Here’s what will you learn in the Associate of Occupational Studies Degree program:
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Organizational Communication & Etiquette
COM-110 Organizational Communication & Etiquette
The course examines the role of communication and etiquette in organizations. Concepts like teamwork, ethics and diversity are addressed as they relate to organizational effectiveness. Basic workplace technology, including Microsoft Office, is also covered.
Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100 (Colorado Springs)
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Business English
ENG-110 Business English
This course emphasizes principles and techniques for organizing, writing, and revising documents for industry, business, and government. This course includes grammar and writing mechanics. Resume writing and job interview techniques are taught and practiced.
Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): None
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Fundamentals of Electricity
EL-101 Fundamentals of Electricity
This course is designed to introduce the student to the production, transmission, and safe use of common electricity. OHM’s Law and other pertinent laws of electricity will be discussed and practiced so the student will develop a knowledge and respect for electricity. Students will understand that circuit development and distribution lay the groundwork for understanding electricity. Topics include voltage, amperage, watts, and resistance as well as proper identification, application and measurement.
Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100 (Colorado Springs)
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Fundamentals of Electricity II
EL-102 Fundamentals of Electricity II
This course is intended to further enhance the student’s knowledge of electricity as it pertains to HVAC/R. The student should become familiar with applications of simple parallel and series circuits along with proper wiring practices for controls and devices as they practice in a hands-on lab environment. Safety is a primary concern when working with electricity and is emphasized at every opportunity throughout the course.
Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100 (Colorado Springs)
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Basic Automatic Controls
AR-201 Basic Automatic Controls
This course is designed to help develop familiarity and understanding of electrical current flow as it is used in many types of automatic controls and its effect as it interacts with various components of a control circuit. Studies will include the style, type, application and operation of various controls common to the HVAC/R occupational field. The student will also develop a basic understanding of heating and cooling controls as well as troubleshooting controls and control circuits commonly found in commercial and residential heating and cooling applications.
Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): EL-101, EL-102
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Electric Motors & Controls
AR-202 Electric Motors & Controls
Students will gain an understanding of controls to include a familiarity with electrical motors and the related automatic controls. Types of motors and their applications will be explored along with the controls and applications commonly found in the HVAC/R occupational field. Motors are manufactured in many voltages and configurations to fit the HVAC/R equipment. Students will learn proper identification, application and operation as well as the proper maintenance and installation methods.
Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): EL-101, EL-102
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Basic Gas Furnaces & Safety
AR-203 Basic Gas Furnaces & Safety
This course segment introduces the student to the different styles and types of gas heating appliances most commonly encountered in the residential and light commercial trade areas. Fundamentals of industry standards for the installation, operation, and maintenance of common systems will be covered in detail as well as in-depth industry safety practice programs to include gas detection, carbon monoxide detection and all preventative measures for safe operations.
Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): AR-201, AR-202
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Advanced Gas Furnaces & Codes
AR-204 Advanced Gas Furnaces & Codes
This course provides an in-depth study of the different designs and requirements for proper installation per the International Fuel Gas Code standards and the International Mechanical Code installation requirements. Students will gain an understanding of how installation requirements change as new equipment is made available. Newer types of equipment and methods will be discussed as well as the code issues that surround the installation. Students will learn how to read and comprehend codebooks within this course.
Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): AR-201, AR-202
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Heating Fuels & Combustion Analysis
AR-205 Heating Fuels & Combustion Analysis
This course is intended to educate the student in understanding the cost involved with heating appliances and the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Students will learn about the environment and the impact of our carbon footprint, as well as the Federal regulations that require proper use of fuels and energy efficiency standards are published for use in using gas appliances. Studies of the economic impact, as compared to the use of different fuels, will be discussed. Students will learn that combustion analysis is the study of fuel efficiency as used in today’s modern furnaces.
Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): AR-203, AR-204
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Customer Service for HVAC/R Technicians
AR-206 Customer Service for HVAC/R Technicians
This course introduces the importance of good customer service skills that are necessary when working in the HVAC/R field. The student will gain an understanding of the position of “company representative” when doing field service work. Students will learn various methods to assist them in becoming the best employee they can be as well as how to handle customer complaints in an effective manner.
Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): None
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Alternative Heating Systems
AR-207 Alternative Heating Systems
This course has been designed to introduce other sources used for space heating. The student will gain an understanding of hot water heating and radiant heating as well as solar and geothermal systems. Useful and practical systems, as well as the potential for their uses, are discussed as all manufacturers are looking for cost effective products.
Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): None
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Hydronic & Pumps
AR-208 Hydronic & Pumps
This alternative heating course focuses on the hydronics and pumps that are being used widely on large single family and apartment complexes today. Students will gain an understanding of how the basic systems, valves, zones and thermostats heat water as well as how modern pumps of all types are used in conjunction with a variety of designs to achieve the desired circulation of the water and heating of rooms. The student will discuss and observe the normal operations and control circuits for wiring and repairs as well as troubleshooting.
Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): None
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Refrigeration Theory & EPA Certification
AR-209 Refrigeration Theory & EPA Certification
This course is designed as the basic introduction to refrigeration. Students will gain an understanding of the physics and practical application of refrigeration theory. Students learn about the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines and their role in overseeing all refrigerant usage. An overview of EPA guidelines is provided to students as well as EPA Certification Exam Study guides and study materials to assist in preparing them to take and pass the EPA Certification Exam.
Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): Co-requisite(s): AR-201
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Basic Refrigeration Systems
AR-210 Basic Refrigeration Systems
This course is designed to educate students in the basic operation of most commonly found refrigeration systems. Mechanical applications, operations, maintenance and repairs as well as basic controls, motors, fans, and pressures will be studied. Students continue to learn in a hands-on laboratory environment practicing maintenance on Refrigeration trainers to help the students learn basic systems.
Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): Co-requisite(s): AR-202
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Advanced Refrigerations
AR-215 Advanced Refrigeration I
This course is intended to educate the student on the importance of developing proficiency in the maintenance and repair of commercial and domestic refrigeration systems to include components, application, function and diagnosis of the mechanical refrigeration equipment.
Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): Co-requisite(s): AR-209 & AR-210
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Advanced Refrigeration II
AR-216 Advanced Refrigeration II
This course continues to develop proficiency in the maintenance and repair of commercial and domestic refrigeration systems. Students continue to gain skills in control systems, components, application, function and diagnosis of the mechanical refrigeration equipment.
Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): AR-209 & AR-210
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Residential Air Conditioning
AR-217 Residential Air Conditioning
The student will develop familiarity and a basic proficiency with split system air conditioning to include operating conditions and troubleshooting, identifying controls of air conditioning, and heat pump systems.
Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): AR-209, AR-210
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Commercial A/C Systems
AR-218 Commercial A/C Systems
The student will develop familiarity and a basic proficiency with package air conditioning to include operating conditions and troubleshooting of chilled-water systems, water tower systems and pumps, and variable refrigerant flow and air volume.
Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): AR-209, AR-210
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Commercial Refrigeration
AR-219 Commercial Refrigeration
The student will develop familiarity and a basic proficiency with package air conditioning to include operating conditions and troubleshooting of chilled-water systems, water tower systems and pumps, and variable refrigerant flow and air volume.
Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): AR-209, AR-210
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Commercial Refrigeration II
AR-220 Commercial Refrigeration II
Students learn commercial refrigeration practices found in a variety of equipment such as commercial reach-ins, walk-ins, rack refrigeration, and other commercial applications. Proficiency is developed in operations and maintenance.
Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): AR-209, AR-210
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Pneumatics & Controls
AR-223 Pneumatics & Controls
The student will develop familiarity and a basic understanding of industrial level controllers as they apply to commercial/industrial HVAC systems. Specifically, the student will learn the function and diagnosis of the pressure sensing devices and controls in pneumatics.
Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): AR-209 & AR-210
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Advanced Control Systems
AR-224 Advanced Control Systems
The student will develop familiarity and a basic understanding of industrial level controllers as they apply to commercial/industrial HVAC systems. Specifically, the student will learn the function and diagnosis of pressure sensing devices of programmable control systems and the function and diagnosis of mechanical control systems.
Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): AR-201, AR-202
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Duct Design & Blueprint Reading
BP-110 Duct Design & Blueprint Reading
After successful completion of this course, students will be familiar with duct design, air balancing, air pressure testing and blueprint reading for the HVAC industry in most residential and commercial equipment.
Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100 (Colorado Springs)
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Performing Load Calculations
BP-210 Performing Load Calculations
After successful completion of this course, the students will be able to view and interpret basic mechanical blueprints to perform basic block load calculations as they apply to the HVAC industry. A green awareness component provides environmental knowledge on how we impact the carbon footprint in the HVAC/R industry.
Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): BP-110
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College and Career Readiness
CCR-100 College and Career Readiness
College and Career Readiness is the first six-week course designed to prepare students for Career Training Success. Classes meet 20 hours per week, Monday through Thursday. Class times available are either 9:00am – 2:00pm for day time students and 5:00pm – 10:00pm for night time students.
Credit Hours: 8
Prerequisite(s): None
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Advanced Career Development
ACD-150 Advanced Career Development
Advanced Career Development is offered toward the end of your program and is designed to prepare students for Career Success. Classes meet for a total of 15 hours during the scheduled term.
Credit Hours: 1
Prerequisite(s): None
Here’s what will you learn in the Associate of Occupational Studies Degree program:
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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
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Basic Electrical and HVAC
HVC-101: BASIC ELECTRICAL AND HVAC
Students learn the basics of electrical circuitry including basic electrical theory, alternating current, and an introduction to the National Electrical Code as well as wiring diagrams. Students are exposed to safety practices as it relates to the HVAC field, and hands-on experience and secure, controlled practice in electrical applications in HVAC/R setting. Students learn basic principles of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Students will complete OSHA-10 basic safety.
