AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Accreditation

The Automotive Technology Program is accredited by NATEF the

(National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation)

INTRODUCTION

Functioning under standards established by Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS), the Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College's (SKCTC) Automotive Technology program prepares students for jobs in automotive service and repair. Students take classes in a variety of areas, including computers which introduce various application software packages, mechanical and electronic theory, automotive air conditioning, automotive alignment, brakes, automatic transmission, transaxle repair, driveability, and manual drive train and axle repair. Students are prepared to become employable in the modern automotive industry by being critical thinkers, problem solvers, and demonstrating technical skills needed to assist area employers to maintain their profitability and competitive edge in today's market. This program has also attained national recognition from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) training program. Completion points for Automotive are as follows:

ANALYSIS

Admissions/Recruiting

Admission to the Automotive Technology program is in accordance with the KCTCS admission policy. This policy is in compliance with the laws and regulations of the United States and the State of Kentucky, which assures all eligible citizens equal access to all technical education programs and services.

The admission policy is clearly stated, published, and available to the public in the KCTCS Catalog & Handbook and the Automotive Technology Program brochure. The Office of Student Services provides an orientation session, which acquaints new students with KCTCS, its policies, and its services, each semester.

The KCTCS Catalog & Handbook clearly defines the policy on the transfer of students between programs within the Institution and the transfer of students from other institutions.

Statewide minimum admission requirements, which are implemented for the Automotive Technology certificate and diploma students and developmental studies of special populations, serve as a reasonable predictor of successful completion of the Automotive Technology program. Career planning, which may include the use of assessment instruments, is offered to each prospective student to help him/her better understand his/her abilities, aptitude, and interests and, thus, make a more informed choice of program.

The KCTCS institute Handbook for Student Services addresses the admission procedures for those students admitted on an "ability to benefit" (ATB) basis. Student Services supervises the entire "ability to benefit" admissions process to ascertain that it is uniformly applied.

Student Services oversees the recruiting activities at KCTCS. And ensures that all activities are ethical and that all materials used in the recruitment process are up--to--date and accurately describe the mission, instructional outcomes, student performance expectations, and completor requirements of the Automotive Technology program described in the KCTCS Institute Handbook. Student Services details the recruiting procedures.

During admissions counseling. Students are informed of the cost of the Program that they expect to pursue The program advisor also discusses the cost or the program with the prospective student The KCTCS Catalog Handbook presents policies related to tuition and fees. The tuition and fees are also published in the Handbook.

Automotive Technology Goals

Maintain a diploma program responsive to the needs of the students pursuing a diploma or certificate.

Provide training based on local industry needs while completing the required NATEF task.

To maintain effective student support to assist the student in reaching their goal.

Prepare students to enter the workforce at an entry level.

Supply adequate up to date equipment that would allow students to be prepared to operate a broad range of testing equipment.

Stress the importance of the ASE certification in all courses taught.

Program

The Automotive Technology program follows well defined state standards identifying competencies relevant to the field Individuals who complete programs of study at the certificate and diploma level are warranted by the Institution and the KCTCS to perform each competency identified. By doing so the program is meeting the needs of the workplace, the individual, and the community. This is consistent with the mission of the Institute, the mission of the program, and the occupational needs of the individuals served.

The objectives for the Automotive Technology program are evaluated annually. One of the functions of the program advisory committee as listed in the Handbook for Advisory Committee Members is the review of program content, competencies, and objectives. This committee meets at least twice annually with the program instructor and makes suggested changes and recommendations which, in turn, are taken by the instructor to the Director. Proposed changes result from these meetings.

The program advisor maintains two documents that readily identify courses that are needed by all students; the semester scheduling of class's is designed accordingly. The program of study document list all the courses necessary to receive the desired credential and maintain the students progression. The Master List is an overview of all students and their courses yet to be taken this will allow the Instructor to make courses available with sufficient frequency for the student to complete the program within the publicized time frame.

Automotive Curriculum

Degrees:

Credential(s)

AAS: Option:

GOTS: General Occupational/Technical Studies Option 60-76

Diploma: Automotive Technician 67

Automotive Parts/Service Writer 59

Certificates:

Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic 4

Automotive Electrician 10

Manual Transmission and Drive Train Technician 5

Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Technician 5

Brake Repairer 5

Engine Repairer 5

Front End Mechanic 5

Tune Up Mechanic 25

Description:

Instruction in systems such as engines, fuel, on-board computers, transmissions, steering, suspension, and brakes is the basis for this program.

