Automotive Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Certificate of Completion

(575) 527-7754   or   527-7594

Information based on the 2009-10 DACC Catalog

The automobile has always created a steady demand for automotive technicians. Today, automotive service is one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation, and career opportunities are expanding rapidly.

The Automotive Technology program at Doña Ana Community College is designed to prepare the student for an entry-level position as a line technician, shop foreman, service writer, service manager, or business owner.

The program is NATEF (ASE) Master certified in eight areas. While all instructors are ASE certified in their own particular teaching area, the majority of them hold master ASE recertifications in both automotive and heavy truck.

Students are trained using state-of-the-art equipment. In the laboratories, they practice the same service and repair techniques required of any professional service technician working in the real world. Each class includes a number of carefully selected competencies that must be mastered in order to successfully complete the program. Students are trained in the areas of —

• Engine service
• Manual drive train and axles
• Brakes
• Heating and air conditioning
• Automatic transmission/transaxle
• Suspension and steering
• Electrical systems
• Fuel and emissions
• Engine performance

The Automotive Technology program also offers two commercial driving classes (CDL), OEAT 130OEAT 130: Introduction to Transportation Industry - 3 cr.
State and national traffic statutes that relate to the trucking industry. A Commercial Driver's License Learner s Permit will be obtained through successful completion of the course. Prerequisites: Must be 18 years of age, have a current driver's license and consent of instructor. and OEAT 131OEAT 131: Class A CDL - 6 cr. (3+6P)
Instruction in how to perform proper pre-trip inspection; hands-on training with a tractor-trailer unit on the backing range and street driving to develop skills necessary to pass Class A DCL exam. Prerequisites: Class A CDL restricted license (permit) and either restriction of D.O.T. government medical card, and consent of instructor., that prepare students for the CDL exam.

The certificate program, if pursued on a full-time basis, consists of two 16-week semesters and one ten-week summer semester that include both classroom and hands-on training activities. Classes are also offered regularly at night to accommodate work schedules. The associate degree may be obtained by completing the additional general education and technical courses listed in the program content.

Full-time Automotive Technology students must purchase a personal set of automotive technician’s tools, at an approximate cost of $800, and should provide their own safety glasses, medical/accident insurance. The tool set includes the basic tools that most employers require for an entry-level position. Part-time students will purchase only those tools required by the specific course(s) in which they are enrolled.

All Automotive Technology students are encouraged to join SkillsUSA (formerly known as VICA Vocational Industrial Clubs of America). Skills USA membership provides students an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and to become proficient in public speaking and parliamentary procedure. Skills USA also offers students an opportunity to demonstrate their occupational skills through competitions that are held annually on both the state and national level.

Additional Graduation Requirements

To receive either an associate degree or a certificate of completion, students are required to obtain a Career Readiness Certificate in the areas of Applied Math, Reading for Information, and Locating Information at the appropriate level for their respective degree option. To facilitate success in obtaining their Career Readiness Certificate students will be required to take between 1 and 3 credits of OETS 102OETS 102: Career Readiness Certification Preparation - 1-3 cr.
This course is designed to prepare students to successfully obtain Career Readiness Certifications in all areas and at the appropriate levels for their program of study. Graded: S/U only., Career Readiness Certification Preparation. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue Career Readiness Certifications in other areas that have been identified for their degree option. A program advisor can provide additional information.

Associate Degree (67-69credits)

NOTE: Courses appearing in italics are identical to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.

Core Requirements      10 Credits

OR	COMM 253GCOMM 253G: Public Speaking - 3 cr. Principles of effective public speaking, with emphasis on preparing and delivering well-organized, logical, and persuasive arguments adapted to different audiences. – Public Speaking COMM 265GCOMM 265G: Principles of Human Communication - 3 cr. Study and practice of interpersonal, small group, and presentational skills essential to effective social, business, and professional interaction. – Principles of Human Communication	3
	ENGL 111GENGL 111G: Rhetoric and Composition - 4 cr. Skills and methods used in writing university-level essays. Prerequisite: ACT standard score in English of 16 or higher during regular semester (20 or above during summer) or successful completion of a developmental writing course or the equivalent. – Rhetoric and Composition	4
OR OR	BMGT 240BMGT 240: Human Relations - 3 cr. Human interactions in business and industrial settings. Motivation and learning experiences as related to problems of the worker and supervisor. Practical applications of human behavior. Prerequisite(s): CCDE 105N or higher or BOT 105 or higher. Restricted to: Community College campuses only. – Human Relations PSY 201GPSY 201G: Introduction to Psychology - 3 cr. (3+3P) Methods and principles of behavior. Topics include human evolution and development, biopsychology, perception, learning, thinking, motivation, social interaction, and the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior. – Introduction to Psychology SOC 101GSOC 101G: Introductory Sociology - 3 cr. Introduction to social theory, research, methods of analysis, contemporary issues in historical and cross-cultural contexts. Covers groups, deviance, inequality, family, gender, social change, and collective behavior. – Introductory Sociology	3

