Associate in Applied Science
Automotive Technology
email: automotive@bigbend.edu
A student in the BBCC Automotive Technician program receives training in all eight ASE Certification areas. Modern repair and diagnostic test equipment are used in training the student to accurately repair the complex vehicles of today. The curriculum also includes shop safety and environmental training, Industrial First Aid Certification, EPA Section 609 Refrigerant Certification, basic welding skills, and hydraulics, as well as degree required general education classes. Graduates of the Automotive Technology program obtain employment as automotive repair technicians and in related occupations such as automotive parts merchandising, alignment, tire service, and fleet maintenance. The agricultural equipment service and repair industry also provides employment opportunities for our graduates. A high-tech career in automotive technology gives a person job mobility with the security of knowing that his/her skills will always be in demand. Any applicant who is 18 years of age or older or is a graduate of an accredited high school or has an equivalent certificate (GED) or is a qualified Running Start student is eligible for entry into the Automotive Technology program.
Degrees and Certificates
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Automotive Technology AAS, -
Automatic Transmission & Transaxle Repair Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
Automotive Brake Repair Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
Automotive Electrical/Electronic Systems Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
Automotive Engine Performance Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
Automotive Engine Repair Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
Automotive Manual Drive Train and Axle Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
Automotive Suspension and Steering Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate
Courses
AUT 105: Automotive Personal Computer Applications
Credits 2An introductory course covering the operation of personal computers using automotive applications. Hardware components, Windows Operating System, word processing, spreadsheets, and student created presentations will be covered emphasizing “hands-on” experience.
AUT 111: Automotive Engine Service
Credits 9This course covers the theory of engine operation and the procedures necessary to perform automobile engine troubleshooting, repair and rebuilding. Topics covered include shop skills, engine operation, engine blocks, engine crankshafts, engine bearings, engine pistons, rings and valve system service. This course is designed to prepare the student for the ASE/NATEF Engine Repair Certification test, while instilling interpersonal and employability skills. There will be a heavy focus on customer service and quality control.
AUT 115: Automotive Shop Safety and Environmental Issues
Credits 1This course covers automotive shop safety rules, procedures, and shop equipment operation and is required before a student is allowed to work in the automotive laboratory. The proper handling, storage, and disposal of automotive related hazardous waste is also covered. Offered as regularly scheduled course during the fall quarter and offered by arrangement for students who enroll in the automotive program any other quarter.
AUT 121: Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems
Credits 15This comprehensive course covers both theory and operation of the electrical systems in todays high-tech vehicles. Topics covered include D.C. electrical theory, D.C. circuitry, Ohms Law, solid state components, batteries, starting circuits, charging circuits, lighting circuits, vehicle wiring and ignition systems. Emphasis will be placed on using modern electrical test equipment and procedures to diagnose and repair complex electrical systems. This course is designed to prepare the student for the ASE/NATEF Electrical Systems Certification test, while instilling interpersonal and employability skills. There will be a heavy focus on customer service and quality control.
AUT 124: Brake System Service
Credits 9This course covers the theory, operation, diagnosis and repair of both conventional and anti-lock brake systems. Topics covered are hydraulic operating systems, drum brake systems, disc brake systems, emergency/parking brake systems and brake machining operations. This course is designed to prepare the student for the ASE/NATEF Brakes Certification test, while instilling interpersonal and employability skills. There will be a heavy focus on customer service and quality control.
AUT 125: Suspension, Steering and Alignment
Credits 9This course covers the theory, operation and repair of various automotive suspension and steering systems used in todays vehicles. Topics covered include steering types, suspension types, shock/strut service, tires/wheels and suspension and steering component replacement. Students will use modern computerized alignment equipment to perform two wheel, four wheel and thrust type vehicle alignments. This course is designed to prepare the student for the ASE/NATEF Suspension and Steering Certification test.