The Automotive Technician option provides knowledge of the various systems used to develop skills in troubleshooting, performing preventative maintenance, servicing and repairing automobiles. The program, which is designed to be completed in two years, prepares graduates for entry-level service technician jobs in the auto repair industry. The student may be provided a work-study experience alternating between periods of work on-site and work in a classroom-laboratory setting.

The Parts/Service Writer option provides knowledge of the various systems and components and how they relate. This knowledge enables the student to more accurately interpret their customers' automotive complaints, identify and sell automotive parts, and provide efficient customer service within the automotive service and repair industry. The student may take the ASE exams in these areas when they have completed the requirements for these tests.

Competencies:

AAS/GOTS (General Occupational / Technical Studies) option

Create a flexable curriculum that can meet specific student and workplace needs.

Check the catalog for further information.

Diploma: Automotive Technician

Upon completion of this program, the graduate can:

General Education Competencies:

•  Communicate effectively using standard written English.

•  Communicate in a clear oral and non-verbal fashion and employ active listening skills.

•  Organize, analyze, and make information useful by employing mathematics.

Technical Competencies:

•  Perform basic automotive maintenance, such as lubrication, battery, cooling system, wheels and tires, spark plugs, wipers, lamps and bulbs, fuses, and other “quick service” items, including vehicle pre-delivery service.

•  Diagnose and repair problems such as unusual tire wear, noise, and vibration related to the suspension and steering systems.

•  Demonstrate basic hydraulic principles and design.

•  Demonstrate the construction and operation of various brake systems.

•  Diagnose and repair both drum and disk brakes, master cylinder, wheel cylinder, vacuum power booster, antilock brakes, and related component parts.

•  Demonstrate the electronic components of the automobile, including semiconductors, diodes, transistors, and other components.

•  Demonstrate how each component of the automobile interacts with the electronic circuit.

•  Demonstrate computer basics, actuators, and speed control devices in the automobile.

•  Maintain and repair conventional ignition systems, coils, distributors, ignition timing, electronic ignition, and distributor less ignition systems.

•  Demonstrate the principles of refrigeration and the refrigeration cycle.

•  Diagnose and repair automotive heating and air conditioning systems to produce maximum comfort to passengers.

•  Diagnose and repair problems involving power and fuel economy.

•  Diagnose and repair faults in electronic controls and circuitry, including how automotive computers receive, convert, process, compare and use various input data to control appropriate systems and components.

•  Diagnose, repair and adjust the carburetor, fuel injection, and other parts of the automotive fuel system.

•  Communicate the principles of the four-stroke engine.

•  Repair internal combustion engines according to manufacturer's specifications using appropriate equipment, hand tools, and measuring instruments.

•  Demonstrate principles of operation, construction, and service of manual transmissions and related drive train components, differentials, clutches, u-joints, rear-wheel drive, and 4-wheel drive.

•  Repair and reassemble rear-wheel-drive automatic transmissions and front-wheel-drive automatic transaxle, hydraulic principles and power flow.

Diploma: Automotive Parts/Service Writer

Upon completion of the program, the graduate can:

General Education Competencies:

•  Communicate effectively using standard written English.

•  Communicate in a clear oral and non-verbal fashion and employ active listening skills.

•  Organize, analyze, and make information useful by employing mathematics.

Technical Competencies:

•  Use knowledge of basic hydraulic principles and design to facilitate the automotive service process.

•  Outline operation and identify components and construction of various brake systems.

•  Define and communicate about the electronic components of the automobile, including semiconductors, diodes, transistors, and other components.

•  Identify and explain how each component of the automobile interacts with the electronic circuit.

•  Locate and read schematics for computer basics, actuators, and speed control devices in the automobile.

•  Use knowledge of the principles of refrigeration and the refrigeration cycle to facilitate the automotive service process.

•  Translate customer communication about automotive problems by using knowledge of the principles of the four-stroke engine.

•  Apply principles of operation, construction, and service of manual transmissions and related drive train components, differentials, clutches, u-joints, rear-wheel drive, and 4-wheel drive to various aspects of automotive parts and service.

Certificate: Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic

Upon completion of the credential, the graduate can:

•  Demonstrate the principles of refrigeration and the refrigeration cycle.

•  Diagnose and repair automotive heating and air conditioning systems to produce maximum comfort to passengers.

Certificate: Automotive Electrician

Upon completion of the credential, the graduation can:

•  Explain the electronic components of the automobile, including semiconductors, diodes, transistors, and other components.

•  Demonstrate how each component of the automobile interacts with the electronic circuit.

•  Demonstrate computer basics, actuators, and speed control devices in the automobile.