Credit Hours: 7.5
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100
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Drawings, Building Specs, and Design Considerations
HVAC-102: DRAWINGS, BUILDING SPECS, AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
In this course students learn to use basic mathematical computations such as area, volume and use measurements as they apply to HVAC/R-related skills for on-the-job. This module teaches how to interpret drawings used in construction, including mechanical drawings, specifications, shop drawings, and as-builts, and explains takeoff procedures for equipment, fittings, ductwork, and other components. Students will also learn how to apply this knowledge and gain an
Credit Hours: 7.5
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100
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Pipe, Duct and Flue Systems
HVC-103: PIPE, DUCT, AND FLUE SYSTEMS
This course teaches factors related to air movement and its measurement in common air distribution systems, including the required mechanical equipment and materials used to create air distribution systems. Students learn how to identify, assemble and install various types of tubing, fittings and piping including: copper, plastic, and carbon steel. Students gain experience in the equipment, techniques, and materials used to safely join copper tubing by both soldering and brazing. This module covers chimneys, vents, and flues that are used with fuel-burning furnaces and boilers. The layout, fabrication, installation and insulation of sheet metal, fiberglass, and fabric duct systems and related accessories are also introduced.
Credit Hours: 7.5
Prerequisite(s): HVC-101 & HVC-102
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Refrigeration Components and Systems
HVC-104: REFRIGERATION COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS
Students acquire an understanding of the fundamental operating concepts of the refrigeration cycle and how to identify both primary and secondary components found in typical HVAC/R systems. Common refrigerants are introduced as well as principles of heat transfer and essential pressure-temperature relationships of refrigerants. Students will learn about current-practice handling of refrigerants and oils used in modern refrigeration and air conditioning systems as well as the EPA’s requirements for providing service. Preparation and option for the EPA exam. Metering devices and components used in mechanical refrigeration cycle are addressed, as well as retail and commercial/industrial refrigeration systems.
Credit Hours: 7.5
Prerequisite(s): HVC-101 & HVC-102
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Maintenance and Controls
HVC-105: MAINTENANCE AND CONTROLS
This course includes information on the common tasks associated with basic maintenance such as lubrication and belt installation with detailed coverage on maintenance inspections of gas furnaces and common cooling/heat pump systems. Students will learn information and skills to troubleshoot control circuits and electric motors found in heating and cooling equipment including various air treatment accessories.
Credit Hours: 7.5
Prerequisite(s): HVC-103 & HVC-104
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Gas and Oil Heat
HVC-106: GAS AND OIL HEAT
Students will gain a fundamental understanding of heating systems and the combustion process. The different types and designs of gas furnaces and their components, as well as basic procedures for their installation and service, is provided. Information and skills needed to troubleshoot gas-fired furnaces and boilers, as well as the construction and operation of oil- fired heating systems and their components is provided. Students will learn proper procedures for how to service and test oil furnaces for isolation and correction to oil furnace malfunctions. Customer service fundamentals are included to establish the importance of maintaining positive and professional relations with clients served in the HVAC/R industry.
Credit Hours: 7.5
Prerequisite(s): HVC-101 & HVC-102
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Boiler, Chiller & Cooling Tower Systems
HVC-107: BOILER, CHILLER & COOLING TOWER SYSTEMS
Students will learn the basics of hydronic heating systems, the fuels used to heat the water and the pumps that circulate the heated water. This module will review basic properties of water and instruct on how water pressure is related to the movement of water through piping systems. Various types and components of commercial hot-water heating and chilled-water cooling systems as well as their functionality are examined. Students will also learn about the use of steam for storing and moving energy in HVAC systems and how water properties relate to steam and the steam system cycle. Overview of the steam system’s operational components, valves and piping is provided. Students gain the ability to identify problems specific to water that can be encountered in heating and cooling systems and learn specific methods of water treatment and testing procedures. The procedures for the startup and shutdown of hot water, steam heating, chilled water, and air handling systems is covered, as well as that for typical cooling towers and packaged HVAC units.
Credit Hours: 7.5
Prerequisite(s): HVC-101 & HVC-102
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Heat Pumps and A/C Systems
HVC-108: HEAT PUMPS AND A/C SYSTEMS
Students receive guidance and instruction related to troubleshooting cooling systems. This module covers the principles relating to operation of heat pump systems in detail with emphasis on electric resistance heating elements as well as the installation considerations of both split and packaged heat pump systems. Additional instruction provided on the procedures for troubleshooting heat pump system components. This module also introduces systems used in commercials structures such as schools and office buildings that must maintain differing comfort zones. Students will learn the various types of systems, as well as the air terminals and air source equipment commonly used; and the information and skills needed to troubleshoot and repair zoned, ductless, and variable refrigerant flow systems.
Credit Hours: 7.5
Prerequisite(s): HVC-101 & HVC-102
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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, and develop their professionalism as it relates to the interview process and ultimately their career.
Credit Hours: 1
Prerequisite(s): None
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
