Get the Skills to Be a Professional Automotive Technician

The Automotive Technician program is designed to give you the confidence and skills you need to succeed in your new career.

During your classes, you will:

• Get hands-on automotive training using industry tools and diagnostics
• Design and assemble high performance engines at our Colorado Springs campus
• Learn light diesel engine repair
• Receive personalized instruction from certified instructors.
• Prepare to sit for automotive certifications

Here’s what will you learn in the Associate of Occupational Studies Degree program:

Introduction to Automotive Industry

AUTB-101 Introduction to Automotive Industry

This course is designed to orient students to the automotive industry and repair environment. Students
should apply the topics of this course to identify automotive systems; recognize diagnostic, repair, and
maintenance tools and equipment; describe the diagnostic process; properly document a basic repair order; and demonstrate the navigation of a repair database. Student demonstration of shop and tool safety procedures, fluid and materials safety is a must.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

Automotive Electrical Fundamentals

AUTB-102 Automotive Electrical Fundamentals

This course is designed to cover the fundamentals of automotive electronics and build a foundation for students’ future courses and work. Topics include basic electrical principles and laws, electrical circuits and wiring diagrams, theories of magnetism, general automotive electrical systems, batteries, starting systems and motors, charging systems, and electronics and computer systems. The course covers problems that can occur in automotive electrical and electronic systems, as well as the testing tools and techniques used in diagnosing such problems. Students will gain hands-on experience in inspecting, measuring, servicing, and identifying problems with electrical and electronic systems of automobiles.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

Engine Fundamentals, Diagnosis, & Repair

AUTB-103 Engine Fundamentals, Diagnosis, & Repair

After successful completion of this course, students should be able to explain the inner working of the four-stroke engine, including diagnostic and maintenance / repair procedures. Safety, cleaning, measurements, and proper diagnostic procedures will be emphasized. Students become familiar with engine subsystems, components, fluids, and timing belt systems.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

Manual/Automatic Transmissions & Drivetrain

AUTB-104 Manual/Automatic Transmissions & Drivetrain

In this course, students develop the skills necessary to properly identify and interpret drivetrain concerns. Students gain knowledge in clutches, operation of the transmission/transaxle, driveshaft, half shaft, CV joint, ring and pinion, differential case assembly, limited-slip differential, and four-wheel/all-wheel drive systems. This course is designed to cover the fundamentals and build a foundation for the student to draw from. Upon completion, the student should be able to explain diagnosis and service procedures for automatic transmissions and transaxles. The student should also be able to identify common out-of-car service and diagnostic procedures, including removal and replacement of the transmission/transaxle assembly.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

Power Accessories & A/C

AUTB-105 Power Accessories & A/C

This course introduces the student to basic and computerized automobile accessory systems, including the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Students become familiar with system operation, and basic computer diagnostics. Building upon the electrical and electronic instruction in previous courses, students expand their learning to electrical accessory circuits on the automobile. This course covers the fundamentals of servicing heating and A/C, restraint, and electrical accessories systems.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

Brakes, Steering & Suspension

AUTB-106: Brakes, Steering & Suspension

After successful completion of this course, students should be able to explain how to service and repair brake system concerns and suspension/steering concerns. Students will become familiar with hydraulic system service, disc and drum brake service, antilock brake systems diagnosis and repair, steering and suspension systems, power assist steering, wheels/tires, shock absorbers, four-wheel alignments, and traction control systems.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

Engine Performance & Computer Control

AUTB-107 Engine Performance & Computer Control

This course provides an introduction to onboard computerized engine control systems used on vehicles. Students should gain a working knowledge of ignition systems, fuel systems, intake and exhaust systems, and emission control systems. In addition, diagnostic scopes and scanners are covered in depth. Engine performance characteristics and evaluation for hybrid and electrical vehicle types are also addressed.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

Light Vehicle Diesel Engines

AUTB-108 Light Vehicle Diesel Engines

After successful completion of this course, students should have an understanding of diesel engine function and operation. Students will become familiar with the diesel engine, subsystems, components, fluids, fuel delivery systems, and servicing and maintenance. Upon completion of this course, students should have an understanding of diesel electronic control systems. Knowledge needed to diagnose, test, and service common diesel electronic fuel injection systems, engine electronic systems, and diesel charging and starting systems are covered.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

