be able to describe operation and diagnose/repair basic ignition, fuel and emission related driveability problems using appropriate test equipment/service information.

Register for this class
Semester Total 21 11
Course
Number
Course
Title
contact
hours
Credit
hours
AUT-116 Engine Repair 5 3
AUT-116   Engine Repair PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take AUT-181 TRN-120 AUT-163

This course covers the theory, construction, inspection, diagnosis, and repair of internal combustion engines and related systems. Topics include fundamental operating principles of engines and diagnosis, inspection, adjustment, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic diagnosis, measurement and repair of automotive engines using appropriate tools, equipment, procedures, and service information.

Register for this class
AUT-116A Engine Repair Lab 3 1
AUT-116A   Engine Repair Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take AUT-181 TRN-120 AUT-163

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include diagnosis, inspection, adjustment, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic diagnosis, measurement and repair of automotive engines using appropriate tools, equipment, procedures, and service information.

Register for this class
CIS-111 Basic PC Literacy 3 2
CIS-111   Basic PC Literacy PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course provides an overview of computer concepts. Emphasis is placed on the use of personal computers and software applications for personal and fundamental workplace use. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate basic personal computer skills.

Register for this class
ENG-115 Oral Communication 3 3
ENG-115   Oral Communication PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take DRE-096

This course introduces the basic principles of oral communication in both small group and public settings. Emphasis is placed on the components of the communication process, group decision-making, and public address. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the principles of effective oral communication in small group and public settings.

Register for this class
Semester Total 14 9
Course
Number
Course
Title
contact
hours
Credit
hours
AUT-183 Engine Performance 2 8 4
AUT-183   Engine Performance 2 PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take AUT-181 TRN-120 AUT-163

This course covers study of the electronic engine control systems, the diagnostic process used to locate engine performance concerns, and procedures used to restore normal operation. Topics will include currently used fuels and fuel systems, exhaust gas analysis, emission control components and systems, OBD II (on-board diagnostics) and inter-related electrical/electronic systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair complex engine performance concerns using appropriate test equipment and service information.

Register for this class
AUT-231 Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains 5 3
AUT-231   Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers the operation, diagnosis, and repair of manual transmissions/transaxles, clutches, driveshafts, axles, and final drives. Topics include theory of torque, power flow, and manual drive train servicing and repair using appropriate service information, tools, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to explain operational theory, diagnose and repair manual drive trains.

Register for this class
AUT-231A Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains Lab 3 1
AUT-231A   Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is an optional lab for the program that needs to meet NATEF hour standards but does not have a co-op component in the program. Topics include manual drive train diagnosis, service and repair using appropriate service information, tools, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair manual drive trains.

Register for this class
Social/Behavioral Science Elective 3 3
Semester Total 19 11
Course
Number
Course
Title
contact
hours
Credit
hours
AUT-221 Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles 5 3
AUT-221   Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take AUT-181 AUT-183 TRN-120 AUT-163

This course covers operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automatic transmissions/transaxles. Topics include hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical/electronic operation of automatic drive trains and the use of appropriate service tools and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to explain operational theory, diagnose and repair automatic drive trains.

Register for this class
AUT-221A Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles Lab 3 1
AUT-221A   Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AUT-181 AUT-183 TRN-120 AUT-163

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical/electronic operation of automatic drive trains and the use of appropriate service tools and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair automatic drive trains.

Register for this class
TRN-145 Advanced Transportation Electronics 5 3
TRN-145   Advanced Transportation Electronics PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • TRN-120 AUT-183

This course covers advanced transportation electronic systems including programmable logic controllers, on-board data networks, telematics, high voltage systems, navigation, collision avoidance systems and electronic accessories. Topics include interpretation of wiring schematics, reprogramming PLC?s, diagnosing and testing data networks and other electronic concerns. Upon completion, students should be able to reprogram PLC?s, diagnose and test data networks and other electronic concerns, and work safely with high voltage systems.

