AUM 101 : Fundamentals of Automotive Technology
Credits
3Prerequisites
As determined by college
Adam Frazar, Instructor
256.352.8151
adam.frazar@wallacestate.edu
advancedauto@wallacestate.edu
www.wallacestate.edu/automotive
Associate in Applied Science Degree (4 semesters)
Certificates (4 semesters)
Short-Term Certificates (2 semesters)
Students will learn to use effective diagnostic strategies and modern test equipment to monitor and evaluate vehicle system data for correct function and operation.
Advanced Automotive Technology (auto mechanics) offers three short-term certificates, one being the Undercar/Chassis Specialist which takes one complete semester offered in the fall and two courses in the following spring semester. Completion requires 24 credit hours. The second short-term certificate is the Underhood/Drivability Specialist which begins in the spring semester and includes three courses, continues through the summer semester, and concludes the following fall semester. Completion requires 27 credit hours with no academic course requirements. The third short-term is the Electrical Vehicle Specialist in Automotive which begins in the spring semester and concludes the following fall semester. Completion requires 12 credit hours with no academic course requirements. The courses offered in these short-term certificates are stackable and count toward the requirements for both the Certificate and the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree.
The Certificate is a four (4) semester program and is structured so a student may begin at any semester and accomplish the requirements for the Certificate in four consecutive semesters. It includes four academic courses and ORI 110 Freshman Seminar. The academic requirements for the Certificate are tailored to graduates who are planning on immediate employment in the automotive service industry and these courses will not meet the requirements for the A.A.S. Degree, nor will they provide transfer credit at any other college.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Advanced Automotive Technology is a full two-year track that includes the entire automotive curriculum and all the academic course requirements for an A.A.S. Degree. These academics are higher-level academics and are completely transferable to any college or university.
Students are exposed to the industry requirements of today’s automotive service technicians. This means, that in addition to the curriculum requirements, students will develop professional skills and processes used by today’s highly successful technicians. Students must be prepared to invest time and effort into their education and training. The program focuses on producing confident, qualified graduates for employment in fast-paced, late-model technology, vehicle repair facilities.
Graduates will seek employment with quick service shops, independent full repair facilities (all makes and models), self-employed entrepreneur opportunities, new vehicle franchise dealerships, governmental and utility fleet repair shops, and used vehicle restoration shops (like CarMax).
Individuals completing formal training and educational programs are highly sought after by employers. Shop and dealership owners have difficulties finding highly skilled and qualified technicians. They are seeking persons with good diagnostic and problem solving abilities with training in electronics and computer controlled systems with a prerequisite of mechanical and base system repairs. Automotive service technician careers offer an excellent opportunity for good pay and the satisfaction of highly skilled work with vehicles incorporating the latest technology.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in May 2023 that the annual range of wages for automotive service technicians was $47,770. Technicians with higher levels of training and education can earn higher wages.
NOTE: The Advanced Automotive Technology Department will limit acceptance of automobiles for repair under the following terms: 1) vehicles must be within the last ten model years; 2) vehicles must be owned by currently enrolled students, faculty, staff or employees; 3) repairs to the vehicle must relate to the courses being taught during the semester; 4) ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE REPAIR MUST BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE REGAINING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE.
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As determined by college
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As required by college
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This course covers basic instruction in manual and automatic transmissions and transaxles. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and application of basic internal and external operation relating to proper operation and driveability. Instruction includes the principles and powerflow of automatic transmissions and repairing or replacing internal and external components.
As required by the college.
As determined by college
As required by college
As required by college
This course is designed to measure a technician's knowledge of the skills needed to diagnose both high and low voltage electrical/electronic problems, as well as other supporting system problems on hybrid/electric vehicles. This course prepares students fo the ASE Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist (L3) certification.
AUM 260 is designed to provide theory of operation and diagnosis of light-duty diesel engines, with an emphasis on Duramax, Cummins, and Powerstroke platforms.
Specific topics include theory, operation and diagnosis of fuel, air induction, and exhaust (Including after treatment) systems incorporated into these powertrains.
This is an advanced level course. Prerequisite knowledge of general engine diagnosis, cylinder heads/valve trains, engine blocks, and lubrication/cooling systems are required. Proficiency in interpreting circuit wiring diagrams, electrical circuit testing with a digital multimeter, and/or oscilloscope is also required.
As required by college.
These courses are designed to allow the student to specialize in a particular area of study with minimum instruction in automotive mechanics application and with evaluation at the instructor's discretion. Emphasis is placed on a topic/project that the student is interested in and may include any automotive or related area in automotive mechanics. Upon completion, the student should be able to work with minimum instruction and execute the necessary techniques to finish a live work project of their choice.
As required by college.
As determined by college