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Automotive Service Curriculum Guide and Course Descriptions
Classes are offered in a modern facility comparable to professional shops using the latest diagnostic and test equipment. Students receive technical training to go into the automotive industry as entry-level service and diagnostic technicians. Through hands-on training in a shop environment and comprehensive classroom instruction, students learn to repair the complex electrical and computerized systems of today's automobiles and light trucks. Training is tailored to prepare the students for ASE certification tests.
Required Automotive Service Technology Courses (Certificate Program)
| Course code | course title | credit hours |
|---|---|---|
| ASTC-109 | Brakes 1 | 3 |
| ASTC-237 | Brakes 2 | 5 |
| ASTC-107 | Shop Math and Communications 1 | 2 |
| ASTC-134 | Steering and Suspension 1 | 3 |
| ASTC-233 | Steering and Suspension 2 | 5 |
| ASTC-122 | Engine Performance 1 | 3 |
| ASTC-280 | Engine Performance 2 | 6 |
| ASTC-140 | Electrical Systems 1 | 3 |
| ASTC-223 | Electrical Systems 2 | 6 |
| ASTC-217 | Shop Math and Communications 2 | 2 |
| ASTC-296 | Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning | 5 |
| ASTC-171 | Automatic Transmission OR |
5 |
| ASTC-148 | Engine Repair | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours | 48 | |
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Students completing a technical program may desire to seek the Associate in Applied Sciences Degree. In addition to completing a technical program, this degree also requires the completion of 18 hours in general education.
Description of Courses
ASTC-107. Shop Math and Communications I. 2 Hours. The basics of written communication, shop math, geometry and reading are taught using computerized software and classroom instruction. Work ethics are also addressed.
ASTC-109. Brakes 1. 3 Hours. In this course students will perform system pressure and travel calculations utilizing Pascal's Law; Complete service work orders; Determine appropriate system pressure tests utilizing service specifications; Determine brake system concerns and necessary actions; Diagnose poor stopping, pulling or dragging concerns caused by malfunctions in the hydraulic system; Determine how to inspect, fabricate and/or replace brake lines and hoses; Determine the service specifications pertaining to the removal, cleaning and refinishing procedures on brake drums; Apply drum brake repair and replacement procedures; Diagnose poor stopping noise vibration, pulling, grabbing, dragging or pedal pulsation concerns on disc-brake vehicles; Determine disc brake repair and replacement procedures; Determine how to caliper piston retractions; Diagnose wheel bearing noise, wheel shimmy and vibration concerns; Determine how to remove, inspect and replace bearing and hub assemblies through a variety of classroom and lab/shop learning and assessment activities.
ASTC-122. Engine Performance 1. 3 Hours. In this learning plan students will: complete work order and check history; identify engine mechanical integrity; explore the fundamentals of fuel system theory; identify fuel system concerns; explore the fundamentals of ignition theory; identify ignition system concerns; identify induction system concerns; identify exhaust system concerns; identify engine mechanical integrity through a variety of learning and assessment activities.
ASTC-134. Steering and Suspension 1. 3 Hours. This course is designed to provide theory and principles of operation of the automotive chassis and steering systems. Students will be provided specialized training in chassis repair with diagnosis and safety procedures. Four-wheel alignment will be taught.
ASTC-140. Electrical Systems 1. 3 Hours. In this course students will: Complete service work orders; describe the relationship between voltage, ohms and amperage; perform basic electrical circuit repairs; identify electrical system faults; identify basic wiring diagram symbols, components, and legend information; perform basic electrical circuit measurements using a DVOM; describe basic circuit characteristics of series, parallel and series parallel circuits through a variety of classroom and shop learning and assessment activities.
ASTC-148. Engine Repair. 5 Hours. This course is designed to provide theory of operation, diagnostic procedures, maintenance, and rebuilding procedures of automotive engines. Instruction includes valve grinding, installation of cam bearings, fitting rod and main bearings, and safety procedures.
ASTC-171. Automatic Transmission. 5 Hours. This course is designed to train the student in theory, safety, diagnosis, and repair of automatic transmissions and transaxles. Instruction in operation, diagnosis, and repair of automatic transmission will be offered in this course.
ASTC-207. On-the-Job Training (OJT or OJT Equivalent). 3 Hours. Students demonstrating excellent attendance, attitude and mastery of core curriculum competencies may be considered for on-the-job training experience. Through the cooperation of local businesses, students are given the opportunity to apply the skills required for their future career. Class attendance is also required.
ASTC-217. Shop Math and Communications II. 2 Hours. Work ethics, customer communication, employability, resume writing, job applications, and interviewing techniques are taught to aid the student in successfully competing for an automotive service entry-level position.
ASTC-223. Electrical Systems 2. 6 Hours. This course is a continuation of Electrical Systems 1. The student will learn and apply safety, basic theory of electricity, how to read and interpret wiring diagrams and how to diagnose and repair individual electrical systems on vehicles. These systems include batteries, starting, charging, lights, horn, electric windows, power seats, and all other electrical systems installed on vehicles.
ASTC-233. Steering and Suspension 2. 5 Hours. This course is designed to provide theory and principles of operation of the automotive chassis and steering systems. Students will be provided specialized training in chassis repair with diagnosis and safety procedures. Four-wheel alignment will be taught.
ASTC-237. Brakes 2. 5 Hours. The student will learn safety, theory, service and repair of automotive brake systems and their components. Emphasis is on hydraulic and antilock brake systems (ABS) including the repair of master cylinders and brake boosters, caliper rebuild, and brake drum and rotor machining.
ASTC-280. Engine Performance 2. 6 Hours. This course is a continuation of Engine Performance 1. Students will learn and apply safety, theory and procedures to properly diagnose and repair problems that may exist in the fuel, ignition, exhaust, emission control and electronically controlled ignition and computerized systems. Emphasis is placed on developing a comprehensive understanding of all electronic components and systems with special emphasis on problem diagnosis.
ASTC-296. Automotive Heating & Air Conditioning. 5 Hours. This course is designed to teach the student safety, principles of operation, diagnosis, repair procedures and servicing of heating and air conditioning systems.
CONT-110. Automotive Technology Applications. Up to 4 Hours. Designed to provide practical hands-on applications of the Automotive Service repair industry, this course provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge and develop skills in the field. This is a short course focused on current automotive service repair applications.
CONT-115. Small Engine Repair. 3 hours. The course provides students with an opportunity to trouble-shoot and repair problems with small engines found in a variety of applications, including lawn mowers, tillers, weed-eaters, and motorcycles. This is a short course focused on hands-on troubleshooting and repair.