Automotive Technology

Wallace Campus

Advancements in technology have greatly affected today’s automotive technician. Being a good mechanic is not enough. Today a technician must possess excellent mechanical skills, be knowledgeable of electronics, be able to diagnose complex problems, and be committed to keeping pace with future advancements. More than 100,000 jobs are available to qualified applicants, but technical training and hands-on experience are required.

Students are trained on late-model vehicles with modern equipment used in a classroom and laboratory setting. Students must purchase their own books, supplies, and tools as required on the tool list.

Students completing all courses listed in the curriculum will be awarded an associate in applied science degree in Automotive Technology. Students completing all Automotive Technology courses, CIS 146, ENG 101, MTH 116, and SPH 106 or 107 will be awarded a program certificate. Admission is conditional and depends on the student’s ability to perform the essential functions identified for this program. Reasonable accommodations are considered.

All Automotive Technology programs are accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation/Automotive Service Excellence (NATEF/ASE).

Degrees and Certificates

Course Descriptions

ASE 112: Electrical Fundamentals

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 4

This course introduces the principles and laws of electricity. Emphasis is placed on wiring diagrams, test equipment, and identifying series, parallel and series-parallel circuits. Upon completion, students should be able to calculate, build, and measure circuits. This is a CORE course.

ASE 121: Braking Systems

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 4

This course provides instruction in automotive technology or auto mechanics. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of brakes. ABR 223 Automotive Mechanical Components is a suitable substitute for this course. This is a CORE course.

ASE 122: Steering and Suspension

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 4

This course provides instruction in automotive technology or auto mechanics. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of steering and suspension. This is a CORE course. ABR 255 - Steering & Suspension is a suitable substitute for this course.

ASE 124: Automotive Engines

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 4

This course provides instruction on the operation, design, and superficial repair of automotive engines. Emphasis is placed on understanding the four stroke cycle, intake and exhaust manifolds and related parts, engine mechanical timing components, engine cooling and lubrication system principles and repairs, and basic fuel and ignition operation. This is a CORE course and supports CIP code 47.0604 and 15.0803.

ASE 130: Drive Train and Axles

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 4

This course provides basic instruction in automotive drive trains and axles. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and application of basic internal and external operation relating to proper operation and driveability. ABR 223 Automotive Mechanical Components is a suitable substitute for this course. This is a CORE course.

ASE 133: Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 6

This course provides basic instruction in theory, operation, and repair of automotive heating and air conditioning systems. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and repair of vehicle air conditioning and heating systems, including but not limited to air management, electrical and vacuum controls, refrigerant recovery, and component replacement. ABR 258 - Heating and AC in Collision Repair is a suitable substitute for this course.

ASE 224: Manual Transmission/Transaxle

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 4

This course covers basic instruction in manual transmissions and transaxles. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and application of basic internal and external operation relating to proper operation and driveability. This course supports CIP codes 15.0803 and 47.0604.

ASE 230: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 4

This course provides basic instruction in automatic transmissions and transaxles. Emphasis is placed on the comprehension of principles and power flow of automatic transmissions and repairing or replacing internal and external components. This is a CORE course. Supports CIP Code 15.0803 and 47.0604.

ASE 239: Engine Performance

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 4

This course provides basic instruction in engine performance with emphasis on fuel and ignition systems relating to engine operation. This is a CORE course. Supports CIP code 15.0803 and 47.0604.

ASE 244: Engine Performance and Diagnostics

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 4

This course provides advanced instruction in engine performance. Emphasis is placed on engine management and computer controls of ignition, fuel, and emissions systems relating to engine performance and driveability. This is a CORE course. Supports CIP Code 15.0803 and 47.0604.

ASE 246: Automotive Emissions

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 4

This is an introductory course in automotive emission systems. Emphasis is placed on troubleshooting and repair of systems, subsystems, and components. This course supports CIP code 15.0803 and 47.0604.

ASE 263: Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 4

This course is designed to measure a technician’s knowledge of the skills needed to diagnose both high and low voltage electrical/electronic problems, as well as other supporting system problems on hybrid/electric vehicles.  This course prepares students for the ASE Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist (L3) certification.

ASE 291: Co-op

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 15

This course constitutes a series wherein the student works on a part- time basis in a job directly related to automotive mechanics. In these courses the employer evaluates the student’s productivity and the student submits a descriptive report of his work experiences. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate skills learned in an employment setting.