Automotive Capstone

AUTB-109 Automotive Capstone

This course is designed to provide students review and preparation covering all aspects of the automotive program. Repair order preparation, technician documentation and scheduling will be incorporated along with a review of all automotive systems to prepare students for real world service applications.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103, AUTB-104, AUTB-105, AUTB-106, AUTB-107, AUTB-108

Advanced Career Development

ACD-150 Advanced Career Development

During this course students will learn and develop their skills in various aspects that will contribute to career success. They will learn how to empower themselves for their career through preparation and proper goal setting. Students will learn how to properly develop an effective resume and cover letter, how to appropriately prepare for the interview process, what to expect during an interview, and how to follow-up once the interview is completed. They will specifically focus on developing understanding of the hiring process, the role of social media and networking play, how to search for jobs, what their worth is and what the job market is like. Students will also have the opportunity to perform a mock interview, focusing on how to answer common questions, as well as gain,  develop their professionalism as it relates to the interview process and ultimately their career.

Credit Hours: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): None

College and Career Readiness

CCR-100 College and Career Readiness

This course is designed to prepare students for Career Training Success. It will introduce skills to prepare students for personal growth and success in their career. Emphasis will be placed on aiding students in the development of a variety of soft skills necessary for success in their career field and classroom interactions to include Stress Management, Effective Study Skills, Time Management, Leadership Development, Team Building, Financial Literacy, Effective Communication Skills, Diversity and Conflict Resolution, Career Readiness and Overcoming Road Blocks to Success. Students will also participate in activities to help develop the necessary skills to cope with and manage common obstacles that may arise in the workplace. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be ready to begin their educational journey in their chosen program feeling confident and prepared to engage in the classroom and lab setting.

Credit Hours: 8.0
Prerequisite(s): None

Leadership

LE-150 Leadership

Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of leadership as it relates to working for an organization and leading a team. This course has an emphasis on preparing students to focus on their leadership qualities and characteristics in an effort to be a contributing member of their organization.

Credit Hours: 8.5
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

Critical Thinking

CT-201 Critical Thinking

This introductory level course presents a variety of topics essential to a student’s development in critical thinking. Students are introduced to concepts essential to the comprehension, analysis, and creation of arguments: induction, deduction, informal fallacies, Aristotelian and symbolic logic, modes of persuasion, perspective and bias, language and meaning, culminating in the development of reasonable strategies for belief formation.

Credit Hours: 3.5
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

Business Communication

BC-210 Business Communications

This course provides the foundations of all types of business communication including letters, memos, electronic communication, written reports, oral presentations, and interpersonal communication. The course also includes topics of resumes, application letters, interviewing tips, and employment follow-up documents.

Credit Hours: 3.5
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

Introduction to Business

IB-215 Introduction to Business

This course provides students with an overview of business in an increasingly global society serving as an introduction to business terminology, concepts, environments, systems, strategies, and current issues. Topics include an overview of the business environment, business ethics, entrepreneurship and global business, management, marketing, production, information systems, and financial elements of business. This course provides a solid business foundation for more detailed and higher-level study in subsequent courses.

Credit Hours: 3.5
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

American Government

AG-255 American Government

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of American government and politics focusing on the historical evolution of government and policies, the major institutions, and the major processes.

Credit Hours: 3.5
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

Here’s what will you learn in the Automotive Technician Certificate program:

Introduction to Automotive Industry

AUTB-101 Introduction to Automotive Industry

This course is designed to orient students to the automotive industry and repair environment. Students
should apply the topics of this course to identify automotive systems; recognize diagnostic, repair, and
maintenance tools and equipment; describe the diagnostic process; properly document a basic repair order; and demonstrate the navigation of a repair database. Student demonstration of shop and tool safety procedures, fluid and materials safety is a must.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

Automotive Electrical Fundamentals

AUTB-102 Automotive Electrical Fundamentals

This course is designed to cover the fundamentals of automotive electronics and build a foundation for students’ future courses and work. Topics include basic electrical principles and laws, electrical circuits and wiring diagrams, theories of magnetism, general automotive electrical systems, batteries, starting systems and motors, charging systems, and electronics and computer systems. The course covers problems that can occur in automotive electrical and electronic systems, as well as the testing tools and techniques used in diagnosing such problems. Students will gain hands-on experience in inspecting, measuring, servicing, and identifying problems with electrical and electronic systems of automobiles.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

