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   Home > Course Description Index > Automotive Technology
NOTE:
Academic Credits - The number of academic credits for each course is the number of credits earned in one semester with successful completion of that course.
Prerequisite and Corequisite - “Prerequisite” means that the listed course[s] must be successfully completed with the indicated grade. A “corequisite” may be taken in the same semester.
Course #
Course Description
Credits
AMS 100
Basic Auto Care --Prerequisites: None. Provides basic instruction in auto maintenance for the automobile owner. Covers routine maintenance, economical operation, elimination of objectionable noises, care of interior and exterior appearance, warranty regulations and emergency road procedures. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
2
   
AMS 101
Steering & Suspension Systems -- Prerequisites: None. This first year, introductory course will study steering and suspension systems commonly used on modern vehicles. Students will study steering and suspension components, power steering units, principles of four-wheel alignment, tire repair, and wheel balancing. The course will emphasize professional methods of diagnosis and repair for related components. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
AMS 102
Four-Wheel Alignment -- Prerequisites: "C" or better in MAT 050 or assessment/waiver. Presents principles of four-wheel alignment and wheel balance. Emphasizes practical work experience covering all alignment angles. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours
3
AMS 105
Powertrain Service -- Prerequisites: None. This introductory course will study driveline theory and in-car service procedures. Theory and overhaul procedures related to the driveshaft and axle assemblies for front and rear wheel drive vehicles are included as well. Removal and installation of manual and automatic drivetrains will be covered. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours
3
   
AMS 107
Engine Principles and Design -- Prerequisites: None. This first year course introduces engine dynamics, theory of engine operation and design characteristics of all engine assemblies and subassemblies. Studies R & R, visual inspection, precision measuring, gaskets, lubricants, sealants, coolants, and engine service. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 109
Engine Performance I -- Prerequisite: AMS 113. This is the first in a series of three courses that introduces the operating systems of an internal combustion engine. The basic theory and operation of ignition, fuel, emission, and mechanical systems will be presented. Basic test procedures will be introduced. Computer engine control basics will be explained. Basic service and replacement procedures and techniques will also be covered. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 113
Electrical and Electronics I -- Prerequisites: None. This first of three electrical classes introduces the fundamentals of electricity and automotive electronics. Extensive use of digital multimeters and circuit troubleshooting are covered. Emphasis is placed on understanding and utilizing electrical diagrams. Starting and charging systems are also presented. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 121
Braking Systems -- Prerequisites: None. This introductory course teaches theory, service and repair of automotive braking systems and their components. Emphasis is given to hydraulic theory. The repair and service of system components, including anti-lock and traction control systems is included. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 123
Electrical and Electronics II -- Prerequisites: AMS 113. Corequisite: MAT 044 or assessment/waiver. This second in a series of three courses will study advanced electrical circuit theory and diagnostic procedures. The topics for this course include; function, construction, principles of operation, and troubleshooting techniques for various automotive electrical and electronic systems. Diagnosis and repair of system circuits and components using proper diagnostic techniques will be emphasized. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 125
Manual Drivetrains -- Prerequisites: None. This introductory course covers theory, diagnosis, and overhaul procedures related to the manual transmission/transaxle, clutches, transfer cases, and differential assemblies. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 127
Engine Repair -- Corequisite: AMS 107. This course studies precision tools, equipment, and procedures needed to repair today’s modern engine. Repair, proper assembly, and installation techniques applicable to the modern engine are included. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 135
Automatic Transmission -- Corequisite: AMS 105l. This intermediate course studies automatic transmission theory of operation, diagnosis and testing, and rebuilding procedures. Theory and diagnosis of computer-controlled transmissions will also be covered. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 150
Small Engine Maintenance -- Prerequisites: None. Presents theory, service, and repair of small engines and their components with emphasis on safety, measurements, lubricants, fuels, and engine design. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 152
Diesel Engine Theory -- Prerequisites: None. Covers operation of the diesel engine and differences between a diesel and gas engine. Includes instruction on shop equipment, fuels, oils, seals, bearings, lubrication and cooling systems. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 153
Service Organization and Parts -- Prerequisites: None. Presents facility and personnel requirements for efficiently run parts and service departments. Emphasizes principles, practices and procedures necessary to effectively operate the departments. Includes manufacturer catalogs and component numbering systems, methods of scheduling time and techniques for obtaining maximum work efficiency from technicians and specialists. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
2
   
AMS 201
Climate Control Systems -- Prerequisite: AMS 113. This course covers air conditioning and heating systems used on modern vehicles. Emphasis is given to the operation and theory of air conditioning and its components. Vacuum and electronic control circuits are included. Federal regulations for handling and recycling of all refrigerants will be stressed. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 209
Engine Performance II -- Prerequisites: AMS 107, AMS 109. This second in a series of three classes covers the diagnosis and repair of ignition, fuel, emission, and computer systems. Extensive coverage is given to manufacturer specific computer engine control and fuel injection systems. Topics will include OBD I, OBD II, and future on-board diagnostic systems. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 219
Engine Performance III -- Prerequisite: AMS 209. This third in a series of three courses covers advanced concepts in the diagnosis and repair of ignition, fuel, emission, and computer systems. Advanced coverage of manufacturer specific computer engine control and fuel injection systems will be stressed. Federal and state emission requirements will be covered with a focus on 5-gas exhaust analysis. Alternative fuel technology will also be covered. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 229
Driveability Diagnosis -- Prerequisite: AMS 123. Corequisite: AMS 219. This advanced course is designed to develop a student’s ability to diagnose and repair complex driveability concerns. Emphasis will be placed on learning and following systematic diagnostic procedures. Students will utilize the advanced capabilities of diagnostic equipment provided. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 243
Advanced Electronics -- Prerequisites: AMS 123, ENG 111. This last in a series of three courses presents advanced theory and diagnosis of automotive electronic systems. It examines all major vehicle computer systems with an emphasis on the diagnosis, testing and repair of these systems and advanced circuits. This course uses lab scopes, scan tools, and graphing multimeters. This is the capstone course for automotive technology. 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours.
3
   
AMS 280
Co-op/Internship -- Prerequisite: AMS program chair approval. This course will provide qualifying students an opportunity to work at a job site that is specifically related to their career objective. This class will provide on-the-job experience while earning credit toward an associate’s degree. Contact hours vary..
3
   
AMS 284
Special Topics in Automotive Technology -- Prerequisites: None. Provides students with the opportunity to experience seminars, workshops, and other instructional activities on topics of interest that reinforce the concepts presented in their program area. Contact AMS program chair for more information. Contact hours vary.
1 - 5
   
AMS 299
ASE Certification Review -- Prerequisite: AMS program chair approval. This course will prepare the professional automotive technician to attempt the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification tests. All eight areas of testing will be reviewed and sample certification tests given. Lectures will stress theory of operation and diagnostic logic. Labs will stress professional repair and testing techniques. 3 lecture hours.
3
   
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