Diesel Technology

Mr. Jeremy Smith, Chairperson

256.352.8063

jeremy.smith@wallacestate.edu

Associate in Applied Science Degree (4-5 Semesters)

Certificate (4 Semesters)

Short-Term Certificates (1 Semester)

At a Glance

Diesel service technicians, which include bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists, repair and maintain the diesel engines that power transportation equipment such as heavy trucks, buses and diesel marine applications, light/medium diesel trucks, industrial diesel applications, agricultural applications and locomotives. Some diesel technicians also repair heavy vehicles and mobile equipment, including bulldozers, cranes, road graders, farm tractors, and combines. Technicians need a state commercial driver’s license (CDL) to test-drive trucks and buses on public roads.

Program Description

WSCC offers an Associate in Applied Science, a Certificate and several Short-Term Certificates in Diesel Technology and provides CDL training and testing for those interested in a career in diesel technician or truck driver. This program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to be employed in the diesel industry. It consists of classroom theory, computer lab applications, and the hands-on lab application of technician processes. Most recently the diesel technology program incorporated a new component called Diesel by Distance which provides students with a more flexible schedule and a virtual reality headset to practice certain tasks before coming to the lab. 

Admission Requirements

Students must meet all the general admission requirements of WSCC.

Program Expectations

Technicians must be versatile in order to adapt to customers’ needs and new technologies. It is common for technicians to handle all kinds of repairs, from working on a vehicle’s electrical system one day to doing major engine repairs the next. In modern shops, diesel service technicians use handheld and laptop computers to diagnose problems and adjust engine functions.

Essential Function

WSCC diesel technology student will be required to meet industry standard for employment. 

Career Path

Jobs available to graduates of this program are heavy truck diesel technician, light truck diesel technician, medium duty diesel truck technician, heavy equipment technician, diesel engine specialist, marine diesel technician, service writer, heavy truck parts inventory clerk, service manager, heavy truck parts manager truck driver, and preventive maintenance technician to name a few.

Median hourly earnings of bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists, including incentive pay, were $24.13 in 2020, with an annual salary of $50,200. Median hourly earnings of heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers were $22.66 in 2020, with an annual salary of $47,130. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

DEM 104 : Basic Engines

This course is designed to give the student knowledge of the diesel engine components and auxiliary systems, the proper way to maintain them and the proper procedures for testing and rebuilding components. Emphasis is placed on safety, theory of operation, inspection, and measuring and rebuilding diesel engines according to factory specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to measure, diagnose problems, and repair diesel engines.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 105 : Preventive Maintenance

This course provides instruction on how to plan, develop and install equipment surveillance and reliability strategies. Descriptions of various maintenance techniques for specialized preventive programs are discussed and computerized parts and equipment inventories and fleet management systems software are emphasized. Upon completion, students should be able to set up and follow a preventive maintenance schedule as directed by manufacturers.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 109 : Transport Trailer Components and Safety

This course provides instruction in the identification of trailer components and safety when basic trailer service repairs are performed in the shop. Upon completion, students should be able to identify all components of a Class 8 trailers; the tools associated with trailer repair and perform lab tasks safely in the shop.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 111 : Equip. Safety/Mechanical Fund

This course provides instruction in shop and vehicle safety. Topics include the safe use and handling of hand and power tools, preventive maintenance, and safety inspection procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of preventive maintenance and applicable general safety in vehicle repair.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 113 : Trailer Maintenance and Inspection

This course introduces the student to the Preventive Maintenance of Class 8 Trailers and the Department of Transportation Trailer Inspection procedures. Emphasis is placed on maintaining and the inspection of Trailer Air Brake Systems, Trailer Suspension Systems, Trailer Lighting, and Trailer Structures. Upon completion, students should be able to develop PM schedules for trailers, perform preventive maintenance on Class 8 trailers and perform DOT Trailer inspections.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 114 : Fluid Power Components

This course is designed to provide the fundamental knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic components currently in use on mobile as well as stationary equipment. Instruction is provided in the identification and repair of various pumps, motors, valves, heat exchangers and cylinders. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair hydraulic and pneumatic components.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 118 : Industrial and Agricultural Equipment

This course provides instruction in the fundamentals of agricultural and industrial tractor repair, maintenance, and basic service procedures. Emphasis is placed on operating and troubleshooting, combines, hoes, bailers, loaders, and other equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, adjust, and repair new or used industrial and agricultural equipment.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 121 : Trailer Air Brakes and Suspension

This course covers the theory and repair of trailer air brake and suspension systems. Topics include trailer air brake systems, ABS system diagnosis and repair, multi-leaf and air ride suspension systems. Upon completion, students should be able to troubleshoot, adjust, repair and replace braking and suspension components on Class 8 trailers.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 122 : Heavy Vehicle Brakes

This course covers the theory and repair of braking systems used in medium and heavy duty vehicles. Topics include air, hydraulic, and ABS system diagnosis and repair. Upon completion, students should be able to troubleshoot, adjust, and repair braking systems on medium and heavy duty vehicles.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 123 : Pneumatics and Hydraulics

