Automotive Technology, A.A.S. - AUT3
With concern for automotive efficiency, the cost of fuel, vehicle repairs and service growing yearly, the role of the automotive technician increases in importance.
The student is trained to perform quality maintenance, diagnosis and repair of complex modern vehicles. Classrooms and shop areas are equipped with the latest tools and equipment for automotive diagnosis and repair.
Students will train in eight areas of automotive service: engine repair, engine performance, electrical and electronic systems, manual drive train and axles, automatic transmission/transaxles, suspension and steering systems, brakes and heating and air conditioning. Maintenance and repair experience will duplicate those skills needed upon employment. Upon completion of 63 credit hours, a graduate will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science with a major in Automotive Technology.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Courses | ||
| ENG 165 | Professional Communications | 3 |
| or ENG 101 | English Composition I | |
| SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Lab Science/Mathematics | 3 | |
| Elective Social/Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Elective Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Required Core Subject Areas | ||
| AUT 101 | Engine Fundamentals | 3 |
| 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 |
| Subtotal | 23 | |
| Other Courses Required for Graduation | ||
| AUT 102 | Engine Repair | 4 |
| AUT 145 | Engine Performance | 3 |
| AUT 152 | Automatic Transmission | 4 |
| AUT 156 | Automotive Diagnosis and Repair 1 | 4 |
| AUT 157 | Shop Mngmt and Supervision | 3 |
| AUT 231 | Automotive Electronics | 4 |
| AUT 275 | Alternate Technology Vehicles | 3 |
| COL 103 | College Skills | 3 |
| Subtotal | 28 | |
| Total Hours | 66 | |
1. AUT 156 is a capstone course offered in the final semester of the program.
Graduation Plans
Fall Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| AUT 101 | Engine Fundamentals | 3 |
| AUT 122 | Suspension and Alignment | 4 |
| AUT 132 | Automotive Electricity | 4 |
| COL 103 | College Skills | 3 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| AUT 102 | Engine Repair | 4 |
| AUT 116 | Manual Transmission and Axle | 4 |
| ENG 165 or ENG 101 |
Professional Communications or English Composition I |
3 |
| Elective Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| AUT 141 | Introduction to Heating and Air Conditioning | 4 |
| AUT 145 | Engine Performance | 3 |
| AUT 275 | Alternate Technology Vehicles | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| AUT 112 | Braking Systems | 4 |
| AUT 157 | Shop Mngmt and Supervision | 3 |
| AUT 231 | Automotive Electronics | 4 |
| Lab Science/Mathematics | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| AUT 152 | Automatic Transmission | 4 |
| AUT 156 | Automotive Diagnosis and Repair 1 | 4 |
| SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Elective Social/Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 66 | |
¹ AUT 156 is a capstone course to be taken in the final semester.
Spring Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Hours | |
| AUT 102 | Engine Repair | 4 |
| AUT 116 | Manual Transmission and Axle | 4 |
| COL 103 | College Skills | 3 |
| ENG 165 or ENG 101 |
Professional Communications or English Composition I |
3 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| AUT 141 | Introduction to Heating and Air Conditioning | 4 |
| AUT 145 | Engine Performance | 3 |
| AUT 275 | Alternate Technology Vehicles | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| 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 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| AUT 152 | Automatic Transmission | 4 |
| AUT 156 | Automotive Diagnosis and Repair | 4 |
| SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Lab Science/Mathematics | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| AUT 157 | Shop Mngmt and Supervision | 3 |
| AUT 231 | Automotive Electronics | 4 |
| Elective Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Elective Social/Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 66 | |
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. Completing general education courses is a good option before entering the program fully in the Fall. 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 or Bill King if they have specific questions.
Notes About Individual Classes
AUT courses are available during days and evenings.
Accreditation Information
The Automotive Technology program is accredited by:
ASE Education Foundation
1503 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE, Suite 401
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 669-6650 or (703) 669-6677
(http://www.aseeducationfoundation.org)
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Automotive Technology Program is to train students to perform quality maintenance, diagnosis and repair of complex modern vehicles.
Program 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 100% on Safety Exam.