Automotive Systems Technology AAS
Program Description
The Automotive Systems Technology curriculum prepares students for employment as automotive service technicians. The program introduces automotive careers and increases student awareness of the challenges associated with this fast-paced and ever-changing field.
Classroom and lab experiences integrate technical and academic coursework. Emphasis is placed on automotive technology theory, servicing and operation of brakes, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, steering/suspension, automatic transmissions, transaxles, engine repair, climate control, and manual drive trains.
Upon completion of this curriculum, students should be prepared to take the ASE exam and be ready for full-time employment in dealerships and repair facilities throughout the automotive service industry. This curriculum complies with the standard approved by the State Board of Community Colleges.
Admission Criteria
Admission to this program requires that students be high school graduates or have a recognized equivalency.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Follow recognized automotive industry standards to demonstrate proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing automotive transmissions, drivetrains, transaxles and axles.
- Demonstrate the use of automotive industry standards for engine repair and performance.
- Demonstrate an understanding of transportation technologies, to include climate control, electrical and electronic systems, and emerging technologies.
- Diagnose and repair suspension/steering and brakes systems.
Career Opportunities
Upon completing the program; students may be hired by:
- automobile dealership
- automotive repair and maintenance facilities
- automotive parts, accessories, and tire facilities
- federal government
- local government
Transfer Opportunities
While the AAS is a degree leading to immediate job placement upon graduation, Craven Community College has a special relationship for transfer to a BS degree in Industrial Technology with East Carolina University.
Contact Information
Executive Director of Career Programs
252-638-7372
Admissions Office
252-638-7430
Degree Requirements
The following suggested schedule is based on full-time enrollment. Part-Time Students begin with ACA 111, TRN-110, and TRN-120. Continue with sequence of required courses. General education courses may be taken at any time. For information about prerequisites and corequisites, please refer to the catalog.
Courses in this program
First Semester
Semester Credit Hours: 14
Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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ACA-111 | 1 | ||
This course introduces the college's physical, academic, and social environment and promotes the personal development essential for success. Topics include campus facilities and resources; policies, procedures, and programs; study skills; and life management issues such as health, self-esteem, motivation, goal-setting, diversity, and communication. Upon completion, students should be able to function effectively within the college environment to meet their educational objectives.
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AUT-151 | 3 | ||
This course covers principles of operation and types, diagnosis, service, and repair of brake systems. Topics include drum and disc brakes, involving hydraulic, vacuum boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered boost, and anti-lock and parking brake systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems.
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AUT-151A | 1 | ||
This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include drum and disc brakes involving hydraulic, vacuum-boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered, boost, and anti-lock parking brake systems and emerging brake systems technologies. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems.
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AUT-213 | 2 | ||
This course is a lab used as an alternative to co-op placement. Emphasis is placed on shop operations, troubleshooting, testing, adjusting, repairing, and replacing components using appropriate test equipment and service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform a variety of automotive repairs using proper service procedures and to operate appropriate equipment.
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TRN-110 | 2 | ||
This course covers workplace safety, hazardous materials, environmental regulations, hand tools, service information, basic concepts, vehicle systems, and common transportation industry terminology. Topics include familiarization with major vehicle systems, proper use of various hand and power tools, material safety data sheets, and personal protective equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate appropriate safety procedures, identify and use basic shop tools, and describe government regulations regarding transportation repair facilities.
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TRN-120 | 5 | ||
This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring, diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, circuit, construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring, diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns.
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Second Semester
Semester Credit Hours: 15
Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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AUT-141 | 3 | ||
This course covers principles of operation, types and diagnosis/repair of suspension and steering systems to include steering geometry. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.
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AUT-141A | 1 | ||
This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.
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AUT-181 | 3 | ||
This course covers the introduction, theory of operation, and basic diagnostic procedures required to restore engine performance to vehicles equipped with complex engine control systems. Topics include an overview of engine operation, ignition components and systems, fuel delivery, injection components and systems and emission control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to describe operation and diagnose/repair, basic ignition, fuel and emission related driveability problems using appropriate test equipment/service information.
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AUT-181A | 1 | ||
This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include overviews of engine operation, ignition components and systems, fuel delivery, injection components, and systems and emission control devices and emerging engine performance technologies. Upon completion, students should be able to describe operation and diagnose/repair basic ignition, fuel, and emission related driveability problems using appropriate test equipment/service information.
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ENG-111 | 3 | ||
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.
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TRN-140 | 2 | ||
This course covers the theory of refrigeration and heating, electrical/electronic/pneumatic controls, and diagnosis and repair of climate control systems. Topics include diagnosis and repair of climate control components and systems, recovery/recycling of refrigerants, and safety and environmental regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair vehicle climate control systems.