Register for this class
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3 3
Semester Total 16 10
Course
Number
Course
Title
contact
hours
Credit
hours
TRN-130 Intro to Sustainable Transportation 4 3
TRN-130   Intro to Sustainable Transportation PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take TRN-145

This course provides an overview of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. Topics include composition and use of alternative fuels including compressed natural gas, biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels, hybrid/electric, and vehicles using alternative fuels. Upon completion, students should be able to identify alternative fuel vehicles, explain how each alternative fuel delivery system operates, and perform minor repairs.

Register for this class
TRN-140 Transportation Climate Control 3 2
TRN-140   Transportation Climate Control PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take AUT-183 TRN-120 TRN-145;

This course covers the theory of refrigeration and heating, electrical/electronic/pneumatic controls, and diagnosis and repair of climate control systems. Topics include diagnosis and repair of climate control components and systems, recovery/recycling of refrigerants, and safety and environmental regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair vehicle climate control systems.

Register for this class
TRN-140A Transportation Climate Control Lab 3 2
TRN-140A   Transportation Climate Control Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take AUT-183 TRN-120 TRN-145

This course provides experiences for enhancing student skills in the diagnosis and repair of transportation climate control systems. Emphasis is placed on reclaiming, recovery, recharging, leak detection, climate control components, diagnosis, air conditioning equipment, tools and safety. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the operation, diagnose, and safely service climate control systems using appropriate tools, equipment, and service information.

Register for this class
Semester Total 10 7
TOTAL CREDITS 62

printAutomotive Systems Diploma

Course and Hour Requirements
Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
AUT-116 Engine Repair 5 3
AUT-116   Engine Repair PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take AUT-181 TRN-120 AUT-163

This course covers the theory, construction, inspection, diagnosis, and repair of internal combustion engines and related systems. Topics include fundamental operating principles of engines and diagnosis, inspection, adjustment, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic diagnosis, measurement and repair of automotive engines using appropriate tools, equipment, procedures, and service information.

Register for this class
AUT-116A Engine Repair Lab 3 1
AUT-116A   Engine Repair Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take AUT-181 TRN-120 AUT-163

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include diagnosis, inspection, adjustment, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic diagnosis, measurement and repair of automotive engines using appropriate tools, equipment, procedures, and service information.

Register for this class
AUT-141 Suspension & Steering Systems 5 3
AUT-141   Suspension & Steering Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers principles of operation, types, and diagnosis/repair of suspension and steering systems to include steering geometry. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.

Register for this class
AUT-141A Suspension & Steering Lab 3 1
AUT-141A   Suspension & Steering Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.

Register for this class
AUT-151 Brake Systems 5 3
AUT-151   Brake Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers principles of operation and types, diagnosis, service, and repair of brake systems. Topics include drum and disc brakes involving hydraulic, vacuum boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered boost, and anti-lock and parking brake systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems.

Register for this class
AUT-151A Brakes Systems Lab 3 1
AUT-151A   Brakes Systems Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include drum and disc brakes involving hydraulic, vacuum-boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered boost, and anti-lock, parking brake systems and emerging brake systems technologies. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems.

Register for this class
AUT-163 Advanced Automotive Electricity 5 3
AUT-163   Advanced Automotive Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take TRN-120

This course covers electronic theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of electronics, lighting, gauges, horn, wiper, accessories, and body modules. Topics include networking and module communication, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair wiring, lighting, gauges, accessories, modules, and electronic concerns.

Register for this class
AUT-181 Engine Performance 1 5 3
AUT-181   Engine Performance 1 PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • TRN-120

This course covers the introduction, theory of operation, and basic diagnostic procedures required to restore engine performance to vehicles equipped with complex engine control systems. Topics include an overview of engine operation, ignition components and systems, fuel delivery, injection components and systems and emission control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to describe operation and diagnose/repair basic ignition, fuel and emission related driveability problems using appropriate test equipment/service information.

Register for this class
AUT-181A Engine Performance 1 Lab 3 1
AUT-181A   Engine Performance 1 Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include overviews of engine operation, ignition components and systems, fuel delivery, injection components and systems and emission control devices and emerging engine performance technologies. Upon completion, students should be able to describe operation and diagnose/repair basic ignition, fuel and emission related driveability problems using appropriate test equipment/service information.

