Automotive Fundamentals, Certificate - AUT7
The Automotive Fundamentals Certificate provides a fundamental understanding of diagnosis and repair service for the engine, automatic transmission, brake, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering and electrical systems. The certificate will provide the first step towards the completion of an Associate in Applied Science with a major in Automotive Technology. The courses will be assessed using applicable ASE Education Foundation metrics.
Important Notes:
- New students must obtain all tools on the list of required tools.
- An Automotive Technician is largely responsible for diagnosing and repairing vehicle engine systems. A valid state driver’s license for conducting test drives and other diagnostic procedures is highly recommended for the Automotive Technology program.
Requirements
| Courses | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course Information | ||
| AUT 101 | Engine Fundamentals | 3 |
| AUT 102 | Engine Repair | 4 |
| AUT 112 | Braking Systems | 4 |
| AUT 116 | Manual Transmission and Axle | 4 |
| AUT 122 | Suspension and Alignment | 4 |
| AUT 132 | Automotive Electricity | 4 |
| AUT 141 | Introduction to Heating and Air Conditioning | 4 |
| AUT 145 | Engine Performance | 3 |
| AUT 152 | Automatic Transmission | 4 |
| Subtotal | 34 | |
| Total Hours | 34 | |
Graduation Plan
Fall Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| AUT 101 | Engine Fundamentals | 3 |
| AUT 112 | Braking Systems | 4 |
| AUT 122 | Suspension and Alignment | 4 |
| AUT 132 | Automotive Electricity | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| AUT 102 | Engine Repair | 4 |
| AUT 116 | Manual Transmission and Axle | 4 |
| AUT 152 | Automatic Transmission | 4 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| AUT 141 | Introduction to Heating and Air Conditioning | 4 |
| AUT 145 | Engine Performance | 3 |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Total Hours | 34 | |
Spring Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Hours | |
| AUT 102 | Engine Repair | 4 |
| AUT 116 | Manual Transmission and Axle | 4 |
| AUT 152 | Automatic Transmission | 4 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| AUT 141 | Introduction to Heating and Air Conditioning | 4 |
| AUT 145 | Engine Performance | 3 |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| AUT 101 | Engine Fundamentals | 3 |
| AUT 112 | Braking Systems | 4 |
| AUT 122 | Suspension and Alignment | 4 |
| AUT 132 | Automotive Electricity | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 34 | |
Application and Advising
If you are ready to start your education, there are a few simple steps involved in enrolling at Piedmont Technical College.
Advising Information
The following information provides a guide for advisors who are helping students enroll in this program.
Program Notes
The best time to start the Automotive Technology program is Fall. New students interested in starting in the Summer or Spring term should talk with Gerald Sartin or Bill King about experience level before enrolling in AUT courses. Reading comprehension skills are very important for success in this program.
Tools for the hands-on portion in the lab are mandatory for competency completion and will cost a minimum of $1200-$1800 with some students choosing to spend as much as $4000-$5000. Tools that the students purchase are an investment in their future and necessary to be employable. Click here for the list of required tools. Students are required to purchase safety glasses and wear coveralls/shop approved uniform for lab activities. Advise students to call or e-mail Gerald Sartin if they have specific questions.
All courses count toward the AUT3 associate degree.
Notes About Individual Classes
AUT courses are offered during days and evenings.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Automotive Fundamentals Certificate is to provide a fundamental understanding of diagnosis and repair service for the engine, automatic transmission, brake, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering and electrical systems. The certificate will provide the first step towards the completion of an Associate in Applied Science with a Major in Automotive Technology. The courses will be assessed using applicable ASE Education Foundation metrics.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Diagnose and repair vehicle engine and engine operating systems. Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Engine Repair metrics. Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
- Diagnose and repair automatic and manual drive trains and operating systems. Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Automatic Transmission/transaxle and manual drive train and axle’s metrics. Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
- Diagnose and repair vehicle HVAC and operating systems. Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Heating and Air Conditioning metrics. Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
- Diagnose and repair steering and suspension systems. Perform a 4 wheel alignment on a vehicle. Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Suspension and Steering metrics. Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
- Diagnose and repair vehicle brake systems. Perform a 4 wheel brake service. Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Brakes metrics. Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
- Diagnose and repair engine performance and drivability concerns. Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Engine Performance metrics. Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
- Diagnose and repair vehicle electrical and electronic systems. Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Electrical/electronic metrics. Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
- Follow automotive shop safety practices applicable to industry standards. Assess using Safety Quizzes and Exams. Student must achieve an 100% on Safety Exam.