This course provides instruction in the identification and repair of components found in hydraulic systems. Topics include schematics, circuits, and symbols used in fluid power transmission and the troubleshooting of components in these systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, adjust, and repair hydraulic system components.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 124 : Electronic Engine Systems

This course introduces the principles of electronically controlled diesel engines. Emphasis is placed on testing and adjusting diesel engines in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, test, and calibrate electronically controlled diesel engines.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 125 : Heavy Vehicle Drive Trains

This course introduces the operating principles of mechanical medium and heavy duty truck transmissions. Topics include multiple counter shafts, power take-offs, slider idler clutches, and friction clutches, mechanical transmission power components, and hydraulics. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, inspect, and repair mechanical transmissions. CORE

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 126 : Advanced Engine Analysis

This course provides instruction in the disassembly, inspection, and rebuilding of diesel and heavy-duty gas engines. Emphasis is placed on the manufacturer’s standards and factory recommended service tools and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to disassemble, inspect, and rebuild engines according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 127 : Fuel Systems

This course is designed to provide practice in troubleshooting, fault code diagnosis, information retrieval, calibration, repair and replacement of fuel injectors, nozzles, and pumps. Emphasis is placed on test equipment, component functions, and theory. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair fuel systems and governors.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 128 : Heavy Vehicle Drive Train Lab

This lab provides reinforcement of material covered in DEM 116 and DEM 125. The students will apply the knowledge they learned on driveshaft’s, power takeoffs, standard transmissions, fluid drives, torque converters, clutch assemblies, drive axles, and special drives through experimental learning techniques. Upon completion, students’ should be able to diagnose, inspect, remove, repair or replace, and install heavy vehicle drive train components.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 129 : Diesel Engine Lab

This lab allows the student to refine the skills required to repair diesel engines.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 130 : Electrical/Electronic Fundamentals

This course introduces the student to basic Electrical/Electronic concepts and fundamentals. It provides the principles of electricity, magnetism, and Ohm’s Law. Emphasis is placed on batteries, starting, charging, and lighting circuits, which include series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. Troubleshooting and repair of wiring harnesses, starting motors, charging systems, and accessories are included along with the computerized monitoring of vehicle systems. Upon completion, students should be able to identify components, test systems, and repair minor electrical problems according to manufacturer’s literature. CORE

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 135 : Heavy Vehicle Steering and Suspension

This course introduces the theory and principles of medium and heavy duty steering and suspension systems. Topics include wheel and tire problems, frame members, fifth wheel, bearings, and coupling systems. Upon completion, students should be able to troubleshoot, adjust, and repair suspension and steering components on medium and heavy duty vehicles.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 136 : Trailer Electrical System

This course introduces the student to basic Electrical / Electronic concepts and fundamentals. It provides the principles of electricity, magnetism, and Ohm’s Law. Emphasis is placed on lighting circuits, which include series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. Troubleshooting and repair of wiring harnesses, lights and electronic circuits on Trailers. Upon completion, students should be able to identify components, test systems, and repair electrical issues on trailers.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 137 : Heating, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Systems

This course provides instruction in fundamentals, diagnosis, and repair of cab and cargo heating and refrigeration systems. Topics include operation theory, safety, maintenance, recycling and recovery procedures, recharging procedures, troubleshooting procedures, refrigerant leaks, and system repairs.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Electrical Systems

DEM 139 : Diesel Emissions and After-treatment Systems

This course provides information on the repairs and current trends in diesel engine emission standards, the diagnosis of these products, and the repair of Diesel emission systems as they relate to the exhaust and after-treatment as well as the employment responsibilities meeting industry standards.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 154 : Vehicle Maintenance & Safe Operating Practices

This course provides instruction in basic entry level driving skills relating to the maintenance and safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle. Topics include preventive maintenance and safe vehicle operations. Upon successful completion, students will have the skill and knowledge to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 156 : CDL License Test Preparation

This is a course designed to prepare students for the Alabama Commercial Driver’s License written examination. The course includes a review of major topics, sample tests, as well as basic CDL information and test-taking procedures.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 170 : Heavy Vehicle Air Brakes

This course covers the theory and repair of air braking systems used in medium and heavy duty vehicles. Topics include air, and ABS system diagnosis and repair. Upon completion, students should be able to troubleshoot, adjust, and repair air braking systems on medium and heavy duty vehicles.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 175 : Trailer Structure Repair

This course is a study of the principles, procedure, and the use of equipment of the structural repairs on trailers. It includes safety procedures and the various procedures for repairing structural damage on trailers. Upon completion, students will be able to safely demonstrate repairs on trailers and the use equipment necessary to meet industry needs.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 186 : Special Projects in Commercial Vehicles

These courses provide specialized instruction in various areas related to the diesel mechanics industry. Emphasis is placed on meeting student’s needs.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 196 : Co-Op Elective

This course allows the student to work parallel in a job closely related to the student’s major while attending college. The grade is based on the employer’s evaluation of the student’s productivity, an evaluation work report submitted by the student, and the student’s learning contract.

Credits

1

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 197 : Co-Op Elective

This course allows the student to work parallel in a job closely related to the student’s major while attending college. The grade is based on the employer’s evaluation of the student’s productivity, an evaluation work report submitted by the student, and the student’s learning contract.