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TRN-140A | 2 | ||
This course provides experiences for enhancing student skills in the diagnosis and repair of transportation climate control systems. Emphasis is placed on reclaiming, recovery, recharging, leak detection, climate control components, diagnosis, air conditioning equipment, tools and safety. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the operation, diagnose, and safely service climate control systems using appropriate tools, equipment, and service information.
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Third Semester
Semester Credit Hours: 9
Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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ENG-114 | 3 | ||
This course, the second in a series of two, is designed to teach professional communication skills. Emphasis is placed on research, listening, critical reading and thinking, analysis, interpretation, and design used in oral and written presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to work individually and collaboratively to produce well-designed business and professional written and oral presentations.
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ELE-001 | |||
ELE-001 is a category of electives and not a specific course. Students must select from the approved Humanities/Fine Arts Electives for General Education courses for AAS Programs listed below as indicated under degree requirements. Lecture, Lab, Clinical, and Credit Hours are determined by the course selected. ART-111, ART-114, ART-115, ENG-231, ENG-232, ENG-241, ENG-242, HUM-110, HUM-115, HUM-211, HUM-212, MUS-110, MUS-112, MUS-113, PHI-215, PHI-240, REL-110
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MAT-110 | 3 | ||
This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems, and to analyze and communicate results.
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Fourth Semester
Semester Credit Hours: 13
Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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AUT-116 | 3 | ||
This course covers the theory, construction, inspection, diagnosis, and repair of internal combustion engines and related systems. Topics include fundamental operating principles of engines and diagnosis, inspection, adjustment, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic diagnosis measurement and repair of automotive engines using appropriate tools, equipment, procedures, and service information.
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AUT-116A | 1 | ||
This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include diagnosis, inspection, adjustment, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic diagnosis, measurement and repair of automotive engines using appropriate tools, equipment, procedures, and service information.
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AUT-163 | 3 | ||
This course covers electronic theory, wiring, diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of electronics, lighting, gauges, horn, wiper, accessories, and body modules. Topics include networking and module communication, circuit construction, wiring, diagrams, circuit testing, and troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair wiring, lighting, gauges, accessories, modules, and electronic concerns.
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AUT-163A | 1 | ||
This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include networking and module communication, circuit, construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, troubleshooting and emerging electrical/electronic systems technologies. Upon completion, students, should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair wiring, lighting, gauges, accessories, modules, and electronic concerns.
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AUT-183 | 4 | ||
This course covers study of the electronic engine control systems, the diagnostic process used to locate engine performance concerns, and procedures used to restore normal operation. Topics will include currently used fuels and fuel systems, exhaust gas analysis, emission control components and systems, OBD II (on-board diagnostics) and inter-related electrical/electronic systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair complex engine performance concerns using appropriate test equipment and service information.
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CIS-113 | 1 | ||
This course introduces basic computer usage for non-computer majors. Emphasis is placed on developing basic personal computer skills. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in basic computer applications.
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Fifth Semester
Semester Credit Hours: 14
Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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AUT-221 | 3 | ||
This course covers operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automatic transmissions/transaxles. Topics include hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical/electronic operation of automatic drive trains and the use of appropriate service, tools and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to explain operational theory, diagnose and repair automatic drive trains.
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AUT-221A | 1 | ||
This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical/electronic operation of automatic drive trains and the use of appropriate service tools and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair automatic drive trains.
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AUT-231 | 3 | ||
This course covers the operation, diagnosis, and repair of manual transmissions/transaxles, clutches, driveshafts, axles, and final drives. Topics include theory of torque, power flow, and manual drive train servicing and repair using appropriate service information, tools, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to explain operational theory, diagnose and repair manual drive trains.
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AUT-231A | 1 | ||
This course is an optional lab for the program that needs to meet NATEF hour standards but does not have a co-op component in the program. Topics include manual drive train diagnosis, service and repair using appropriate service information, tools, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair manual drive trains.
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ATT-140 | 3 | ||
This course covers emerging technologies in the automotive industry and diagnostic procedures associated with those technologies. Topics include exploring new technologies, diagnostic tools, methods and repairs. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate practical skills applicable to emerging automotive technologies.
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ECO-251 | 3 | ||
This course introduces economic analysis of individual, business, and industry in the market economy. Topics include the price mechanism, supply and demand, optimizing economic behavior, costs and revenue, market structures, factor markets, income distribution, market failure, and government intervention. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and evaluate consumer and business alternatives in order to efficiently achieve economic objectives.
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Major Elective
Contact an advisor for information on work based learning courses.
Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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WBL-111 | 1 | ||
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.
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WBL-112 | 2 | ||
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.
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WBL-113 | 3 | ||
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.
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WBL-121 | 1 | ||
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.
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WBL-122 | 2 | ||
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.
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WBL-131 | 1 | ||
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.
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