Automotive Service Technology Curriculum 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.

Recommended Courses
(Secondary and Postsecondary Programs)

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.  Certain courses within this degree may or may not transfer to baccalaureate degree granting institutions. The student must complete 64 semester hours with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above. There is a minimum cumulative general education requirement of 18 semester hours.

Associate in Applied Science Degree Requirements

Course Descriptions

ASTC-107 Shop Math and Communications I.  2 Hours (45 Contact Hours).  The basics of written communication, shop math, geometry and reading are taught using computerized software and classroom instruction.  Work ethics are also addressed.  Math skills are applied to checking accounts, gross earnings, payroll deduction, employee compensations and personal finance.   

ASTC-130.  Automotive Automatic Transmission.  6 Hours (163 Contact 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 the automatic transmission will be offered in this course. 

ASTC-133.  Automotive Steering and Suspension I.  5 Hours (140 Contact 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-137.  Automotive Brakes I.  5 Hours (140 Contact 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-143.  Automotive Electrical Systems I.  6 Hours (163 Contact Hours).  The student will learn 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-147.  Automotive Engine Repair.  6 Hours (163 Contact 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-207.  On-the-Job Training (OJT or OJT Equivalent).  Up to 4 Hours (0-195 Contact 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-211.  Automotive Engine Performance I.  6 Hours (163 Contact Hours).  Students will learn 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-217 Shop Math and Communications II.  2 Hours (45 Contact 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.  Automotive Electrical Systems II.  6 Hours (162 Contact Hours).  This course is a continuation of Automotive Electrical Systems I. 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.  Automotive Steering and Suspension II.  5 Hours (140 Contact Hours).  This course is a continuation of Automotive Steering and Suspension I.  Students will learn and apply 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.  Automotive Brakes II.  5 Hours (140 Contact Hours).  This course is a continuation of Automotive Brakes I. The student will learn and apply 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.  Automotive Engine Performance II.  6 Hours (162 Contact Hours).  This course is a continuation of Automotive Engine Performance I. 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-283.  Automotive Manual Transmissions and Axles.  6 Hours (163 Contact Hours).  This course is designed to train students in theory, safety, diagnosis and repair of manual drive trains, transaxles, axles, drive shafts and components associated with the systems.  Diagnosis and repair of clutch systems and related components will be offered in this course. 

ASTC-295.  Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning.  6 Hours (163 Contact 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 (0-196 Contact 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 (90 Contact 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.