Register for this class
AUT-212 Auto Shop Management 3 3
AUT-212   Auto Shop Management PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers the principles of management essential to decision-making, communication, authority, and leadership. Topics include shop supervision, shop organization, customer relations, cost effectiveness and work place ethics. Upon completion, students should be able to describe basic automotive shop operation from a management standpoint.

Register for this class
AUT-231 Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains 5 3
AUT-231   Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers the operation, diagnosis, and repair of manual transmissions/transaxles, clutches, driveshafts, axles, and final drives. Topics include theory of torque, power flow, and manual drive train servicing and repair using appropriate service information, tools, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to explain operational theory, diagnose and repair manual drive trains.

Register for this class
AUT-231A Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains Lab 3 1
AUT-231A   Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is an optional lab for the program that needs to meet NATEF hour standards but does not have a co-op component in the program. Topics include manual drive train diagnosis, service and repair using appropriate service information, tools, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair manual drive trains.

Register for this class
ENG-115 Oral Communication 3 3
ENG-115   Oral Communication PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take DRE-096

This course introduces the basic principles of oral communication in both small group and public settings. Emphasis is placed on the components of the communication process, group decision-making, and public address. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the principles of effective oral communication in small group and public settings.

Register for this class
TRN-110 Introduction to Transport Technology 3 2
TRN-110   Introduction to Transport Technology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers workplace safety, hazardous materials, environmental regulations, hand tools, service information, basic concepts, vehicle systems, and common transportation industry terminology. Topics include familiarization with major vehicle systems, proper use of various hand and power tools, material safety data sheets, and personal protective equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate appropriate safety procedures, identify and use basic shop tools, and describe government regulations regarding transportation repair facilities.

Register for this class
TRN-120 Basic Transportation Electricity 7 5
TRN-120   Basic Transportation Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns.

Register for this class
Semester Total 61 36

printAutomotive Basic Certificate

Course and Hour Requirements
Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
AUT-141 Suspension & Steering Systems 5 3
AUT-141   Suspension & Steering Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers principles of operation, types, and diagnosis/repair of suspension and steering systems to include steering geometry. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.

Register for this class
AUT-141A Suspension & Steering Lab 3 1
AUT-141A   Suspension & Steering Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.

Register for this class
AUT-212 Auto Shop Management 3 3
AUT-212   Auto Shop Management PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers the principles of management essential to decision-making, communication, authority, and leadership. Topics include shop supervision, shop organization, customer relations, cost effectiveness and work place ethics. Upon completion, students should be able to describe basic automotive shop operation from a management standpoint.

Register for this class
TRN-110 Introduction to Transport Technology 3 2
TRN-110   Introduction to Transport Technology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers workplace safety, hazardous materials, environmental regulations, hand tools, service information, basic concepts, vehicle systems, and common transportation industry terminology. Topics include familiarization with major vehicle systems, proper use of various hand and power tools, material safety data sheets, and personal protective equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate appropriate safety procedures, identify and use basic shop tools, and describe government regulations regarding transportation repair facilities.

Register for this class
TRN-120 Basic Transportation Electricity 7 5
TRN-120   Basic Transportation Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns.

Register for this class
Semester Total 21 14

printAutomotive Brakes Certificate

Course and Hour Requirements
Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
AUT-151 Brake Systems 5 3
AUT-151   Brake Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers principles of operation and types, diagnosis, service, and repair of brake systems. Topics include drum and disc brakes involving hydraulic, vacuum boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered boost, and anti-lock and parking brake systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems.

Register for this class
AUT-151A Brakes Systems Lab 3 1
AUT-151A   Brakes Systems Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include drum and disc brakes involving hydraulic, vacuum-boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered boost, and anti-lock, parking brake systems and emerging brake systems technologies. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems.

Register for this class
AUT-163 Advanced Automotive Electricity 5 3
AUT-163   Advanced Automotive Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take TRN-120

This course covers electronic theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of electronics, lighting, gauges, horn, wiper, accessories, and body modules. Topics include networking and module communication, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair wiring, lighting, gauges, accessories, modules, and electronic concerns.

