Auto Course Syllabus
by Andy Kacena
Courses:
Automotive Technology I
Automotive Technology II
Instructors:
Andy Kacena
Mike Derszy
Office Hours:
3:00-3:50 Monday-Thursday
3:00-3:30 Friday
Prerequisites:
A student must successfully complete Automotive Technology I before entering Automotive Technology II.
Course Description:
This course is a one- or two-year program designed to teach the student entry-level skills in the repair and service of today's complex automobiles and light trucks. After successful completion of the program, students will possess the skills necessary to perform basic service operations on their personal vehicles, succeed as a mechanic trainee, or enter into the advanced post secondary program. We are currently in the process of aligning our curriculum to the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, standards in an effort to be NATEF certified and approved.
Automotive Technology I Course Objectives:
Auto I covers shop orientation and safety procedures including use of the lifts and hand tools. The core content will focus on tire repair and replacement procedures, vehicle fluid services, basic brake system service and operation, Steering and suspension service with alignments, basic automotive electrical system operation and repair, and engine performance diagnostic procedures. Students will have the opportunity to learn about engine disassembly and re assembly as well as theory of operations.
Automotive Technology II Course Objectives:
Auto II is an early bird class starting at 6:50 a.m. focusing on advance automotive systems and service procedures. Auto II will go more in depth in diagnosing and repairing customer vehicles and repairing vehicle faults created by the instructors . This course will also go more in depth in braking systems to include anti-lock brakes and brake boosters. Students will diagnose alignment issues and perform alignment work on customers vehicles. Second year students will have a larger focus on engine performance diagnosis covering everything from fuel, ignition, exhaust, starting and charging, and emission system diagnosis and repair. Air bag and passenger restraint system safety and procedures will also be covered along with advanced electrical diagnostics with vehicle computer systems and components.
Instructional Philosophy:
Students will be expected to meet all course goals and demonstrate their ability to perform common automotive service routines within our four areas of content. Shop assignments will be conducted in groups of 2-3 depending on the given assignment and task to be carried out. Individual assignments and hand-on tests will be given for students to prove their knowledge and ability to perform repair procedures. Students must also be able to demonstrate their ability to research and locate the proper information or materials needed to repair the vehicle whether or not the information is on the computer or in repair manuals. If necessary, students can be given more than one opportunity to achieve 70 percent score on their assignments or lab work to pass the course.
Course Goals:
Students will learn how to:
* Follow safety procedures while working on cars or in a shop environment.
* Develop workplace skills such as teamwork, or work ethics.
* Apply math, science, and language arts to the course.
* Demonstrate and apply their knowledge of braking systems, electronics, engine performance, and steering and suspension.
* Develop their skills in dealing with customers, and running a business.
Make Up Work
Students will have one day to make up work for each day absent. Students will not be allowed to make up work for un excused absences.
Grading
* Classroom Performance 40% (Test, Quizzes, and Assignments)
* Lab Performance 50% (Hands on work including NATEF task list, safe work performance includes Professional development soft skills rubric)
* Exam 10%
Articulation/Dual Credit with Joliet Junior College:
Students who successfully complete Automotive Technology I and II will receive 3 college credits for completing their AS106 class.
Textbooks:
Automotive Technology 4th Edition
Principles, Diagnosis, and Service
By: James Halderman
Grading Scale:
93A
85B
77C
70D
Below 70F
Required Student Materials:
$50 Course Fee (includes course fee and lab manual)
Student MUST have a work shirt, work pants, work boots, and safety glasses. Safety glasses may be purchased from the school for $3.00. Students must also have a pen or pencil, notebook, and black sharpie permanent marker.
Employment Potential
Here is a helpful link for the U.S. Department of Labor about an automotive technician’s earnings, job outlook, working conditions, and nature of work.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos181.htm