Certificate: Manual Transmission and Drive Train Technician

Upon completion of the credential, the graduate can:

•  Demonstrate principles of operation, construction, and service of manual transmissions and related drive train components, differentials, clutches, u-joints, rear-wheel drive, and 4-wheel drive.

Certificate: Automatic Transmission /Transaxle Technician

Upon completion of the credential, the graduate can:

•  Repair and reassemble both rear-wheel-drive automatic transmissions and front-wheel-drive automatic transaxle, hydraulic principles and power flow.

Certificate: Brake Repairer

Upon completion of the credential, the graduate can:

•  Demonstrate basic hydraulic principles and design.

•  Demonstrate the construction and operation of various brake systems.

•  Diagnose and repair both drum and disk brakes, master cylinder, wheel cylinder, vacuum power booster, antilock brakes, and related component parts.

Certificate: Engine Repairer

Upon completion of the credential, the graduate can:

•  Communicate the principles of the four-stroke engine.

•  Repair internal combustion engines according to manufacturer's specifications using appropriate equipment, hand tools, and measuring instruments.

Certificate: Front End Mechanic

Upon completion of the credential, the graduate can:

•  Diagnose and repair problems such as unusual tire wear, noise, and vibration related to the suspension and steering systems.

Certificate: Tune Up Mechanic

Upon completion of the credential, the graduate can:

•  Explain the electronic components of the automobile, including semiconductors, diodes, transistors, and other components.

•  Demonstrate how each component of the automobile interacts with the electronic circuit.

•  Demonstrate computer basics, actuators, and speed control devices in the automobile.

•  Maintain and repair conventional ignition systems, coils, distributors, ignition timing, electronic ignition, and distributor less ignition systems.

•  Diagnose and repair problems involving power and fuel economy.

•  Diagnose and repair faults in electronic controls and circuitry, including how automotive computers receive, convert, process, compare and use various input data to control appropriate systems and components.

•  Diagnose, repair and adjust the carburetor, fuel injection, and other parts of the automotive fuel system.

Outlines:

GOTS option

(General Occupational / Technical Studies)

General Education Component Minimum Required: 15-27

Technical Component Minimum: 45-61

Total: 60-76

Diploma: Automotive Technician

General Education:

Mathematics 3 credits

Science 3 credits

Writing/Accessing Information 3 credits

OR

WPP 200 Workplace Principles* (3) credits

TEC 200 Technical Communications* (3) credits

General Education Total Credit Hours 9 credits

* The following courses may be used for six of the nine credits if a diploma is sought. The following courses will not count toward the AAS degree.

Technical Core:

ADX 120 Basic Automotive Electricity AND 3 credits

ADX 121 Basic Automotive Electricity Lab OR 2 credits

BEX 100 Basic Electricity for Non-Majors AND (3credits)

BEX 101 Basic Electricity Lab for Non-Majors (2 credits)

ADX 150 Engine Repair 3 credits

ADX 151 Engine Repair Lab 2 credits

ADX 170 Climate Control 3 credits

ADX 171 Climate Control Lab 1 credit

ADX 260 Electrical Systems 3 credits

ADX 261 Electrical Systems Lab 2 credits

AUT 110 Brake Systems 3 credits

AUT 111 Brake Systems Lab 2 credits

AUT 130 Manual Transmissions 3 credits

AUT 131 Manual Transmissions Lab 2 credits

AUT 140 Basic Fuel and Ignition Systems 3 credits

AUT 141 Basic Fuel and Ignition Systems Lab 2 credits

AUT 142 Emission Systems 3 credits

AUT 143 Emission Systems Lab 2 credits

AUT 160 Suspension and Steering 3 credits

AUT 161 Suspension and Steering Lab 2 credits

AUT 180 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 3 credits

AUT 181 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Lab 2 credits

COE 199 Cooperative Education OR 1 credit

AUT 198 Practicum (1credit)

AUT 240 Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis 3 credits

AUT 241 Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis 2 credits

CPU 150 Computer Fundamentals OR 3 credits

CIS 100 Introduction to Computers (3 credits)

Subtotal Credits: 58 credits

Total Credits: 67 credits

Diploma: Automotive Parts/Service Writer

General Education:

Mathematics 3 credits

Science 3 credits

Writing/Accessing Information 3 credits

OR

WPP 200 Workplace Principles* (3 credits)

TEC 200 Technical Communications* (3 credits)

General Education Total Credit Hours 9 credits

* The following courses may be used for six of the nine credits of general education if a diploma is sought. The following courses will not count toward the AAS degree.

