AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AUT)

AUT 101 Introduction to Automotive Service 1 credit
This course covers shop safety, pre-delivery car inspection, and simple car maintenance procedures encountered in an automobile dealership. Students learn how to read service manuals, identify the major components of an automobile, and perform routine maintenance procedures such as changing fluids and belts. F



AUT 103 Tool Operations 1 credit
This course focuses on the various types of hand tools and heavy equipment commonly used in an automotive shop. Students learn how to use wrenches, fasteners, air tools, gas torches, jacks, lifts, and other specialized tools with an emphasis on understanding the safety issues associated those tools. F

AUT 111 Automotive Electrical Systems 4 credits
This course covers basic automotive electrical theory and operation including the battery and starting and charging system. Students learn electrical diagnostic tools and testing using all service publications in their available formats, obtain information needed for diagnosis, use the Symptom-to-System-to-Component-to-Cause (SSCC) diagnostic process, and learn repair procedures. F

AUT 113 Basic Automotive Electronics 3 credits
This course explores the internal workings of automotive microprocessors, interrelationship of inputs and outputs, and sensor input and output controlling devices. Through classroom exercises, students examine electronically controlled components and systems, identify and describe the functions of various sensors, learn the types of generated signals, understand the internal workings of the automotive microprocessor, and describe and explain the operation of various output devices.
Prerequisite: Minimum of two semesters of Auto Tech courses. S

AUT 121 Basic Gasoline Engines 4 credits
This course covers the basic functioning of gasoline engines. Topics include operation, design, diagnostic, and repair strategies. Students disassemble, measure, inspect, and reassemble engines to blueprint specifications and perform dynamic tests in a laboratory environment. Students learn how to describe the major components of a gasoline engine and explain how they contribute to an engine’s performance and operation.
Prerequisites: AUT 101, AUT 103. S

AUT 125 Engine Testing/Performance Analysis 4 credits
This course covers basic engine performance, operations, and testing. Topics include the theory and operation of engine systems including ignition, fuel and air management, and emission control using current diagnostic methods and tools. Students diagnose and repair engine performance-related problems and learn how to explain the operations and relationships between engine performance and emissions.
Prerequisites: AUT 101, AUT 103. S

AUT 131 Brake Systems 3 credits
This course focuses on the basics of hydraulic principles, and the types, components, and operation of brake systems. Students learn the specific types of master cylinders, disc brakes, drum brakes,
and anti-lock brakes with emphasis on diagnosing brake problems and making adjustments and repairs. The course concentrates on the diagnosis and repair of car and light truck anti-lock brakes and stability systems using equipment specified by manufacturers. F

AUT 133 Suspension, Steering, & Alignment 3 credits
This course examines conventional suspension, air suspension, and programmed/automatic ride control systems. Students learn the theory and operation of basic steering systems, rack and pinion steering systems, and variable and electronic steering systems. Topics include two - four-wheel alignment and use of specialized steering equipment. Students gain an entry-level knowledge of suspension and steering as the foundation for performing comprehensive vehicle suspension and steering performance evaluations and repairs. SU


AUT 141 Climate Control System 3 credits
This course explores the air conditioning and heater components through an understanding of basic refrigeration principles and the use of diagnostic tools. Students learn how to diagnose and repair A/C and heating related problems (including controls, switches, compressors, and clutches) and learn to perform leak testing, recharging, and safety procedures. Students acquire the knowledge necessary to obtain a National Institute Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification in this field.
Corequisite: AUT 121. SU

AUT 211 Electronic Powertrain Control System 5 credits
This course covers the repair of devices that manage engine operations, emissions, and powertrain systems. Through a combination of lectures and laboratory work students learn to diagnose and repair electronic powertrain control systems. The course also examines the regulations for the second generation of On-Board Diagnostics (OBD II) and the latest developments in powertrain controls. S

AUT 251 Automotive Drive Train 3 credits
This course covers manual transmissions, manual transaxles, clutch systems, operation assemblies, and front wheel drive halfshafts. Students learn how to explain driveline functions, including three-, four, and five-speed manual transmissions and transaxles. They also learn how to diagnose and repair rear differentials, and locate and repair driveline vibrations problems in two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive systems.
Prerequisite: AUT 121. F

AUT 253 Automatic Transmission & Transaxle 4 credits
This course covers the operation principles of automatic transmissions and transaxles including hydraulic and mechanical operating principles and powerflow, diagnostic procedures, disassembly, repair, and reassembly. Students learn about automatic transmission powerflow, hydraulic circuits in valve bodies, and other components. They diagnose problems by electronic testing and pressure methods. The course also covers electronic transmissions and their relationships to the powertrain control module.
Corequisite: AUT 251. F

AUT 299 Field Experience and Cooperative Education in 3 credits
Automotive Technology
This course provides students with an opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical work experience in an approved facility. Students receive feedback from supervisors at the employment site who review their progress and consult with the Automotive Technology faculty on an on-going basis.
Prerequisite: Approval of Program Coordinator. F/S/SU