Automotive Technology

The Automotive Technology program is two years (six quarters) in length and is designed to develop entry level employment skills for those seeking career opportunities in the automotive repair field. As long as there are vehicles on the road, there will always be a need for highly skilled automotive technicians to maintain, service and repair them.

Graduates will have received training in all aspects of automotive maintenance, service, and repair, as well as skills and knowledge required for nationally accredited Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

Program Outcomes
Career Possibilities
Transfer Options
Industry Connections
Scholarships & Grants
  1. Graduates will demonstrate proper shop safety procedures and hazardous waste handling while performing repairs and diagnostics in the lab.
  2. Graduates will use proper tools during repair and diagnostic work in the lab.
  3. Graduates demonstrate the ability to retrieve service information from manuals and on-line sources.
  4. By program completion, graduates will pass the ASE Student Exams including engine repair, automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, steering and suspension, brakes, electrical/electronics, HVAC, and engine performance.
  5. Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively within a workplace context.
  6. Students will be able to reason mathematically using methods appropriate to the profession.
  7. Students will be able to demonstrate teamwork and/or workplace specific skills related to human relations.

For job shadows, tours, and internships, check out the Career Services.

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Degrees & Certificates

Automotive Technology AAS Degree

Name: Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Total Credits: 137
Learning Outcomes:

  • Graduates will demonstrate proper shop safety procedures and hazardous waste handling while performing repairs and diagnostics in the lab.
  • Graduates will use proper tools during repair and diagnostic work in the lab.
  • Graduates demonstrate the ability to retrieve service information from manuals and on-line sources.
  • By program completion, graduates will pass the ASE Student Exams including engine repair, automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, steering and suspension, brakes, electrical/electronics, HVAC, and engine performance.
  • Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively within a workplace context.
  • Students will be able to reason mathematically using methods appropriate to the profession.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate teamwork and/or workplace specific skills related to human relations.

Year 1

Fall Quarter
Winter Quarter
Spring Quarter

Course Credits
AUT 111 – Automotive Engine Service 9
AUT 115 – Automotive Shop Safety& Environmental Issues 1
AUT 131 – Manual Drive Train and Axles 8
AUT 190 – Projects Lab* 2
MAP 101 – Applied Mathematics (AUT/WLD)** 5

Course Credits
AUT 121 – Automotive Electrical& Electronic Systems 15
AUT 132 – Hydraulic Systems 3
AUT 190 – Projected Lab* 2
WLD 101 – Ony-Acetylene Welding for Auto Technicians 2
WLD 102 – ARC/CMAW Welding for Auto Technicians 2

Course Credits
AUT 105 – Automotive Personal Computer Applications 2
AUT 124 – Brake System Service 9
AUT 125 – Suspension, Steering & Alignment 9
AUT 190 – Projects Lab* 2

*May be repeated for up to six credits for each course
**Related instruction required for an AAS degree

Year 2

Fall Quarter
Winter Quarter
Spring Quarter

Course Credits
AUT 220 – Engine Performance 18
AUT 290 – Advanced Projects Lab* 2
ENGL 109 – Applied Technical Writing** 3

Course Credits
AUT 212 – Automatic Transmission Repair 9
AUT 213 – Automotive Servicing I 6
AUT 290 – Advanced Projects Lab* 2
CMST 100 – Human Communications** 4

Course Credits
AUT 211 – Automotive Convenience Systems 2
AUT 223 – Automotive Servicing I 6
AUT 231 – Automotive Heating & Air Conditioning 6
AUT 290 – Advanced Projects Lab* 2
BUS 120 – Human Relations on the Job** 4
FAD 150 – Industrial First Aid** 2

*May be repeated for up to six credits for each course
**Related instruction required for an AAS degree

Certificates of Accomplishment

Automatic Transmission & Transaxle Repair
Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
Brake Repair
Electrical/Electronic System
Engine Performance
Engine Repair
Manual Drive Train and Axle
Suspension and Steering

Total Credits: 10
Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the automatic transmissions ASE certification area.
Course Credits
AUT 115 – Automotive Shop Safety and Environmental 1
AUT 212 – Automatic Transmission Repair 9

Total Credits: 6
Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the HVAC ASE certification area.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of refrigerant recycling and service procedures.
Course Credits
AUT 231 – Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning 6

Total Credits: 10
Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the brakes ASE certification area.
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform all types of braking system repairs and service.
Course Credits
AUT 115 – Automotive Shop Safety and Environmental Issues 1
AUT 124 – Brake System Service 9

Total Credits: 16
Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the electrical/electronics ASE certification area.
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform high quality electrical repairs.
Course Credits
AUT 115 – Automotive Shop Safety and Environmental Issues 1
AUT 121 – Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems 15

Total Credits: 19
Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the engine performance ASE certification area.
  • Diagnose and repair ignition systems and fuel delivery systems.
Course Credits
AUT 115 – Automotive Shop Safety and Environmental Issues 1
AUT 220 – Engine Performance 18

Total Credits: 10
Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the engine repair ASE certification area.
  • Demonstrate the ability to disassemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble an automotive engine.
Course Credits
AUT 111 – Automotive Engine Service 9
AUT 115 – Automotive Shop Safety and Environmental Issues 1

Total Credits: 9
Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the manual transmissions ASE certification area.
  • Suspension & Steering Certificate Outcomes.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the steering & suspension ASE certification area.
Course Credits
AUT 115 – Automotive Shop Safety and Environmental Issues 1
AUT 131 – Manual Drive Train and Axles 8

Total Credits: 10
Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain the fundamentals and operation of modern steering and suspension systems
  • Identify the components of various types of steering and suspension systems
  • Distinguish between active and passive suspension systems
  • Locate automotive service information pertaining to the service and/or repair of steering and suspension systems
  • Interpret automotive service data and apply that data to diagnostic procedures
  • Apply diagnostic thinking and procedures to locate the source of faults and noises in steering and suspension
  • Demonstrate the ability to safely perform high quality steering and suspension service and repairs
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform two wheel, four wheel, and thrust type alignments
  • Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and repair various types of steering and suspension systems
  • Distinguish between hydraulic, electric, and non-power assisted steering systems
  • Utilize alignment data to determine if a vehicle has worn steering/suspension parts or has been in a collision
Course Credits
AUT 115 – Automotive Shop Safety and Environmental Issues 1
AUT 125 – Suspension, Steering, and Alignment 9

NOTE: Students desiring Certificates of Accomplishment in more than one area need to take AUT 115, Automotive Shop Safety and Environmental Issues, only one time.

Automotive Technology Contact
Automotive Technology Staff
Richard Wynder

Wynder, Richard

Automotive Technology Faculty
richardw@bigbend.edu
(509) 793-2255