Related Requirements      18-20 Credits

	BOT 209BOT 209: Business and Technical Communications - 3 cr. Effective written communication skills and techniques for career success in the work place. Composition of letters, memos, short reports, forms, and proposals, and technical descriptions and directions. Prerequisites: ENGL 111G and computer keyboarding ability or consent of instructor. – Business and Technical Communications	3
	BMGT 240BMGT 240: Human Relations - 3 cr. Human interactions in business and industrial settings. Motivation and learning experiences as related to problems of the worker and supervisor. Practical applications of human behavior. Prerequisite(s): CCDE 105N or higher or BOT 105 or higher. Restricted to: Community College campuses only. – Human Relations	3
OR	OECS 105OECS 105: Introduction to Microcomputer Technology - 3 cr. History and impact of computers on the economy and society. Development of basic skills in operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. – Introduction to Microcomputer Technology OECS 227OECS 227: Computer Applications for Technicians - 3 cr. Computer applications for service technicians in various disciplines. Hardware and software applications explored. Includes operating systems, high level programming, and networking hardware and software. – Computer Applications for Technicians	3
	DRFT 190DRFT 190: Finding and Maintaining Employment - 2 cr. Techniques in self-evaluations, resume writing, application completion, job interviewing, and job retention. Exposure to work ethics, employee attitudes, and employer expectations. – Finding and Maintaining Employment	2
	OETS 102OETS 102: Career Readiness Certification Preparation - 1-3 cr. This course is designed to prepare students to successfully obtain Career Readiness Certifications in all areas and at the appropriate levels for their program of study. Graded: S/U only. – Career Readiness Certification Preparation	1-3
	OETS 118OETS 118: Mathematics for Technicians - 3 cr. (2+2P) Analysis and problem solving of technical problems using measuring instruments and techniques of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Prerequisite: CCDM 104N or appropriate placement test score. – Mathematics for Technicians	3
	Approved elective	3

Technical Requirements      39 Credits

	OEAT 112OEAT 112: Basic Gasoline Engines - 5 cr. (2+6P) Principles of gasoline engine operation. Identification, design, function of engine components; engine disassembly and reassembly; trouble shooting, and rebuilding heads. – Basic Gasoline Engines	5
	OEAT 117OEAT 117: Electronic Analysis and Tune-Up of Gasoline Engines - 5 cr. (2+6P) Theory and operation of ignition and emission control systems and fuel system. Use of troubleshooting equipment and diagnostic equipment. Prerequisite: OEAT 120 or consent of instructor. – Electronic Analysis and Tune-Up of Gasoline Engines	5
	OEAT 119OEAT 119: Manual Transmission/Clutch - 5 cr. (2+6P) Manual transmission, transfer cases, and clutch operating principles. Students will diagnose problems, remove and replace, disassemble, repair, and assemble units. – Manual Transmission/Clutch	4
	OEAT 120OEAT 120: Electrical Systems - 4 cr. (2+4P) Troubleshooting and repair of starters, alternators, and associated circuits. Reading electrical diagrams, diagnosis and repair of electrical accessories. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. – Electrical Systems	4
	OEAT 125OEAT 125: Brakes - 5 cr. (2+6P) Theory of operation, diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of disc and drum brakes; safety and use of special tools. – Brakes	5
	OEAT 126OEAT 126: Suspension, Steering, and Alignment - 5 cr. (2+6P) Types of steering systems, suspension maintenance and repair, four- wheel alignment procedures. – Suspension, Steering, and Alignment	5
OR	OEAT 127OEAT 127: Basic Automatic Transmission - 4 cr. (2+4P) Theory and operation of the automatic transmission; maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair of components. – Basic Automatic Transmission OEAT 132OEAT 132: Automotive Air-Conditioning and Heating Systems - 4 cr. (2+4P) Theory and operation, reading schematic diagrams, troubleshooting, repair, and replacement operations performed. – Automotive Air-Conditioning and Heating Systems	4
	OEAT 137OEAT 137: Fuel Systems and Emission Controls - 4 cr. (2+4P) Covers theory and operation of fuel system and emission control. Troubleshooting, vacuum diagrams, overhaul, repair and adjustment of carburetion and fuel injection. Prerequisites: OEAT 117 or consent of instructor. – Fuel Systems and Emission Controls	4
	OEAT 221OEAT 221: Cooperative Experience I - 1-6 cr. Supervised cooperative work program. Student is employed in an approved occupation and supervised and rated by the employer and instructor. Student will meet in a weekly class. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. – Cooperative Experience I	3

Certificate (41-44 credits)

Related Requirements      6-8 Credits

	OETS 102OETS 102: Career Readiness Certification Preparation - 1-3 cr. This course is designed to prepare students to successfully obtain Career Readiness Certifications in all areas and at the appropriate levels for their program of study. Graded: S/U only. – Career Readiness Certification Preparation	1-3
	OETS 118OETS 118: Mathematics for Technicians - 3 cr. (2+2P) Analysis and problem solving of technical problems using measuring instruments and techniques of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Prerequisite: CCDM 104N or appropriate placement test score. – Mathematics for Technicians	3
	DRFT 190DRFT 190: Finding and Maintaining Employment - 2 cr. Techniques in self-evaluations, resume writing, application completion, job interviewing, and job retention. Exposure to work ethics, employee attitudes, and employer expectations. – Finding and Maintaining Employment	2

Technical Requirements      36 Credits

The technical requirements for the certificate are identical to the technical requirements for the associate degree, except that OEAT 221OEAT 221: Cooperative Experience I - 1-6 cr. Supervised cooperative work program. Student is employed in an approved occupation and supervised and rated by the employer and instructor. Student will meet in a weekly class. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. is eliminated.