Engine Fundamentals, Diagnosis, & Repair

AUTB-103 Engine Fundamentals, Diagnosis, & Repair

After successful completion of this course, students should be able to explain the inner working of the four-stroke engine, including diagnostic and maintenance / repair procedures. Safety, cleaning, measurements, and proper diagnostic procedures will be emphasized. Students become familiar with engine subsystems, components, fluids, and timing belt systems.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

Manual/Automatic Transmissions & Drivetrain

AUTB-104 Manual/Automatic Transmissions & Drivetrain

In this course, students develop the skills necessary to properly identify and interpret drivetrain concerns. Students gain knowledge in clutches, operation of the transmission/transaxle, driveshaft, half shaft, CV joint, ring and pinion, differential case assembly, limited-slip differential, and four-wheel/all-wheel drive systems. This course is designed to cover the fundamentals and build a foundation for the student to draw from. Upon completion, the student should be able to explain diagnosis and service procedures for automatic transmissions and transaxles. The student should also be able to identify common out-of-car service and diagnostic procedures, including removal and replacement of the transmission/transaxle assembly.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

Power Accessories & A/C

AUTB-105 Power Accessories & A/C

This course introduces the student to basic and computerized automobile accessory systems, including the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Students become familiar with system operation, and basic computer diagnostics. Building upon the electrical and electronic instruction in previous courses, students expand their learning to electrical accessory circuits on the automobile. This course covers the fundamentals of servicing heating and A/C, restraint, and electrical accessories systems.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

Brakes, Steering & Suspension

AUTB-106: Brakes, Steering & Suspension

After successful completion of this course, students should be able to explain how to service and repair brake system concerns and suspension/steering concerns. Students will become familiar with hydraulic system service, disc and drum brake service, antilock brake systems diagnosis and repair, steering and suspension systems, power assist steering, wheels/tires, shock absorbers, four-wheel alignments, and traction control systems.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

Engine Performance & Computer Control

AUTB-107 Engine Performance & Computer Control

This course provides an introduction to onboard computerized engine control systems used on vehicles. Students should gain a working knowledge of ignition systems, fuel systems, intake and exhaust systems, and emission control systems. In addition, diagnostic scopes and scanners are covered in depth. Engine performance characteristics and evaluation for hybrid and electrical vehicle types are also addressed.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

Light Vehicle Diesel Engines

AUTB-108 Light Vehicle Diesel Engines

After successful completion of this course, students should have an understanding of diesel engine function and operation. Students will become familiar with the diesel engine, subsystems, components, fluids, fuel delivery systems, and servicing and maintenance. Upon completion of this course, students should have an understanding of diesel electronic control systems. Knowledge needed to diagnose, test, and service common diesel electronic fuel injection systems, engine electronic systems, and diesel charging and starting systems are covered.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103

Automotive Capstone

AUTB-109 Automotive Capstone

This course is designed to provide students review and preparation covering all aspects of the automotive program. Repair order preparation, technician documentation and scheduling will be incorporated along with a review of all automotive systems to prepare students for real world service applications.

Credit Hours: 7.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, AUTB-101, AUTB-102, AUTB-103, AUTB-104, AUTB-105, AUTB-106, AUTB-107, AUTB-108

Advanced Career Development

ACD-150 Advanced Career Development

During this course students will learn and develop their skills in various aspects that will contribute to career success. They will learn how to empower themselves for their career through preparation and proper goal setting. Students will learn how to properly develop an effective resume and cover letter, how to appropriately prepare for the interview process, what to expect during an interview, and how to follow-up once the interview is completed. They will specifically focus on developing understanding of the hiring process, the role of social media and networking play, how to search for jobs, what their worth is and what the job market is like. Students will also have the opportunity to perform a mock interview, focusing on how to answer common questions, as well as gain,  develop their professionalism as it relates to the interview process and ultimately their career.

Credit Hours: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): None

College and Career Readiness

CCR-100 College and Career Readiness

This course is designed to prepare students for Career Training Success. It will introduce skills to prepare students for personal growth and success in their career. Emphasis will be placed on aiding students in the development of a variety of soft skills necessary for success in their career field and classroom interactions to include Stress Management, Effective Study Skills, Time Management, Leadership Development, Team Building, Financial Literacy, Effective Communication Skills, Diversity and Conflict Resolution, Career Readiness and Overcoming Road Blocks to Success. Students will also participate in activities to help develop the necessary skills to cope with and manage common obstacles that may arise in the workplace. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be ready to begin their educational journey in their chosen program feeling confident and prepared to engage in the classroom and lab setting.

Credit Hours: 8.0
Prerequisite(s): None