Technical or Support Courses:

ADX 120 Basic Automotive Electricity OR 3 credits

BEX 100 Basic Electricity for Non-Majors (3credits)

ADX 150 Engine Repair 3 credits

ADX 170 Climate Control 3 credits

ADX 260 Electrical Systems 3 credits

AUT 110 Brake Systems 3 credits

AUT 130 Manual Transmissions 3 credits

AUT 140 Basic Fuel and Ignition Systems 3 credits

AUT 142 Emission Systems 3 credits

AUT 160 Suspension and Steering 3 credits

AUT 180 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 3 credits

COE 199 Cooperative Education OR 1 credit

AUT 198 Practicum (1 credit)

AUT 240 Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis 3 credits

CPU 150 Computer Fundamentals OR 3 credits

CIS 100 Introduction to Computers (3 credits)

ISX 100 Industrial Safety 3 credits

TQX 110 Total Quality Management 3 credits

B&E 100 Introduction to Business and Economics 1 credit

TEC 100 Communication for Business and Industry OR 3 credits

CMS 152 Writing for Business and Industry (3 credits)

ACT 101 Fundamentals of Accounting I 3 credits

Technical or Support Courses Total Credit Hours: 50 credits

Total Credits: 59 credits

Certificate: Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic

ADX 170 Climate Control 3 credits

ADX 171 Climate Control Lab 1 credit

Total Credits 4 credits

Certificate: Automotive Electrician

ADX 120 Basic Automotive Electricity AND 3 credits

ADX 121 Basic Automotive Electricity Lab OR 2 credits

BEX 100 Basic Electricity for Non-Majors AND (3 credits)

BEX 101 Basic Electricity Lab for Non-Majors (2 credits)

ADX 260 Electrical Systems 3 credits

ADX 261 Electrical Systems Lab 2 credits

Total Credits 10 credits

Certificate: Manual Transmission/Drive Train Technician

AUT 130 Manual Transmissions 3 credits

AUT 131 Manual Transmissions Lab 2 credits

Total Credits 5 credits

Certificate: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Technician

AUT 180 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 3 credits

AUT 181 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Lab 2 credits

Total Credits 5 credits

Certificate: Brake Repairer

AUT 110 Brake Systems 3 credits

AUT 111 Brake Systems Lab 2 credits

Total Credits 5 credits

Certificate: Engine Repairer

AUT 150 Engine Repair 3 credits

AUT 151 Engine Repairer 2 credits

Total Credits 5 credits

Certificate: Front End Mechanic

AUT 160 Suspension and Steering 3 credits

AUT 161 Suspension and Steering Lab 2 credits

Total Credits 5 credits

Certificate: Tune-up Mechanic

ADX 120 Basic Automotive Electricity 3 credits

ADX 121 Basic Automotive Electricity Lab 2 credits

ADX 260 Electrical Systems 3 credits

ADX 261 Electrical Systems Lab 2 credits

AUT 140 Basic Fuel and Ignition Systems 3 credits

AUT 141 Basic Fuel and Ignition Systems Lab 2 credits

AUT 142 Emissions Systems 3 credits

AUT 143 Emissions Systems Lab 2 credits

AUT 240 Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis 3 credits

AUT 241 Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis Lab 2 credits

Total Credits 25 credits

Revised: December 2003, May 2004

Implementation: Fall 2004

Instruction

Integration of academic competencies and occupational skills into the instructional programs are demonstrated by course syllabi, outlines, lesson plans and comprehensive competency-based finals. Lecture, demonstration, and laboratory work, provide training in the competencies essential to success in this occupation. The work ethics component of each occupational course provides feedback to the students as to their work habits and attitudes.

The Automotive Technology Advisory Committee meets at least twice annually and is composed of at least three members external to the institution. They review the curriculum being taught to ensure that desirable, relevant and current practices of the occupations are being taught.

Job related health, fire prevention, and safety issues are integrated into instruction in the Automotive Technology program.

(KCTCS) students are trained on the most up to date equipment available in the area of training pursued.

Course outlines, syllabi, lesson plans, competency test and grade and attendance records give evidence to the organization and instruction in the classroom and the lab.

Challenges and proposed Solutions

The Automotive Technology program meets all the criteria set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges (SACS) and theCouncil of Occupational Education (COE). In an ever-changing technological environment, it will always be a challenge for the institute to keep state of the art equipment for the program instructors to stay abreast of all the latest developments in the field. Through funding from KCTCS the program has been able to meet the needs of the NATEF and ASE certification program requirements for several years.

Summary

The Automotive Technology Program is a well-organized program, providing essential and relevant training for students wishing to enter the automotive field. The program is kept up-to-date through the cooperation of the program facility, advisory committee, local employers, and the institute's administration. Continuing enrolment growth and student placement rates in related and in-field jobs reflect the success of this program.