Academic Courses

Automotive Technology

AT 100
Introduction to Automotive Technology
1-4-2
This course is designed to provide students with a broad base of funda-mental knowledge necessary for successful progression in both the Automotive Technology program and in industry. Topical coverage includes automotive systems overview, shop safety, automotive tools, measuring, fasteners, service information, vehicle maintenance, career planning, and ethical shop behavior and practice. Upon completion, students should have a clear understanding of the Automotive Technology program, the automotive service industry, basic shop skills, career opportunities, and the steps necessary for success in the field. Additional course fee: $119.

AT 111
Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems
3-4-4
Study of the fundamental theory, maintenance, and repair of automobile steering and suspension systems. Emphasis is placed upon subject matter recommended by industry through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This course is designed to help prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam in group 4: Steering and Suspension. It incorporates substantial “hands-on” training with both demonstrator units and customer vehicles in the Automotive Technology Center. Pre/Corequisite: AT 100. Fall only. Additional course fee: $119.

AT 121
Principles of Automotive Electricity and Electronics
2-4-3
This course is a study of the fundamental theory and applications of electrical and electronic principles in the automotive industry. Emphasis is placed on subject matter recommended by the industry through the National Automotive Technicians Educational Foundation (NATEF). This course, in conjunction with AT 221 is designed to help prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exam in group 6: “Electrical and Electronic Systems,” and incorporates substantial hands-on training with both demonstrator units and customer vehicles utilizing state-of-the-art electronic text equipment in the Automotive Technology Center. Corequisite: AT 100. Additional course fee: $119.

AT 131
Automotive Manual Transmissions and Drivelines
3-4-4
Study of the fundamental design, theory, maintenance and repair of manual transmissions, manual transaxles, driveline couplings and differentials. Emphasis is placed upon subject matter recommended by industry through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This course is designed to help prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam in group 3: Manual Drive Train and Axles. This course is a prerequisite for AT 241: Automatic Transmissions and Trans-axles, and incorporates substantial “hands on” training with both demonstrator units and customer vehicles utilizing state-of-the-art equipment in the Automotive Technology Center. Prerequisites: AT 100 (may be taken concurrently). Fall only. Additional course fee: $119.

AT 150
Automotive Braking Systems
1-4-2
Study of the fundamental design, theory, maintenance and repair of the hydraulic braking system. Emphasis is placed upon subject matter recommended by industry through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This course (along with AT 250) is designed to help prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam in group 5: Brakes. This course is a prerequisite for AT 250: Advanced Braking Systems and Controls. It incorporates substantial “hands on” training with both demon-strator units and customer vehicles utilizing state-of-the-art equipment in the Automotive Technology Center. Fall only. Pre/corequisite: AT 100. Additional course fee: $119.

AT 181
Automotive Engine Mechanical Repair
3-4-4
Study of the fundamental theory, and repair of automotive gasoline engines. Emphasis is placed upon subject matter recommended by industry through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This course is designed to help prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam in group 1: Engine Repair. Course incorporates disassembly, inspection, machining, and rebuilding of an actual engine in the Automotive Technology Center. Prerequisites: AT 100 (may be taken concurrently). Additional course fee: $119.

AT 221
Advanced Automotive Electrical Systems
3-4-4
Study of the advanced theory, diagnotics, and repair of automotive electrical and electronic systems emphasizing computerized controls. Emphasis is placed upon subject matter recommended by industry through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This course is designed to help prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam in group 6: Electrical and Electronic Systems. This course is a continuation of AT 121 and incorporates substantial “hands on” training with both demon-strator units and customer vehicles utilizing state-of-the-art electronic test equipment in the Automotive Technology Center. Prerequisite: AT 121. Corequisite: Math 118. Summer II only. Additional course fee: $119.

AT 241
Automotive Transmissions and Transaxles
2-8-4
Study of the fundamental theory, maintenance and repair of the automatic transmissions and transaxels including electronic controls. Emphasis is placed upon subject matter recommended by industry through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This course is designed to help prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam in group 2: Automatic Transmission and Transaxles. This course incorporates substantial “hands on” training. Students will disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble an automatic transmission. Diagnostic testing will include usage of a state-of-the-art dynamometer in the Automotive Technology Center. Prerequisites: AT 121 and AT 131. Spring only. Additional course fee: $132.

AT 250
Advanced Braking Systems and Controls
1-4-2
Advanced, continuing study of the automotive braking system, concentrating on system controls such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Emphasis is placed upon subject matter recommended by industry through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This course (along with AT 150) is designed to help prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam in group 5: Brakes. This course incorporates substantial “hands on” training with both demonstrator units and customer vehicles utilizing state-of-the-art equipment in the Automotive Technology Center. Prerequisites: AT 121 and AT 150. Spring only. Additional course fee: $119.

AT 261
Engine Performance and Diagnosis
2-8-4
Study of the fundamental theory, maintenance, and repair of automotive fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. Emphasis is placed upon subject matter recommended by industry through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This course is designed in conjunction with AT 281 to help prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam in group 8: Engine Performance. This course incorporates substantial “hands on” training utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment in the Automotive Technology Center. Prerequisites: AT 221 and MATH 118 (may be taken concurrently). Spring only.Additional course fee: $132.

AT 271
Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
2-4-3
Study of the fundamental theory, maintenance, and repair of automobile air conditioning and heating systems. Emphasis is placed upon subject matter recommended by industry through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This course is designed to prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam in group 7: Heating and Air Conditioning. This course incorporates substantial “hands-on” training with both demonstrator units and customer vehicles in the Automotive Technology Center. Topical coverage include both R12 and R134a systems. Prerequisite: AT 121. Spring only. Additional course fee: $119.

AT 281
Advanced Automotive Engine Performance
2-8-4
Advanced study of the fundamental theory, maintenance, and repair of basic automotive fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. Emphasis is placed upon subject matter recommended by industry through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This course is designed in conjunction with AT 261 to help prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam in group 8: Engine Performance. Course incorporates substantial training in computerized controls and advanced diagnostics, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment in the Automotive Technology Center. Prerequisites: AT 261. Summer I only. Additional course fee: $132.

AT 289
Automotive Technology Internship
0-20-2
This elective course provides students with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to a real world situation. Under the direction of an experienced automotive technician, the student will gain a greater appreciation of the material previously learned in the classroom. The internship additionally serves the purpose of bridging the school and work world. Students complete a minimum of 280 hours at an assigned work placement over 14 weeks. Prerequisites: AT 111, 121, 181, 250, 261, 271 and Department Head approval.

AT 290
Customer Service Techniques
3-0-3
This course is designed for individuals who want to work in the automotive field as service consultants, service managers, parts personnel, or directors of service or parts. It examines the complexities of customer service in the automotive repair industry, whether in an independent repair facility, an automotive manufacturer, a franchise, or a private or public fleet. The course serves as a bridge, connecting knowledge learned in technical courses with skills learned in marketing and management courses. Prerequisites: ACCT 101, AT 121, MKTG 131, MNGT 141, MNGT 262, (Directed elective AT 111, 131 or 181). Spring only.