Credits

2

Prerequisites

As required by program

DEM 220 : Heavy Utility Vehicle Safety

This course provides instruction on the safety aspects when heavy utility vehicle service and repairs are performed in the shop or in the field. Upon completion, students should be able to identify heavy utility vehicles, their components (as related to safety concerns), and safety concerns when dealing with repairs in the field and the shop. Students will be able to identify the tools associated with heavy utility vehicle repairs and the proper use of these tools. Students will perform lab tasks safely in the shop environment. Students will have an understanding of the operation of a heavy utility vehicle and the safety concerns associated with the operation of these types of vehicles and the repairs when failures occur on heavy utility vehicles.

Credits

3

DEM 221 : Heavy Utility Vehicles Body Maintenance Inspection

This course introduces the student to the vehicle and body maintenance inspection for heavy utility vehicles and the Department of Transportation Inspection Procedures. Emphasis is placed on maintaining and inspecting heavy utility vehicles. Upon completion, students should be able to develop and understand the daily inspection procedures for a heavy utility vehicle prior to the vehicle going on the highway. Special emphasis is placed on chassis and body inspection procedures, as outlined by the Department of Transportation.

Credits

3

DEM 222 : Heavy Utility Vehicles Fluid Power I

This course introduces the student to basic fluid power concepts and fundamentals. It provides the principles of hydraulics and component operation. Emphasis is placed on graphic symbols and schematics, fluids and conditioners, reservoirs, pumps, valves, actuators, conductors and connectors, accumulators and accessories. Upon completion, students should be able to identify components, test systems and repair hydraulic issues on heavy utility body systems.

Credits

3

DEM 223 : Heavy Utility Vehicles Fluid Power Ii

This course introduces the student to advanced fluid power concepts and fundamentals. It provides the principles of advanced hydraulics and component operation. Emphasis is placed on advanced hydraulics, trouble shooting and diagnostics, preventive maintenance and the repair of hydraulic circuits on heavy utility vehicles. Upon completion, students should be able to test, troubleshoot and repair hydraulic issues on heavy utility body systems.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

HEAVY UTILITY VEHICLES FLUID POWER I

DEM 224 : Heavy Utility Vehicles Body Electrical Systems I

This course introduces the student to basic Electrical/Electronic concepts and fundamentals. It provides the principles of electricity, magnetism, and Ohm’s Law. Emphasis is placed on lighting circuits, which include series, parallel and series-parallel circuits, as well as troubleshooting and the repair of wiring harnesses, lights and electronic circuits on trailers. Upon completion, students should be able to identify components, test systems, and repair electrical issues on heavy utility body systems.

Credits

3

DEM 234 : Diesel Electronic Systems (Cab/Chassis)

This course introduces the student to diesel electronic system concepts. It provides the principles of CAN systems, vehicle cab controls and repair using Ohm’s Law concepts. Emphasis is placed on cab circuits, which include series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. Troubleshooting and repair of wiring harnesses, lights, cab circuits and CAN electronic circuits on vehicle cab and chassis. Upon completion, students should be able to identify components, test systems, and repair electrical issues on heavy truck, light truck and heavy equipment cab chassis systems.

Credits

3

DEM 260 : CO-OP

These courses constitute a series wherein the student works on a part-time basis in a job directly related to diesel. In these courses the employer evaluates the student's productivity and the student submits a descriptive report of his work experiences. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate skills learned in an employment setting.

DEM 261 : CO-OP

These courses constitute a series wherein the student works on a part-time basis in a job directly related to diesel. In these courses the employer evaluates the student's productivity and the student submits a descriptive report of his work experiences. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate skills learned in an employment setting.

DEM 262 : CO-OP

These courses constitute a series wherein the student works on a part-time basis in a job directly related to diesel. In these courses the employer evaluates the student's productivity and the student submits a descriptive report of his work experiences. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate skills learned in an employment setting.

DEM 263 : CO-OP

These courses constitute a series wherein the student works on a part-time basis in a job directly related to diesel. In these courses the employer evaluates the student's productivity and the student submits a descriptive report of his work experiences. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate skills learned in an employment setting.

DEM 264 : CO-OP

These courses constitute a series wherein the student works on a part-time basis in a job directly related to diesel. In these courses the employer evaluates the student's productivity and the student submits a descriptive report of his work experiences. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate skills learned in an employment setting.

DEM 265 : CO-OP

These courses constitute a series wherein the student works on a part-time basis in a job directly related to diesel. In these courses the employer evaluates the student's productivity and the student submits a descriptive report of his work experiences. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate skills learned in an employment setting.

DEM 266 : CO-OP

These courses constitute a series wherein the student works on a part-time basis in a job directly related to diesel. In these courses the employer evaluates the student's productivity and the student submits a descriptive report of his work experiences. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate skills learned in an employment setting.

DEM 267 : CO-OP

These courses constitute a series wherein the student works on a part-time basis in a job directly related to diesel. In these courses the employer evaluates the student's productivity and the student submits a descriptive report of his work experiences. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate skills learned in an employment setting.