Register for this class
TRN-110 Introduction to Transport Technology 3 2
TRN-110   Introduction to Transport Technology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers workplace safety, hazardous materials, environmental regulations, hand tools, service information, basic concepts, vehicle systems, and common transportation industry terminology. Topics include familiarization with major vehicle systems, proper use of various hand and power tools, material safety data sheets, and personal protective equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate appropriate safety procedures, identify and use basic shop tools, and describe government regulations regarding transportation repair facilities.

Register for this class
TRN-120 Basic Transportation Electricity 7 5
TRN-120   Basic Transportation Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns.

Register for this class
Semester Total 23 14

printAutomotive Steering/Alignment Certificate

Course and Hour Requirements
Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
AUT-141 Suspension & Steering Systems 5 3
AUT-141   Suspension & Steering Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers principles of operation, types, and diagnosis/repair of suspension and steering systems to include steering geometry. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.

Register for this class
AUT-141A Suspension & Steering Lab 3 1
AUT-141A   Suspension & Steering Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.

Register for this class
AUT-163 Advanced Automotive Electricity 5 3
AUT-163   Advanced Automotive Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take TRN-120

This course covers electronic theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of electronics, lighting, gauges, horn, wiper, accessories, and body modules. Topics include networking and module communication, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair wiring, lighting, gauges, accessories, modules, and electronic concerns.

Register for this class
TRN-110 Introduction to Transport Technology 3 2
TRN-110   Introduction to Transport Technology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers workplace safety, hazardous materials, environmental regulations, hand tools, service information, basic concepts, vehicle systems, and common transportation industry terminology. Topics include familiarization with major vehicle systems, proper use of various hand and power tools, material safety data sheets, and personal protective equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate appropriate safety procedures, identify and use basic shop tools, and describe government regulations regarding transportation repair facilities.

Register for this class
TRN-120 Basic Transportation Electricity 7 5
TRN-120   Basic Transportation Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns.

Register for this class
Semester Total 23 14

printEngine Performance Certificate

Course and Hour Requirements
Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
AUT-163 Advanced Automotive Electricity 5 3
AUT-163   Advanced Automotive Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take TRN-120

This course covers electronic theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of electronics, lighting, gauges, horn, wiper, accessories, and body modules. Topics include networking and module communication, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair wiring, lighting, gauges, accessories, modules, and electronic concerns.

Register for this class
AUT-181 Engine Performance 1 5 3
AUT-181   Engine Performance 1 PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • TRN-120

This course covers the introduction, theory of operation, and basic diagnostic procedures required to restore engine performance to vehicles equipped with complex engine control systems. Topics include an overview of engine operation, ignition components and systems, fuel delivery, injection components and systems and emission control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to describe operation and diagnose/repair basic ignition, fuel and emission related driveability problems using appropriate test equipment/service information.

Register for this class
AUT-181A Engine Performance 1 Lab 3 1
AUT-181A   Engine Performance 1 Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include overviews of engine operation, ignition components and systems, fuel delivery, injection components and systems and emission control devices and emerging engine performance technologies. Upon completion, students should be able to describe operation and diagnose/repair basic ignition, fuel and emission related driveability problems using appropriate test equipment/service information.

Register for this class
AUT-183 Engine Performance 2 8 4
AUT-183   Engine Performance 2 PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take AUT-181 TRN-120 AUT-163

This course covers study of the electronic engine control systems, the diagnostic process used to locate engine performance concerns, and procedures used to restore normal operation. Topics will include currently used fuels and fuel systems, exhaust gas analysis, emission control components and systems, OBD II (on-board diagnostics) and inter-related electrical/electronic systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair complex engine performance concerns using appropriate test equipment and service information.

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TRN-120 Basic Transportation Electricity 7 5
TRN-120   Basic Transportation Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns.

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Semester Total 28 16

Upon completion of this curriculum, students should be prepared to take the ASE exam and be ready for full-time employment in dealerships and repair shops in the automotive service industry.

Career Opportunities

  • Service technician
  • Front-end specialist
  • Auto air conditioning mechanic
  • Transmission mechanic
  • Tune-up specialist
  • Garage supervisor
  • Shop manager