AUT 131: Manual Drive Train and Axles
Credits 8This course covers the theory, operation, diagnosis and repair of automotive clutch systems, manual transmissions, manual transaxles, front and rear drive axle operation, various drive shaft configurations and the procedures necessary to perform power train troubleshooting and repair. This course is designed to prepare the student for the ASE/NATEF Manual Drive Train & Axles Certification test, while instilling interpersonal and employability skills. There will be a heavy focus on customer service and quality control.
AUT 132: Hydraulic Systems
Credits 3This course provides a student with the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain and service various hydraulic power transmission systems. Topics covered include hydraulic fundamentals, system operation, pump, valve and actuator service, as well as seals, lines and hydraulic system components.
AUT 190: Skills Laboratory I
Credits 2This course is for full-time automotive students who need extra project laboratory time to update or enhance their skills to meet program certification requirements. Students will be directed to complete ASE/NATEF tasks not completed in the day classes. (May be repeated for credit up to six credits for each course; graded on pass/fail basis).
AUT 211: Automobile Convenience Systems
Credits 2This course covers the operation and repair of automotive convenience systems. Classroom and laboratory lessons include power windows, power seats, air bag system testing and servicing, as well as minor door, hood, window, and trunk adjustments. The procedure to perform a proper Pre-delivery Inspection (PDI) will be covered and Washington State auto repair laws and how they effect the repair technician will be discussed.
AUT 212: Automatic Transmission Repair
Credits 9This course covers the theory, operation, service, and repair of various automatic transmission and transaxle assemblies. Classroom and laboratory instruction provide in-depth training using modern test equipment in the diagnosis and repair of these complex systems. This course will prepare students for the ASE/NATEF Automatic Transmission Repair Specialists test.
AUT 213: Automotive Servicing I
Credits 6Students, at the direction of the instructor, work on customer vehicles applying skills learned in previous automotive classes. Students will be required to complete ASE/NATEF tasks not completed in other courses. Customer relations, repair order preparation, scheduling, estimating, utilization of shop space and equipment, and hazardous waste management are covered to provide students with an understanding of repair shop operations.
AUT 220: Engine Performance
Credits 18This comprehensive course covers the theory and operation of various ignition systems, fuel delivery systems, emission controls, computerized engine controls, and the use of diagnostic test equipment. Classroom and laboratory lessons provide in-depth training using modern test equipment to diagnose and repair these complex systems. This course is designed to prepare students for the ASE/NATEF Engine Performance test.
AUT 223: Automotive Servicing II
Credits 6Students, at the direction of the instructor, work on customer vehicles applying skills learned in previous automotive classes. Students will be required to complete ASE/NATEF tasks not completed in other courses. Customer relations, repair order preparation, scheduling, estimating, utilization of shop space and equipment, and hazardous waste management are covered to provide students with an understanding of repair shop operations.
AUT 231: Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
Credits 6This course covers the diagnosis, servicing, and repair of modern vehicle heating and air conditioning systems. Classroom and laboratory lessons provide training and experience using modern refrigeration servicing and recycling equipment necessary to meet environmental regulations. CFC-12 and HFC-134A systems and equipment are utilized and retrofitting following Environmental Protection Agency guidelines is discussed. This course is designed to prepare the student for the ASE/NATEF Heating and Air Conditioning test.
AUT 290: Skills Laboratory II
Credits 2This course is for full-time automotive students who need extra project laboratory time to update or enhance their skills to meet program certification requirements. Students will be directed to complete ASE/NATEF tasks not completed in the day classes. (May be repeated for credit up to six credits for each course; graded on pass/fail basis).
AUT 295: Workbased Learning
Credits 1 Max Credits 6A supervised work experience in the automotive technology field to enhance the application of classroom instruction and skills and/or area of specialization approved by the program instructor. May be repeated up to twelve (12) credits.
AUT 297: Workbased Learning Seminar
Credits 1Feedback and discussion to integrate and relate Work Based Learning and classroom based instruction. Work ethic, leadership, safety and occupational health, environmental issues, and other student generated topics are examined. May be repeated up to six (6) credits.